ATI RN
Nursing Mental Health Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is with an adolescent who tells the nurse that she has nothing to live for and she just wishes she was dead. Which nursing action would be the priority?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because staying with the patient to explore more of her thoughts about suicide is the priority. This allows the nurse to assess the severity of the situation, gather more information, provide immediate support, and establish rapport with the patient. It also helps in forming a safety plan and determining the level of risk. Choice A is incorrect because it does not address the immediate need for support and assessment. Choice C is incorrect as seclusion may escalate the situation and is not the best approach for someone expressing suicidal ideation. Choice D is incorrect as it is not the most immediate priority and does not directly address the patient's current emotional state.
Question 2 of 5
A client is brought into the emergency department because he was involved in an automobile accident. His blood alcohol level (BAL) is 0.10 mg %. Based on this finding, the nurse would expect to assess which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Difficulty with coordination. A BAL of 0.10 mg % indicates the client is legally intoxicated. Alcohol affects the cerebellum, impairing coordination and balance. Stupor (B) suggests a higher level of intoxication. Emotional lability (C) refers to rapid and exaggerated changes in mood, which is not directly related to BAL. Ataxia (D) is a lack of voluntary coordination of muscle movements, which is more severe than difficulty with coordination.
Question 3 of 5
A child and the child's family visit a psychiatric outpatient setting because the parent is concerned about the child's behavior at school. The child scores 65 on the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale. The nurse interprets this finding as which of the following?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: The child can be treated effectively as an outpatient. A GAF score of 65 indicates mild symptoms and the child is able to function adequately in most areas. The child does not require inpatient therapy (choice A) as the symptoms are not severe. There is no indication of homicidal thoughts (choice B) based on the GAF score. While the child may be struggling in some areas, the score suggests that they are functioning relatively well overall and can benefit from outpatient treatment (choice D).
Question 4 of 5
A nursing instructor is preparing a teaching plan for a group of nursing students who will be working with homeless populations. As part of the class, the instructor will be including information about barriers to successful treatment of homeless clients who are mentally ill. Which reason would the instructor include as contributing to lack of compliance with psychotropic medications?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Lack of proper medication storage. Homeless individuals may lack access to safe and secure storage for medications, leading to issues such as loss, theft, or spoilage. This can result in inconsistent or missed doses, affecting treatment effectiveness. Other choices are incorrect because: A: Mistrust of medical personnel may be a barrier to seeking care but does not directly relate to medication compliance. C: Chemical dependence on prescription medications is a separate issue and not necessarily a common barrier for homeless individuals. D: Lack of motivation and literacy skills can impact overall engagement in treatment but may not specifically address medication storage as a barrier.
Question 5 of 5
Which finding best indicates that the goal 'Demonstrate mentally healthy behavior' was achieved for an adult patient?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because seeing oneself as capable of achieving ideals and meeting demands is a sign of positive self-esteem and mental health. This indicates a healthy level of self-awareness and confidence. Choice B is incorrect as it suggests impulsivity and lack of consideration for consequences, which are not indicative of mental health. Choice C is incorrect as it demonstrates selfish behavior and disregard for others, which are not characteristics of mentally healthy behavior. Choice D is incorrect as seeking help when needed is a positive trait, but it does not necessarily indicate mental health achievement as much as self-reliance and independence do.