ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is providing education to a client who has been prescribed lithium for bipolar disorder. Which statement by the client indicates an accurate understanding of the medication?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Lithium is a mood stabilizer commonly prescribed for bipolar disorder, and its therapeutic levels must be carefully maintained to avoid toxicity or reduced efficacy. The client's statement in option B, "I need to maintain a consistent sodium intake," demonstrates an accurate understanding because lithium is primarily excreted by the kidneys, and fluctuations in dietary sodium directly impact its renal clearance. A low-sodium diet can decrease lithium excretion, leading to elevated blood levels and potential toxicity symptoms like nausea, tremors, or confusion. Conversely, a high-sodium intake can increase excretion, potentially dropping levels below therapeutic range and risking manic episodes. By recognizing the need for consistency, the client shows awareness of this critical interaction, which is a cornerstone of lithium education emphasized by healthcare providers to ensure safe long-term use. Now, examining why the other options are incorrect: Option A, "I should avoid eating aged cheeses and processed meats," reflects a misunderstanding, as this dietary restriction applies to monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) used for depression, not lithium. Those foods are high in tyramine, which can cause hypertensive crises with MAOIs, but lithium has no such interaction. Advising this would confuse the client and indicate poor grasp of lithium-specific guidelines. Option C, "I should drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated," is partially true but not the most precise indicator of understanding lithium therapy. While adequate hydration (about 2-3 liters daily) supports kidney function and helps prevent lithium toxicity, especially in hot weather or with diuretics, it's a general health recommendation rather than the unique, evidence-based lithium precaution. Overemphasizing fluids without mentioning sodium consistency could overlook the primary risk factor, so this statement alone doesn't fully capture the medication's nuances. Option D, "I can take over-the-counter medications without consulting my doctor," is outright incorrect and dangerous. Lithium has significant interactions with many OTC drugs, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs like ibuprofen), which can reduce lithium excretion and cause toxicity, or decongestants that might exacerbate side effects. Clients must always consult providers before using any OTC products, including herbal supplements, to avoid adverse outcomes. This statement signals a lack of awareness about lithium's narrow therapeutic index and the need for vigilant monitoring. In summary, effective lithium education focuses on lifestyle factors like stable sodium intake to maintain steady-state levels, typically monitored via regular blood tests (target 0.6-1.2 mEq/L). Clients who understand this reduce their risk of complications, underscoring why B is the optimal choice.
Question 2 of 5
A client with major depressive disorder is receiving cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Which outcome indicates that the therapy is effective?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In cognitive-behavioral therapy, identifying and challenging negative thoughts is a fundamental aspect of the treatment process. This cognitive restructuring helps individuals with major depressive disorder to develop healthier thinking patterns and cope more effectively with their emotions, which ultimately leads to improvement in their mental health. Therefore, when a client is able to identify and challenge negative thoughts, it indicates that they are actively engaging in the therapeutic process and making progress towards better mental well-being.
Question 3 of 5
A client has been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, and a nurse is providing care. Which intervention should the nurse implement to promote the client's safety?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Implementing a no-harm contract is a crucial intervention for clients with borderline personality disorder as it helps establish an agreement between the client and the healthcare provider to abstain from self-harming behaviors. This contract aims to promote the client's safety by enhancing awareness and providing a structured approach in managing impulses and emotions.
Question 4 of 5
A client with bipolar disorder is experiencing a manic episode. Which intervention should the nurse implement to ensure the client's safety?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: During a manic episode in bipolar disorder, individuals may exhibit increased energy levels, impulsivity, and reduced need for sleep, which can lead to risky behaviors and accidents. Providing a structured environment with minimal stimuli helps to reduce the risk of overstimulation and impulsive actions, thereby promoting the client's safety. This intervention aims to create a calm and controlled setting that can prevent potential harm to the client during this phase of the disorder.
Question 5 of 5
A client prescribed sertraline for depression is receiving discharge instructions. Which statement by the client indicates an accurate understanding of the medication?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because sertraline, used for depression, typically takes several weeks to become effective. It is important for clients to understand this delayed onset of action to manage their expectations and continue taking the medication as prescribed despite not seeing immediate results.