ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
A nurse wants to demonstrate genuineness with a patient diagnosed with schizophreni The nurse should
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: use congruent communication strategies. Congruent communication involves aligning verbal and nonverbal cues, showing authenticity and transparency. This is crucial when working with patients diagnosed with schizophrenia to build trust and rapport. Restating what the patient says (A) may seem insincere or robotic. Using self-revelation (C) can shift the focus from the patient to the nurse. Consistently interpreting the patient's behaviors (D) may lead to misinterpretations and breakdown in communication. Overall, using congruent communication strategies helps the nurse establish a genuine connection with the patient and promote effective therapeutic communication.
Question 2 of 9
A patient has threatened to kill his wife, and it is not anticipated that this crisis will resolve itself. The patient is to be admitted to an inpatient psychiatric unit on an involuntary basis. When explaining to the family about this plan, the nurse would identify which of the following as the focus of care?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Acute symptom stabilization. In this situation, the main focus of care is to address the immediate threat of harm to the patient's wife by stabilizing the patient's acute symptoms. This involves ensuring the patient's safety and the safety of others through interventions such as medication management and behavioral interventions. Long-term therapy (choice A) would not be the immediate priority, as the focus is on managing the current crisis. Rehabilitative services (choice B) focus on long-term recovery and functioning, which is not the primary goal at this stage. 24-hour supervision (choice D) may be necessary as part of the care plan, but it is not the primary focus of care in this scenario.
Question 3 of 9
Which is an effective nursing intervention to assist an angry patient learn to manage anger without violence?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it promotes cognitive-behavioral techniques to manage anger effectively. By helping the patient identify triggering thoughts, evaluate their validity, and replace them with reality-based thinking, nurses can assist in changing the patient's response to anger. This intervention encourages self-awareness and empowers the patient to develop healthier coping mechanisms. Choice B is incorrect as it promotes punitive measures, which can escalate aggression and undermine trust between the patient and healthcare provider. Choice C is incorrect as aversive conditioning methods like popping a rubber band on the wrist are not evidence-based and can be harmful. Choice D is incorrect as medication should not be the first-line intervention for managing anger without violence.
Question 4 of 9
A client with schizophrenia tells the nurse, 'I'm being watched constantly by the FBI because of my job.' Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct response is B: "It must be frightening to feel like you're always been watched." This response validates the client's feelings without challenging the delusion directly. It shows empathy and builds rapport. Choice A may inadvertently reinforce the delusion. Choice C denies the client's experience and may lead to resistance. Choice D uses clinical jargon and may be too direct, potentially causing the client to become defensive.
Question 5 of 9
A nurse is working with a client diagnosed with complex somatic symptom disorder. Which of the following would the nurse identify as the most difficult aspect of providing care to this client?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Developing the therapeutic relationship. In complex somatic symptom disorder, patients often have difficulty trusting healthcare providers and may resist treatment. Developing a therapeutic relationship requires patience, empathy, and understanding. It is crucial for effective care as it allows the nurse to address the underlying psychological issues contributing to the somatic symptoms. Pain management (choice A) and anxiety relief (choice B) are important but may be more straightforward compared to building trust and rapport. Monitoring treatment (choice D) is essential but can be done effectively once a therapeutic relationship is established.
Question 6 of 9
Student nurse DeShawna just began clinical on a behavioral health unit. What is an example of a statement DeShawna may make that demonstrates her need for assistance?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct Answer: B Rationale: 1. Completing a mental status exam is crucial in assessing behavioral health clients. 2. Failing to do so may result in missing important information about the client's mental state. 3. DeShawna's statement indicates a lack of understanding of the importance of a mental status exam. 4. This demonstrates her need for assistance in recognizing the significance of thorough assessments. Summary of Incorrect Choices: A: Completing all parts of the nursing assessment is positive but does not specifically address the need for a mental status exam. C: Gathering medication names is important but does not address the need for a mental status exam. D: Assessing for suicidal ideation is crucial, but it does not address the need for a mental status exam, which is also essential in behavioral health assessments.
Question 7 of 9
Garret's wife of 8 years is divorcing him because the marriage never developed a warm or loving atmosphere. Garrett states in therapy, 'I have always been a loner,' and was never concerned about what others think. The nurse practitioner suggests that Garrett try a trial of bupropion (Wellbutrin) to:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale for Choice C (Increase the pleasure of living): Bupropion is an antidepressant that works by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain, which can help improve mood and overall sense of pleasure. Given Garrett's emotional flatness and lack of warmth in his relationships, bupropion can potentially enhance his ability to experience pleasure in life and improve his overall quality of life. Summary of Incorrect Choices: A: Improving flat emotions is a potential benefit of bupropion, but the primary goal is not just to improve emotions, but to increase the pleasure of living. B: While bupropion can sometimes help with sleep disturbances, the main reason for prescribing it in Garrett's case is to address his emotional flatness and lack of enjoyment in life. D: Bupropion is not specifically indicated to prepare someone for group therapy; its main purpose in this scenario is to improve Garrett's overall sense of pleasure and enjoyment in life.
Question 8 of 9
The nurse is assessing a patient's immediate and short-term memory. Which of the following would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the nurse is assessing immediate and short-term memory. Giving the patient three words to recite now and then in 5 minutes tests both immediate recall and short-term memory retention. This task assesses the patient's ability to retain information over a brief period, which is crucial for evaluating memory function. In contrast, options A, B, and D involve different memory processes or timeframes and are not as directly relevant to assessing immediate and short-term memory. Option A focuses on long-term memory, option B involves problem-solving skills, and option D primarily tests orientation rather than memory retention.
Question 9 of 9
A nurse in a mental health facility receives a change of shift report on four clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse plan to assess first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because a client placed in restraints due to aggressive behavior poses an immediate safety concern that requires urgent assessment to prevent harm to the client or others. Assessing this client first ensures their immediate well-being. Choice B may indicate a potential health issue but does not pose an immediate safety threat, so it can be assessed after addressing the client in restraints. Choice C, a client receiving PRN medication for anxiety, may require assessment but does not present the same level of urgency as a client in restraints. Choice D, a client receiving ECT treatment, is important but not as urgent as the client in restraints. It can be assessed after addressing the immediate safety concern.