ATI RN
RN Mental Health 2023 ATI Proctored 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
Research supports which intervention implemented on a long-term basis significantly reduces the incidence of suicide and suicide attempts in a patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Lithium. Research has shown that long-term use of lithium significantly reduces the risk of suicide and suicide attempts in patients with bipolar disorder. Lithium helps stabilize mood, reduce impulsivity, and lower the risk of suicidal behavior. - A: SSRIs may worsen symptoms in some patients with bipolar disorder and can increase the risk of suicidal behavior. - B: ECT is used for severe cases of depression or mania but is not a primary intervention for preventing suicide in bipolar disorder. - C: One-on-one observation can be helpful in preventing immediate suicide attempts but is not a long-term solution for reducing suicide risk in bipolar disorder.
Question 3 of 5
Which nursing intervention focuses on managing a common characteristic of major depressive disorder associated with the older population?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because conducting routine suicide screenings at a senior center is a crucial nursing intervention to manage the common characteristic of major depressive disorder associated with the older population, which is an increased risk of suicide. By conducting these screenings, nurses can identify individuals at risk and provide appropriate interventions to prevent suicide. Choice B is incorrect as depression is not a natural result of aging and should not be normalized. Choice C is incorrect as both males and females are at risk for developing depression. Choice D is incorrect as major depressive disorder is often a recurring condition, rather than a one-time episode for many individuals.
Question 4 of 5
A newly admitted patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder has gained 20 pounds over a few months and has suicidal ideation. The patient has taken antidepressant medication for 1 week without remission of symptoms. Select the priority nursing diagnosis.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The priority nursing diagnosis in this scenario is C: Risk for suicide. This is because the patient's suicidal ideation poses an immediate threat to their safety and needs to be addressed urgently to ensure their well-being. The patient's weight gain and lack of symptom improvement with antidepressants are important factors but do not take precedence over the risk of suicide. Imbalanced nutrition and chronic low self-esteem are not the priority as they are not immediately life-threatening. Hopelessness is also important but addressing the risk for suicide takes precedence in this critical situation.
Question 5 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.