ATI RN
ATI Practice Questions Mental Health Questions
Question 1 of 9
A nurse is preparing to interview a 4-year-old preschooler. Which of the following would be most effective to use for the assessment?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Play materials such as blocks. This method is most effective for assessing a 4-year-old preschooler as it allows the child to communicate through play, which is developmentally appropriate and engaging. Play materials help the child express themselves, display their emotions, and provide insight into their thoughts and behaviors. Direct, simple questions (A) may not be as effective as children at this age may have limited verbal abilities. Using a Pediatric anxiety rating scale (C) or Children's Depression Inventory (D) is not suitable for this age group as they may not understand the concepts being assessed, leading to inaccurate results.
Question 2 of 9
A nurse is preparing a presentation for a local community group about mental disorders and plans to include how mental disorders are different from medical disorders. Which statement would be most appropriate for the nurse to include?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because mental disorders are typically diagnosed based on a cluster of observable behaviors, thoughts, and feelings, rather than a specific biological pathology or laboratory tests. This statement is appropriate as it aligns with the current understanding of mental disorders as complex conditions that involve a combination of psychological, behavioral, and emotional symptoms. Choice A is incorrect because while some mental disorders may have underlying biological components, not all are solely defined by biological pathology. Choice B is incorrect because laboratory tests are not the primary method for diagnosing mental disorders. Choice D is incorrect because manifestations of mental disorders often fall outside of normal, expected parameters, which is why they are considered disorders in the first place.
Question 3 of 9
While providing care to a patient with a mental disorder, the patient asks the nurse, 'Does mental illness run in your family?' Which response by the nurse would be most inappropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct response is C because it discloses personal information about the nurse's family member, which is unprofessional and breaches patient confidentiality. The nurse should maintain professional boundaries and focus on the patient's needs, not their own personal experiences. Choices A, B, and D maintain appropriate boundaries and redirect the conversation back to the patient's concerns, demonstrating empathy and respect for the patient's privacy.
Question 4 of 9
A pregnant woman is in a relationship with a male who routinely abuses her. Her unborn child may engage in high-risk behavior as a teen as a result of:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Maternal stress. Maternal stress during pregnancy can have long-term effects on the child's behavior, including an increased likelihood of engaging in high-risk behavior as a teen. Stress hormones released by the mother can impact the developing fetus, leading to changes in the child's brain development and stress response systems. This can contribute to behavioral issues later in life. Summary: - A: Maternal stress affects the unborn child's behavior. - B: Parental nurturing is not related to the impact of maternal stress. - C: Appropriate stress responses in the brain do not address the negative impact of maternal stress on the child. - D: Memories of the abuse would not directly influence the unborn child's behavior.
Question 5 of 9
In the majority culture of the United States, which individual has the greatest risk to be labeled mentally ill? One who:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because describing hearing God's voice speaking can be perceived as a symptom of auditory hallucinations, which is commonly associated with mental illness. This could lead to a diagnosis of conditions like schizophrenia. Choice B is incorrect because being pessimistic and striving to meet personal goals does not inherently indicate mental illness. Choice C is incorrect as being wealthy and generous does not align with typical signs of mental illness. Choice D is incorrect because having an optimistic viewpoint and meeting one's own needs are generally positive traits that do not indicate mental illness.
Question 6 of 9
The nurse has begun group counseling sessions for several hospitalized patients in the psychiatric facility. Which of the following would be most effective for the nurse to do to promote group cohesiveness?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Use team-building exercises. Team-building exercises help foster trust, communication, and camaraderie among group members, promoting group cohesiveness. By engaging in activities that require collaboration and problem-solving, group members can develop a sense of unity and support for each other. Option B: Encouraging task completion focuses more on achieving goals rather than building relationships, which may not necessarily enhance group cohesiveness. Option C: Spending time individually with each member may lead to unequal attention and could hinder the development of group dynamics. Option D: Being consistent with group themes is important but may not directly contribute to promoting group cohesiveness as team-building exercises do.
Question 7 of 9
A nurse is reviewing the medical records of several older adult patients who have come to the clinic for evaluation. The nurse would classify a patient of which age as being in the middle-old stage?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C (78-year-old adult) because the middle-old stage typically refers to individuals aged 75-84. This age range is considered the transition from the young-old stage (65-74) to the oldest-old stage (85+). Choice A (66-year-old adult) falls into the young-old stage, choice B (70-year-old adult) is also in the young-old stage, and choice D (86-year-old adult) is in the oldest-old stage. Therefore, based on the age range classification, the 78-year-old adult (choice C) is classified as being in the middle-old stage.
Question 8 of 9
In dealing therapeutically with a variety of psychiatric clients, the nurse knows that incorporating humor into the communication process should be used for which purpose?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: To maintain a balanced perspective. Humor can help clients see situations from a different angle, promoting a balanced outlook. It can also create a more relaxed atmosphere, aiding in therapeutic communication. Using humor solely to diminish anger (A) may not address the underlying issues. While humor can refocus attention (B), it should ultimately lead to a balanced perspective. Using humor to delay dealing with issues (D) is counterproductive to therapeutic goals.
Question 9 of 9
A student nurse is learning about ASD. What statement to the clinical instructor demonstrates that the student understands the definition of this disorder?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: "The signs and symptoms of this disorder usually begin before age three." This statement demonstrates understanding of ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) because it aligns with the diagnostic criteria outlined in the DSM-5, where symptoms typically manifest in early childhood, often before age three. This early onset distinguishes ASD from other developmental disorders. Incorrect choices: A: The signs and symptoms of ASD do not go away at age eighteen. Symptoms persist into adulthood. C: ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, not primarily based on physical symptoms. D: Describing ASD as a developmental disorder is accurate, but it does not specifically address the typical onset before age three, which is crucial for understanding the disorder.