ATI RN
ATI Practice Questions Mental Health Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse wants to find information on current evidence-based research, programs, and practices regarding mental illness and addictions. Which resource should the nurse consult?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). SAMHSA is the best resource for evidence-based research, programs, and practices on mental illness and addictions as it is the leading agency in the U.S. for improving behavioral health. SAMHSA provides up-to-date information, guidelines, and resources based on scientific research and best practices. It focuses specifically on mental health and substance abuse issues, making it the most relevant and reliable source for the nurse's needs. A: The American Psychiatric Association focuses more on the professional organization for psychiatrists rather than providing specific resources on evidence-based research and programs. B: The American Psychological Association is more focused on psychology-related research and practices, not specifically on mental illness and addictions. C: The Clinician's Quick Guide to Interpersonal Psychotherapy is a specific resource on a therapy approach, which may not cover the broad range of information the nurse is seeking on mental illness and addictions.
Question 2 of 5
A patient tells a nurse, "My best friend is a perfect person. She is kind, considerate, good-looking, and successful with every task. I could have been like her if I had the opportunities, luck, and money she's ha" This patient is demonstrating
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: C: Rationalization is when a person justifies their behaviors or feelings by providing logical reasoning that may not be valid. In this case, the patient is rationalizing their shortcomings by attributing them to external factors like opportunities, luck, and money. This defense mechanism helps protect their self-esteem by avoiding taking responsibility for their own traits. Incorrect choices: A: Denial is refusing to accept reality, which is not evident in this scenario. B: Projection is attributing one's own unacceptable feelings or thoughts to others, which is not present here. D: Compensation is making up for a perceived weakness by emphasizing a strength, which is not demonstrated by the patient's statement.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is preparing a presentation for a local community group about mental disorders and plans to include how mental disorders are different from medical disorders. Which statement would be most appropriate for the nurse to include?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because mental disorders are typically diagnosed based on a cluster of observable behaviors, thoughts, and feelings, rather than a specific biological pathology or laboratory tests. This statement is appropriate as it aligns with the current understanding of mental disorders as complex conditions that involve a combination of psychological, behavioral, and emotional symptoms. Choice A is incorrect because while some mental disorders may have underlying biological components, not all are solely defined by biological pathology. Choice B is incorrect because laboratory tests are not the primary method for diagnosing mental disorders. Choice D is incorrect because manifestations of mental disorders often fall outside of normal, expected parameters, which is why they are considered disorders in the first place.
Question 4 of 5
While providing care to a patient with a mental disorder, the patient asks the nurse, 'Does mental illness run in your family?' Which response by the nurse would be most inappropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct response is C because it discloses personal information about the nurse's family member, which is unprofessional and breaches patient confidentiality. The nurse should maintain professional boundaries and focus on the patient's needs, not their own personal experiences. Choices A, B, and D maintain appropriate boundaries and redirect the conversation back to the patient's concerns, demonstrating empathy and respect for the patient's privacy.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse has begun group counseling sessions for several hospitalized patients in the psychiatric facility. Which of the following would be most effective for the nurse to do to promote group cohesiveness?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Use team-building exercises. Team-building exercises help foster trust, communication, and camaraderie among group members, promoting group cohesiveness. By engaging in activities that require collaboration and problem-solving, group members can develop a sense of unity and support for each other. Option B: Encouraging task completion focuses more on achieving goals rather than building relationships, which may not necessarily enhance group cohesiveness. Option C: Spending time individually with each member may lead to unequal attention and could hinder the development of group dynamics. Option D: Being consistent with group themes is important but may not directly contribute to promoting group cohesiveness as team-building exercises do.