ATI RN
ATI Proctored Mental Health Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is using a genogram as an intervention strategy based on the understanding of which of the following?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because a genogram is a visual representation of a family's medical history and relationships over several generations. This tool helps the nurse and the family understand patterns of behavior, health issues, and dynamics across generations. Other choices are incorrect because genograms do not primarily focus on problem-solving methods (A), provide subjective yet factual perspectives (C), or identify family beliefs about mental illness (D).
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is performing an admission assessment. The patient complains that it has been taking larger and larger amounts of medication to get the desired effect. Based on this information, the nurse interprets this as suggesting which of the following?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Tolerance. Tolerance refers to the body's reduced response to a drug over time, necessitating higher doses to achieve the same effect. In this scenario, the patient needing larger amounts of medication to achieve the desired effect indicates tolerance development. Desensitization (A) refers to reduced response due to receptor downregulation. Therapeutic index (C) is the ratio of a drug's effective dose to its toxic dose. Toxicity (D) is the harmful effects of a drug at excessive doses.
Question 3 of 5
Which assessment finding presents the greatest risk for violent behavior directed at others?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, history of spousal abuse, as it directly indicates a pattern of violent behavior towards others. This history suggests a higher likelihood of future violent actions. A: Severe agoraphobia does not inherently correlate with violence. C: Bizarre somatic delusions may lead to erratic behavior but not necessarily violence towards others. D: Verbalized hopelessness and powerlessness indicate a risk of self-harm rather than harm towards others.
Question 4 of 5
Marco, age 83, has dementia and difficulty feeding himself despite the fact that there is nothing wrong with his motor functions. Which term should the nurse use to document this finding?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Apraxia. Apraxia is the inability to perform purposeful movements despite the absence of motor or sensory impairment. In this case, Marco is experiencing difficulty feeding himself despite intact motor functions, indicating apraxia. A: Aphasia is the loss of ability to understand or express speech, which is not the case here. C: Agnosia is the inability to recognize objects or people, which is not relevant to Marco's situation. D: Disinhibition anergia is not a recognized term in the context of this question.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse caring for a withdrawn, suspicious patient recognizes development of feelings of anger toward the patient. The nurse should
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because discussing the anger with a clinician during a supervisory session allows the nurse to process and understand their emotions in a professional setting. This approach promotes self-awareness, reflection, and potential strategies for managing emotions constructively. Choice A (suppressing anger) can lead to unresolved feelings impacting patient care. Choice B (expressing anger openly) can harm the therapeutic relationship. Choice C (asking to reassign the patient) avoids addressing the underlying issue and may not be feasible in all situations.