ATI RN
Mental Health Nursing Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nursing instructor is asking students about diseases of adaptation and when they are likely to occur. Which student response indicates that learning has occurred?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Diseases of adaptation occur when an individual's physiological and psychological resources become depleted. These diseases are a result of the body's inability to adapt to stressors and can manifest in various forms such as chronic illness, anxiety disorders, or depression. When an individual's coping mechanisms are overwhelmed and their resources are exhausted, they are more likely to experience diseases of adaptation. This response indicates that the student understands the concept that these diseases are related to an individual's decreased ability to effectively handle stress.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is assessing a client who is experiencing occasional feelings of sadness because of the recent death of a beloved pet. The clients appetite, sleep patterns, and daily routine have not changed. How should the nurse interpret the clients behaviors?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The nurse should interpret the client's behaviors as demonstrating no functional impairment, indicating no mental illness. The client is experiencing occasional feelings of sadness, which can be considered a normal reaction to the recent death of a beloved pet. The fact that the client's appetite, sleep patterns, and daily routine have not changed suggests that the client is still able to function effectively in their daily life. It is important for the nurse to assess the situation holistically and consider the context of the client's grief before jumping to conclusions about mental illness.
Question 3 of 5
A new psychiatric nurse states, This clients use of defense mechanisms should be eliminated. Which is a correct evaluation of this nurses statement?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Defense mechanisms are psychological strategies that individuals unconsciously use to cope with stress, anxiety, and threats to their self-esteem. It is not necessary to eliminate defense mechanisms entirely, as they can serve as adaptive responses to protect oneself in certain situations. While some defense mechanisms can be maladaptive or harmful if used excessively, it is essential to understand that addressing the root causes of the underlying issues that trigger the use of defense mechanisms is more important than simply trying to eradicate them. Encouraging healthy coping mechanisms and providing appropriate support and interventions can help individuals develop resilience and better ways of managing stress without completely eliminating all defense mechanisms.
Question 4 of 5
Which of the following are identified as psychoneurotic responses to severe anxiety as they appear in the DSM-5?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In the DSM-5, somatic symptom disorders are identified as psychoneurotic responses to severe anxiety. These disorders involve physical symptoms that are either very distressing or result in significant disruption of daily life. Examples of somatic symptom disorders include somatic symptom disorder, illness anxiety disorder, and conversion disorder. Grief responses, psychosis, and bipolar disorder are not specifically categorized as psychoneurotic responses in the DSM-5.
Question 5 of 5
Which nursing statement about the concept of psychoses is most accurate?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The most accurate statement about individuals experiencing psychoses is that they are not based in reality. Psychoses involve a severe mental disorder where the person may have difficulty distinguishing what is real and what is not. This can manifest as hallucinations, delusions, or disorganized thinking. Individuals experiencing psychoses often have a distorted perception of reality, which can lead to behaviors and beliefs that are not grounded in the actual world. It is important to recognize and address these symptoms in order to provide appropriate care and support for individuals with psychoses.