ATI RN
Mental Health 6 Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
A nurse is performing an assessment interview with a patient. The patient tells the nurse that he has a type A personality. Based on the nurse's interpretation, the nurse would expect which behavior by the patient?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because individuals with type A personalities are typically characterized by impatience, time urgency, and a desire for efficiency. Wanting the interview to be over as quickly as possible aligns with these traits. Choice A is incorrect as type A personalities are often characterized by being competitive and high-strung rather than relaxed. Choice C is incorrect as type A personalities tend to be impatient and may not be pleased with the pace of the interview. Choice D is incorrect as type A personalities are known for being quick to respond rather than speaking slowly.
Question 2 of 9
An instructor overhears the nursing student ask a client,"This is your third admission. Why did you stop taking your medications?" Which would be the most appropriate instructor response?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the instructor's response highlights the potential negative impact of the student's question on the client. By pointing out that the question implied criticism, the instructor is guiding the student to be more mindful of their language and approach with clients. This response promotes patient-centered care and emphasizes the importance of maintaining a non-judgmental and supportive environment for clients. Choice B is incorrect because it focuses on the positive aspect of the student's question without addressing its potential harm. Choice C is incorrect because it assumes the student's question was appropriate when it may have been insensitive. Choice D is incorrect because it only mentions the student's focus on the topic without addressing the underlying issue of possible criticism.
Question 3 of 9
When considering an eating disorder, what is a physical criterion for hospital admission?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: A daytime heart rate of less than 50 beats per minute. This criterion indicates severe bradycardia, which is a sign of cardiac compromise in individuals with eating disorders. Bradycardia is a serious medical complication associated with malnutrition and can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, heart failure, and even sudden death. Monitoring heart rate is crucial in assessing the severity of an eating disorder and the need for hospitalization. Choice B (an oral temperature of 100°F or more) is not a specific criterion for hospital admission in eating disorders. Choice C (90% of ideal body weight) is an important indicator of malnutrition but does not directly reflect the severity of cardiac compromise. Choice D (systolic blood pressure greater than 130 mm Hg) is not typically a criterion for hospital admission in eating disorders unless it is extremely elevated and indicating hypertensive crisis.
Question 4 of 9
A nurse is preparing a presentation about mental health problems associated with specific cultural groups. When describing mental health problems associated with Asian Americans, Polynesians, and Pacific Islanders, the nurse would address high rates of which of the following?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Suicide. In Asian American, Polynesian, and Pacific Islander cultures, there are high rates of suicide due to various factors such as stigma around mental health, cultural norms, and social pressures. Suicide prevention efforts are crucial in these communities. Incorrect choices: A: Schizophrenia - While schizophrenia can affect individuals in any cultural group, it is not specifically associated with higher rates in Asian Americans, Polynesians, and Pacific Islanders. B: Manic disorders - Manic disorders are not typically identified as being prevalent in these cultural groups. C: Dementia - Dementia is not culturally specific and does not have higher rates in Asian Americans, Polynesians, and Pacific Islanders compared to other groups.
Question 5 of 9
A distraught mother brings her ten-year-old-son to the pediatrician and explains that no matter how much she tries to encourage her son to read books, he shows no interest and gets really upset when she pushes him to have reading time. In school, he gets average grades and explains that he gets frustrated because the schoolwork makes no sense. What diagnosis would the nurse suspect?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: dyslexia. Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that affects reading and related language-based processing skills. In this case, the child's lack of interest in reading, frustration with schoolwork, and difficulty understanding the material points towards dyslexia. Dysphagia (choice A) is difficulty swallowing, not related to reading. Dyscalculia (choice B) is a learning disability related to math, not reading. Dysgraphia (choice C) is a learning disability related to writing, not reading. Therefore, based on the symptoms described, dyslexia is the most likely diagnosis.
Question 6 of 9
When a new patient is hospitalized, a nurse takes the patient on a tour, explains rules of the unit, and discusses the daily schedule. The nurse is engaged in
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: milieu management. Milieu management involves creating a therapeutic environment that promotes the patient's well-being. In this scenario, the nurse is establishing the rules and daily schedule of the unit to help the patient feel safe and understand what to expect during their hospitalization. This process aims to create a supportive and structured environment for the patient. Explanation of why the other choices are incorrect: A: Counseling typically involves providing emotional support, guidance, and advice to help the patient cope with their situation. The nurse in this scenario is not primarily providing counseling. B: Health teaching involves educating the patient about their health condition, treatment, and self-care practices. While some health teaching may occur during the tour, the primary focus is on establishing the unit rules and schedule. D: Psychobiological intervention refers to interventions that address the interaction between psychological and biological factors. The nurse's actions in this scenario are more focused on environmental factors and establishing a therapeutic milieu rather than psychobiological interventions.
Question 7 of 9
What is the benefit of biological theory, related to perspectives on mental illness?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because biological theory emphasizes that mental illnesses have biological origins, reducing the misconception that they are solely due to personal weakness or character flaws. This understanding decreases stigma by promoting the view that mental illnesses are medical conditions that can be treated. Choice A is incorrect as there is no universal cure for all psychiatric disorders. Choice B is incorrect as medication is not the only treatment option, and not all clients may need or benefit from medication. Choice C is incorrect as providers' compassion is not directly related to biological theory but rather to their individual attitudes and training.
Question 8 of 9
A client has a co-occurring diagnosis of alcoholism and bipolar disorder. He was brought to the emergency department by two policemen who had broken up a fight that the client had gotten into in a neighborhood bar. The client is intrusive and verbose about having diplomatic immunity and his pressing need to tour the bistate area to promote his bid for the presidency. The client has had multiple admissions to the hospital's psychiatric unit, and he has almost always experienced alcohol withdrawal syndrome immediately after his previous admissions. Which of the following would be a priority for this client?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because monitoring the client's vital signs is crucial in assessing for early signs of alcohol withdrawal, which is a life-threatening condition. This is a priority as the client has a history of experiencing alcohol withdrawal after previous admissions. Administering mood-stabilizing medications (A) may be necessary but not the immediate priority. Asking the client to refrain from being intrusive (C) is not addressing the underlying issue of alcohol withdrawal and bipolar disorder. Referring the client to a substance abuse treatment center (D) is important but not the priority when the client is exhibiting signs of potential alcohol withdrawal.
Question 9 of 9
A student says, "Before taking a test, I feel very alert and a little restless." The nurse can correctly assess the student's experience as
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: mild anxiety. Feeling alert and restless before a test indicates a state of arousal that is common in mild anxiety. This level of anxiety is normal and can even enhance performance. It is not culturally influenced (A), as anxiety responses can occur universally. It is not displacement (B), which is a defense mechanism involving redirecting emotions. It is also not trait anxiety (C), which refers to a stable personality characteristic of experiencing anxiety across various situations. In this case, the student's experience is temporary and specific to the test-taking situation.