ATI RN
Ancc Mental Health Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
A nurse is performing an assessment interview of a 14-year-old boy who is being admitted to an adolescent substance abuse unit. His parents are concerned about their son's repeated problems at school that they associate with his drug use. The boy stalks into the office, abruptly sits down, crosses his arms, and says, 'Okay, ask your stupid questions, but don't expect me to cooperate!' Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct response is D because it acknowledges the boy's emotions, shows empathy, and invites him to share his feelings. By acknowledging his upset feelings, the nurse can build rapport and establish trust, which is crucial in therapeutic communication. This response also opens the door for the boy to express himself and potentially reveal the underlying reasons for his behavior. Choices A and C are confrontational and judgmental, which can escalate the situation and hinder communication. Choice B suggests waiting until the boy calms down, which may be dismissive of his emotions and doesn't address the immediate need for connection and understanding.
Question 2 of 9
A nurse engaged in an interaction with a patient recognizes body space zones. Which of the following would the nurse identify as the individual's personal zone?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the personal zone is the space ranging from 18 inches to 4 feet from an individual, which falls between the intimate zone (0-18 inches) and the social zone (4-12 feet). This zone is where most interactions with acquaintances occur. Choice B is incorrect because the public zone extends beyond the social zone and is typically used for public speaking or formal presentations. Choice C is incorrect because it describes the concept of a protective or defensive space, not the personal zone. Choice D is incorrect because the concept of recognizing intruders pertains more to territoriality and is not specific to identifying personal space zones.
Question 3 of 9
Which statement made by the patient demonstrates an understanding of the treatment of choice for patients managing the effects of traumatic events?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because attending therapy sessions regularly is a key component of treatment for managing the effects of traumatic events. Regular therapy sessions help individuals process their trauma, develop coping strategies, and work towards healing. Choice B is incorrect as suppressing intrusive memories can worsen mental health. Choice C is incorrect as keeping busy may serve as a distraction but does not address the root cause of trauma. Choice D is incorrect as moving in with parents for support is helpful, but therapy is the evidence-based treatment for trauma management.
Question 4 of 9
A patient whose history includes experiences with abusive partners is being treated for major depressive disorder. The patient's care plan includes rape-trauma syndrome among its nursing diagnoses. What goal is directly associated with this diagnosis?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Reports feeling stronger and having a sense of hopefulness. This goal is directly associated with rape-trauma syndrome as it focuses on the patient's emotional healing and empowerment. By reporting feeling stronger and having hope, the patient is demonstrating progress towards recovery from the trauma. Choice A is incorrect because remaining free from self-harm is more related to monitoring safety rather than addressing the emotional impact of the trauma. Choice B is irrelevant as wearing appropriate clothing does not directly address the emotional healing process. Choice D is incorrect as demonstrating appropriate affect does not specifically target the psychological aspect of overcoming trauma.
Question 5 of 9
A client is prescribed disulfiram as part of his alcohol treatment program to prevent relapse. The client asks the nurse, 'How will this drug help me?' Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: It can help to prevent you from drinking. Disulfiram works by causing unpleasant symptoms (such as nausea, vomiting, and headache) when alcohol is consumed, acting as a deterrent to drinking. This helps the client stay sober and avoid relapse. Incorrect choices: A: It will help to cure your alcoholism - Disulfiram does not cure alcoholism but helps manage it. C: It makes the withdrawal symptoms less troublesome - Disulfiram does not address withdrawal symptoms. D: It helps to clear the alcohol out of your body - Disulfiram does not clear alcohol from the body but rather prevents its metabolism, leading to adverse effects if alcohol is consumed.
Question 6 of 9
As a nurse working in obstetrics, what is one way to mitigate possible causes of intellectual disability?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because avoiding environmental risks during pregnancy can help mitigate possible causes of intellectual disability. Environmental factors such as exposure to toxins, infections, and poor nutrition can have a significant impact on fetal brain development. By educating parents about these risks, nurses can empower them to make informed choices to protect their baby's cognitive development. Choice A is incorrect because treatment options are not preventive measures to avoid intellectual disability. Choice C is incorrect because while genetics can play a role in intellectual disability, it is not something parents can actively mitigate during pregnancy. Choice D is incorrect because learning disabilities are different from intellectual disabilities, and addressing them at school age is not a preventive measure during pregnancy.
Question 7 of 9
The nurse is working with a patient whose mobility is impaired secondary to a fall that resulted in a broken hip. In addition, the patient, who has diabetes, is developing problems with vision and hearing. The patient seems increasingly withdrawn and depressed. The nurse determines that the patient is at risk for spiritual distress. Which intervention would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because exploring the impact of the mobility, sight, and hearing changes on the patient allows the nurse to address the patient's holistic needs, including spiritual distress. By understanding the patient's perspective on these changes, the nurse can provide support tailored to the patient's concerns, fostering a sense of connection and understanding. Choice A is incorrect because focusing solely on childhood religious experiences may not address the current issues the patient is facing. Choice B is inappropriate as it imposes the nurse's religious beliefs on the patient. Choice C is also incorrect as it assumes a specific religious approach without considering the patient's individual beliefs and needs.
Question 8 of 9
Which individual is demonstrating the highest level of resilience?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the individual demonstrates resilience by adapting to adversity and taking proactive steps to maintain financial stability after a setback. This shows a positive coping mechanism and ability to bounce back. A is incorrect as repressing stressors is not a healthy way of dealing with challenges. B is incorrect as becoming depressed indicates a lack of resilience. C, although a challenging situation, does not necessarily indicate the highest level of resilience as the individual is not actively taking steps to improve their situation.
Question 9 of 9
A nurse on an acute med-surgical unit is performing assessments on a group of clients. Which is the highest priority?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the client with surgical hypoparathyroidism and positive Trousseau's sign indicates a potential life-threatening condition due to hypocalcemia. Trousseau's sign is a clinical indicator of hypocalcemia, which can lead to serious complications such as seizures and tetany. This client needs immediate intervention to prevent further complications. Choice B is incorrect because while Clostridium difficile with acute diarrhea requires prompt treatment, it is not as immediately life-threatening as hypocalcemia. Choice C is incorrect as well, as although acute kidney injury is serious, a low specific gravity alone does not necessarily indicate an immediate threat to the client's life. Choice D is also incorrect as oral cancer with a sore on the gums, while concerning, is not an immediate priority compared to the potential life-threatening complications of hypocalcemia.