ATI RN
Mental Health Practice Test Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is providing care to a patient with a mental disorder classified by the DSM-IV-TR. The nurse understands that although the first three axes appear to contain all the diagnostic information about a patient, a truly accurate picture of the client is incomplete without considering other factors such as an estimate of current functioning and:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Life stressors. Understanding the patient's life stressors is crucial in assessing their current functioning and overall well-being. Stressors can exacerbate symptoms, impact treatment outcomes, and affect daily functioning. Considering life stressors helps the nurse develop a comprehensive care plan. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because while cultural background, marital status, and genetic history are important factors to consider, they do not directly provide insight into the patient's current functioning and how stressors may be influencing their mental health.
Question 2 of 5
During a solution-focused behavior therapy session, the therapist asks a patient to use his imagination based on a scenario in which a patient awakens and all his problems have disappeared. The therapist then asks the patient, 'How would your life be different?' Which type of question is the therapist using?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Miracle question. This question is used to help clients envision a future where their problems have miraculously disappeared, allowing them to explore how their life would be different without those issues. It encourages clients to imagine a positive change and helps them identify their desired outcomes. A: Exception question focuses on times when the problem did not occur. C: Relationship question explores how relationships may be impacting the issue. D: Scaling question involves rating progress or motivation levels, not imagining a problem-free scenario.
Question 3 of 5
After teaching a group of students about protective factors for mental illness, the instructor determines that the teaching was successful when the students identify which of the following?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Social support. Social support is a well-established protective factor for mental illness as it provides individuals with a network of resources, emotional support, and coping strategies. Having a strong social support system can help individuals better manage stress, improve self-esteem, and reduce feelings of isolation. A, B, and C are incorrect choices. Unemployment (A) is a risk factor for mental illness, not a protective factor. Younger age (B) is not necessarily a protective factor, as mental illness can affect individuals of all ages. Single status (C) can be a risk or protective factor depending on the individual's social support system.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is caring for a group of hospitalized patients with various psychiatric diagnoses. The nurse identifies which patient as having the greatest risk for a suicide attempt?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Man with major depressive disorder. Patients with major depressive disorder have a higher risk of suicide due to the intense feelings of hopelessness and despair associated with the condition. Individuals with depression may experience suicidal ideation and have a higher likelihood of attempting suicide. Bipolar I disorder (A) may also present a risk, but major depressive disorder has a more consistent association with suicide. Acute stress disorder (B) typically does not have as direct a link to suicide as major depressive disorder. Somatoform disorder (D) is characterized by physical symptoms without a clear medical explanation and is not specifically linked to an increased risk of suicide.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is preparing to assess a middle-aged male client who was brought to the emergency department by his wife. She reports that the client has been extremely depressed lately. When assessing this client, which of the following would be a priority assessment?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Thoughts of self-harm. This is the priority assessment because it indicates the client's risk of harm to himself. Assessing for self-harm is crucial in determining the immediate safety of the client. Changes in sleeping patterns, appetite, and fatigue are important assessments in evaluating depression but do not directly address the client's immediate safety. It is essential to address the most critical issue first to ensure the client's well-being.