ATI RN
Mental Health Nursing Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse should expect that an increase in dopamine activity might play a significant role in the development of which mental illness?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a significant role in various mental illnesses, including schizophrenia. One of the leading theories about schizophrenia is the dopamine hypothesis, which suggests that excessive dopamine activity in certain areas of the brain contributes to the development of psychotic symptoms associated with the disorder. Medications that block dopamine receptors are often used to help manage symptoms of schizophrenia, further supporting the idea of dopamine dysregulation in this mental illness. Therefore, a nurse should expect that an increase in dopamine activity might play a significant role in the development of schizophrenia.
Question 2 of 5
Group therapy is strongly encouraged, but not mandatory, on an inpatient psychiatric unit. The unit managers policy is that clients can make a choice about whether or not to attend group therapy. Which ethical principle does the unit managers policy preserve?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The unit manager's policy of allowing clients to choose whether or not to attend group therapy preserves the ethical principle of autonomy. Autonomy refers to respecting individuals' right to make their own decisions about their care and treatment. By giving clients the choice, the unit manager is honoring their autonomy and allowing them to have a say in their own treatment plan. This helps empower clients and promotes their self-determination, which is a key aspect of ethical healthcare practice. It is important to respect autonomy in mental health settings to promote client-centered care and foster a therapeutic alliance.
Question 3 of 5
A psychiatric nurse working on an inpatient unit receives a call asking if an individual has been a client in the facility. Which nursing response reflects appropriate legal and ethical obligations?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct response is A, which involves refusing to give any information to the caller and citing rules of confidentiality. As a psychiatric nurse, maintaining confidentiality is crucial to ensure the privacy and rights of the individual seeking treatment. Providing information about a client without their consent can breach confidentiality and violate ethical standards. Therefore, by declining to disclose any information to the caller, the nurse upholds the legal and ethical obligations of safeguarding client confidentiality.
Question 4 of 5
Which situation exemplifies both assault and battery?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Option B exemplifies both assault and battery. Assault occurs when the nurse threatens to tie down the client, creating a fear of harm or unwanted physical contact. Battery then occurs when the nurse proceeds to actually tie down the client against their wishes, resulting in the unwanted physical contact. Both assault (threatening to tie down) and battery (physically tying down) are present in this situation.
Question 5 of 5
The nursing staff is discussing the concept of competency. Which information about competency should a nurse recognize as true?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Competency is a legal term that refers to a person's ability to make rational decisions. It is not determined based on a client's compliance with treatment or the medical opinion of a physician. Competency is essential for informed consent and respecting a client's autonomy. A competent client is able to understand information presented to them, appreciate the potential consequences of their decisions, and make reasoned choices. It is important for healthcare professionals to assess a client's competency when making healthcare decisions in collaboration with the client. Refusal of medication alone does not automatically indicate incompetency, as competency is a broader concept relating to decision-making abilities.