ATI RN
Mental Health Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is assessing a client with borderline personality disorder. Which question would be most appropriate to assess the client's level of impulsivity?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: "Have you ever felt sorry after acting as you did on the spur of the moment?" This question directly assesses the client's level of impulsivity by probing into their past impulsive actions and their subsequent feelings of regret. Impulsivity is characterized by acting without thinking of the consequences, often leading to regret afterwards. Choices A, C, and D do not directly address impulsivity but instead focus on the client's emotions, views on others, and dissociative experiences respectively, which are not specifically related to impulsivity.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is working with a client diagnosed with insomnia. When developing a teaching plan for the client, which sleep promotion intervention would the nurse implement first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because maintaining regular bedtimes and rising times helps establish a consistent sleep schedule, which is crucial for managing insomnia. This intervention promotes the client's natural sleep-wake cycle and overall sleep quality. Encouraging the client to consider stopping smoking (Choice A) is important for overall health but may not directly address the immediate sleep issue. Taking frequent naps (Choice C) can disrupt the client's ability to fall asleep at night. Administering sleep medications (Choice D) should be a last resort and not the initial intervention.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is caring for a 76-year-old patient with a hearing deficit caused by presbycusis. Which of the following would be most appropriate for the nurse to do when communicating with the patient?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Use lower pitched tones. Presbycusis causes difficulty in hearing high-frequency sounds, so using lower pitched tones can help the patient hear better. Higher volume (choice A) may distort the sound and not necessarily improve understanding. Addressing family members (choice B) does not directly address the patient's hearing deficit. Asking about sign language (choice C) assumes the patient knows sign language, which may not be the case. Thus, using lower pitched tones is the most appropriate approach for effective communication with a patient with presbycusis.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is assessing a client who has received a tentative diagnosis of delirium. The nurse is explaining to the family about the major cause of the client's condition. Which statement by the nurse would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because delirium is characterized by a rapid onset of altered consciousness. Delirium is an acute condition that manifests quickly, unlike dementia which is more gradual. The sudden change in consciousness is a key factor in diagnosing delirium. Choice A is incorrect as talking normally is not a primary diagnostic criterion for delirium. Choice B is incorrect as gradual confusion over time is more indicative of dementia rather than delirium. Choice D is incorrect as exposure to an infectious agent is not a primary cause for delirium, although it could contribute in some cases.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is presenting a program to a church group about domestic violence. During the presentation, a member of the audience asks the nurse to explain what intergenerational transmission of violence means because he has seen that phrase used in the media. Which of the following responses by the nurse would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because intergenerational transmission of violence refers to the cycle where individuals who grow up in violent households are more likely to perpetuate domestic violence in their own relationships. This response directly addresses the concept by highlighting the link between childhood exposure to violence and adult behavior. Choice A is incorrect as it oversimplifies the issue by attributing violence solely to neurochemical imbalances, ignoring the impact of environmental factors like upbringing. Choice C is incorrect as it suggests violence is solely genetic, which is not supported by research that shows the influence of learned behavior. Choice D is incorrect as it presents an inaccurate statement about domestic violence skipping generations, which is not a recognized pattern in the transmission of violence.