ATI RN
ATI Capstone Mental Health Proctored Assessment Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is completing an admission assessment of a young adult woman who has a history of depression and who was brought to the hospital by her boyfriend. In response to the nurse's question regarding suicidal ideation, the patient discloses that she is thinking about killing herself. Which question would be most appropriate for the nurse to ask next?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: "What thoughts have you had about how you would kill yourself?" This question is appropriate as it assesses the patient's specific suicidal ideation, providing crucial information for risk assessment and intervention planning. By asking about the method, the nurse can gauge the immediacy and lethality of the patient's suicidal thoughts. A: "What does your boyfriend think about your desire to kill yourself?" - This question focuses on the boyfriend's perspective rather than the patient's own thoughts and feelings, not directly addressing the immediate risk. B: "What are your spiritual beliefs about suicide?" - While spiritual beliefs can be important, this question does not directly address the severity or immediacy of the patient's suicidal thoughts. C: "What will killing yourself accomplish?" - While exploring the patient's reasons for suicidal ideation is important, this question does not address the specific method or immediate risk.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is preparing an inservice program about substance abuse and its etiology. Which of the following would the nurse most likely include in the presentation when discussing possible psychologic etiologies?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Low self-esteem. Low self-esteem is a common psychological etiology of substance abuse as individuals may turn to substances to cope with feelings of inadequacy or self-doubt. This can lead to a cycle of self-medication and addiction. Incorrect choices: B: Genetic predisposition - While genetics can play a role in substance abuse, it is not a psychological etiology but rather a biological factor. C: Dysfunctional family - While family dynamics can contribute to substance abuse, it is more related to environmental factors than psychological ones. D: Peer influence - Peer influence is a social factor, not a psychological one, that can contribute to substance abuse behavior.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is caring for an adolescent in the outpatient psychiatric setting. To help the adolescent feel more in control of the initial therapy sessions, which statement by the nurse would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. By stating "If something is uncomfortable for you, you don't have to talk about it," the nurse empowers the adolescent to have control over the therapy session, fostering a sense of autonomy and trust. This statement respects the adolescent's boundaries and emotions, promoting a therapeutic relationship based on mutual understanding. Choice A is incorrect because it may undermine the adolescent's trust in confidentiality. Choice B is incorrect as it assumes distrust without allowing the adolescent to express their feelings. Choice C is incorrect as it may make the adolescent feel guilty or pressured by their parents' concern, potentially hindering open communication.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is helping a 56-year-old homeless woman develop a plan for after discharge. Which of the following would be most appropriate to include?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Contacting the woman's daughter as a possible source of support after the client's discharge. This is the most appropriate choice because involving family members can provide emotional and practical support for the client. It is important to leverage existing relationships and support systems to enhance the client's post-discharge plan. Summary of other choices: B: Contacting the woman's parents may not be appropriate as the client's relationship with her parents is not specified and involving them without consent may not be beneficial. C: Providing resources in a three-ring binder is not as personal or tailored to the client's specific needs and may not address the emotional support aspect. D: Providing telephone numbers of health insurance companies is important but not as crucial as establishing a support system through family members.
Question 5 of 5
Which assessment finding most clearly indicates that a patient may be experiencing a mental illness? The patient
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because a consistently sad, discouraged, and hopeless mood is a hallmark symptom of many mental illnesses, such as depression. This persistent negative mood is a red flag for potential mental health concerns. A: Reports of occasional sleeplessness and anxiety are common and can be caused by various factors, not solely indicative of mental illness. C: Being able to differentiate between 'as if' and 'for real' is related to cognitive functioning and does not directly point to mental illness. D: Difficulty making decisions can be a symptom of mental illness, but it is not as specific as a consistently sad, discouraged, and hopeless mood in indicating potential mental health issues.