ATI RN
Behavioral Health Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse on an inpatient mental health unit is caring for a client who was admitted for suicidal ideation. Which of the following statements by the client should the nurse identify as a continuation of suicidal ideation?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because the statement "I'm going to give my sister my pottery collection when I get home" indicates future planning, suggesting the client may not see themselves owning the collection in the future due to suicidal ideation. Choices A, C, and D do not directly relate to suicidal ideation as they focus on positive activities or future plans that do not indicate self-harm intentions.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia who is exhibiting negative symptoms such as lack of motivation and limited speech. Which of the following interventions is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because providing structure and clear instructions helps manage negative symptoms in schizophrenia. Structure can help the patient overcome lack of motivation and limited speech by providing a framework for engagement. Clear instructions offer guidance and reduce confusion. Encouraging social activities (A) may overwhelm the patient. Frequent reassurance (C) may not address the core issue. Telling the patient to try harder (D) can increase stress and worsen symptoms.
Question 3 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 correct nursing diagnosis is C: Risk for suicide. This is the priority because the patient is experiencing suicidal ideation, indicating an immediate threat to their safety. Addressing this risk is crucial to ensure the patient's safety and well-being. Option A is incorrect as weight gain is not the priority when compared to suicidal ideation. Option B is incorrect as low self-esteem, while important, is not as urgent as the risk of suicide. Option D, hopelessness, is also important but addressing the immediate risk of suicide takes precedence.
Question 4 of 5
An adolescent asks a nurse conducting an assessment interview, 'Why should I tell you anything? You'll just tell my parents whatever you find out.' Which response by the nurse is appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it acknowledges the importance of confidentiality regarding the adolescent's feelings while also highlighting the necessity of reporting certain critical issues like suicidal thoughts to ensure the adolescent's safety. This response respects the adolescent's privacy while prioritizing their well-being. Choice A is incorrect because it inaccurately states that everything is held in strict confidence, which may not be the case for issues like suicidal thoughts. Choice B is incorrect as it dismisses the adolescent's concerns about privacy and may deter them from being open during the assessment. Choice D is incorrect as it makes assumptions about the adolescent's readiness without addressing their specific concerns about confidentiality.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder during the manic phase. The nurse understands that during this phase, the patient is most likely to exhibit which behavior?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B (Rapid speech, inflated self-esteem, and impulsivity). During the manic phase of bipolar disorder, individuals typically experience elevated mood, increased energy, and engage in impulsive behaviors. Rapid speech, inflated self-esteem, and impulsivity are commonly observed behaviors during this phase. Excessive sleep and withdrawal (choice A) are more indicative of the depressive phase. Depressed mood and low energy levels (choice C) are also characteristic of the depressive phase. Social withdrawal and feelings of hopelessness (choice D) are symptoms of depression, not mania. Therefore, choice B is the most appropriate behavior exhibited during the manic phase of bipolar disorder.