ATI RN
ATI 2019 Mental Health Proctored Exam Questions
Question 1 of 4
A nurse who has worked with a client diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) when he was an inpatient on the psychiatric unit sees the client in the waiting room of the outpatient psychiatric clinic. The client motions to the nurse to come over so he can tell the nurse how things have been going since he was discharged. While talking with the client, the nurse determines that the client's therapy has been effective when the client states which of the following?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because the client's behavior of going to the workshop to work on projects when his mother-in-law visits indicates a healthy coping mechanism to manage stress. This shows that the therapy has been effective in helping the client find a constructive way to deal with his anxiety triggers. Choice A indicates ongoing stress, which suggests therapy may not be effective. Choice C shows a habit that has not changed, indicating little progress. Choice D suggests the use of alcohol as a coping mechanism, which is not a healthy or sustainable way to manage anxiety.
Question 2 of 4
The history of a child newly diagnosed with ADHD reveals that the child is experiencing sleeping difficulties. Which agent would the nurse most likely use?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Atomoxetine. Atomoxetine is the preferred agent for ADHD in children with sleeping difficulties as it does not typically affect sleep patterns. Methylphenidate (A) may worsen sleep issues due to its stimulant properties. Bupropion (C) can also cause insomnia. Clonidine (D) may help with sleep but is not the first-line choice for ADHD without comorbid conditions like tics or aggression.
Question 3 of 4
A nurse is working with a client with co-occurring disorders who is in the early stages of recovery. The client has been abstained from using alcohol for the past 3 weeks. During a follow-up visit, the nurse is working on teaching the client about the effects of alcohol on his body. Which of the following would be most important for the nurse to keep in mind about the client?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. In clients with co-occurring disorders in early recovery, cognitive impairment from alcohol use may hinder their ability to learn new things. This is crucial to consider as it directly impacts the client's learning process. Option A is incorrect as suggestibility is not the main concern in this scenario. Option B is incorrect as critical reasoning ability is not the primary focus. Option C is incorrect as brain cells can regenerate, and not all are destroyed by alcohol abuse. Therefore, understanding and addressing potential cognitive impairment is key for effective teaching and support in the client's recovery journey.
Question 4 of 4
Which statement by a patient would lead the nurse to suspect unsuccessful completion of the psychosocial developmental task of infancy?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because depending on frequent praise from others to feel good about oneself indicates a lack of self-confidence and self-esteem, which are key components of successful completion of the psychosocial developmental task of infancy according to Erikson's theory. This statement suggests an inability to develop a sense of autonomy and self-reliance, which are crucial in the infancy stage. Choice A is incorrect because preferring to work alone rather than on a team may indicate a preference for autonomy, which is a positive trait related to the successful completion of the task of autonomy vs. shame and doubt in infancy. Choice B is incorrect because not allowing others to truly get to know oneself could indicate introversion or privacy preferences, which may not necessarily suggest unsuccessful completion of the infancy developmental task. Choice D is incorrect because needing to do things several times before getting them right may indicate a learning style or perfectionism rather than a sign of unsuccessful completion of the psychosocial developmental task of infancy.