ATI RN
ATI Capstone Mental Health Assessment Questions
Question 1 of 9
A nursing instructor is developing a teaching plan for a class about families. Which of the following would the instructor be most likely to include?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: New members are added by birth, marriage, or adoption. This is because families are not solely defined by blood relations but also by relationships formed through birth, marriage, or adoption. This inclusive definition reflects the diverse structures of modern families. Choice A is incorrect as it limits the definition of families to blood relations only. Choice C is incorrect as family size trends vary and may not necessarily be increasing in the United States. Choice D is incorrect as families today are often more mobile due to various factors such as job opportunities and lifestyle choices.
Question 2 of 9
At what point in the nurse–patient relationship should a nurse plan to first address termination?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, during the orientation phase. This is the initial phase where the nurse establishes rapport, gathers information, and sets the tone for the relationship. Planning for termination during orientation allows for a smooth transition and helps manage expectations. Addressing termination at the end of the working phase (choice B) may be abrupt and disrupt the therapeutic process. Near the beginning of the termination phase (choice C) is too late as it doesn't allow sufficient time for the patient to process and prepare for closure. Waiting for the patient to bring up termination (choice D) may lead to uncertainty and anxiety for the patient.
Question 3 of 9
A client on an inpatient psychiatric unit exhibits traits of borderline personality disorder. Which action by the nurse would initiate collaboration with the member of the mental health-care team who can best confirm this diagnosis?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct Answer: C. Collaborate with the clinical psychologist to prepare the client for personality testing. Rationale: 1. Borderline personality disorder (BPD) diagnosis requires comprehensive assessment, including personality testing. 2. Clinical psychologists are trained to administer and interpret psychological tests, including those for personality disorders. 3. Collaborating with the clinical psychologist ensures the client receives appropriate evaluation and diagnosis. 4. Requesting medication or focusing on occupational or recreational needs may not address the core issue of confirming a BPD diagnosis. Summary: A: Requesting medication is premature without confirming the diagnosis. B: Occupational therapy focuses on retraining skills, not diagnosing personality disorders. D: Planning recreational activities may help with anxiety but does not address the need for a formal diagnosis like personality testing.
Question 4 of 9
How can a nurse determine that a client is experiencing ineffective coping?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because ineffective coping is characterized by difficulty managing day-to-day stress. This can manifest as increased anxiety, irritability, or withdrawal. The other choices are incorrect because: A indicates the client is actively coping; B suggests motivation for behavioral change; and D implies symptoms of depression, not necessarily ineffective coping.
Question 5 of 9
A nurse is conducting a public information seminar on the topic of rape and sexual assault at a local community center. Which of the following would the nurse include when describing power rapists?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Rationale: 1. Power rapists target victims near their age to exert control. 2. They use minimal physical force and intimidation. 3. This control dynamic is central to the perpetrator's gratification. 4. The focus is on dominance and control, not sadistic pleasure like in A. 5. They do not specifically target very young or elderly victims as in B. 6. While victim injury can occur, it is not a defining characteristic as in C. Summary: Choice D is correct as power rapists target victims near their age and use minimal force for control. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not align with the characteristics of power rapists.
Question 6 of 9
A confused older adult patient in a skilled nursing facility was asleep when unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) entered the room quietly and touched the bed to see if it was wet. The patient awakened and hit the UAP in the face. Which statement best explains the patient's action?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the patient's action can be explained by the concept of interpreting the UAP's behavior as potentially harmful. In this scenario, the patient was asleep and suddenly awakened by the UAP quietly entering the room and touching the bed. The patient's instinctive response of hitting the UAP in the face can be seen as a defensive reaction triggered by perceiving a potential threat or harm from the UAP's unexpected actions. This aligns with the idea that older adults in a vulnerable state may react aggressively when feeling threatened or unsafe. Choice A is incorrect because it generalizes behavior without considering the specific context of the situation. Choice B is incorrect as it does not directly address the patient's perception of harm from the UAP's actions. Choice C is incorrect as there is no evidence provided in the scenario to support the idea that the patient learned violent behavior from other patients.
Question 7 of 9
Besides antianxiety agents, which classification of drugs is also commonly given to treat anxiety and anxiety disorders?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Antidepressants. Antidepressants are commonly used to treat anxiety and anxiety disorders due to their ability to regulate neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine, which play a role in mood regulation. They are effective in managing symptoms of anxiety over the long term. Antipsychotics (A) are not typically the first-line treatment for anxiety and are more commonly used for psychotic disorders. Mood stabilizers (B) are primarily used for conditions like bipolar disorder, not anxiety. Cholinesterase inhibitors (D) are used for conditions like Alzheimer's disease, not anxiety disorders.
Question 8 of 9
When assessing a patient diagnosed with a borderline personality disorder, which statement by the patient warrants immediate attention?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because expressing a desire to hurt someone is a red flag for potential harm to self or others. This statement indicates a risk of violent behavior and immediate attention is needed to ensure safety. Statements A, B, and C are not immediate concerns as they do not suggest immediate harm or danger. A: Grief over a past event, B: Medication compliance, and C: Issues with parental relationships are important but do not pose an immediate threat.
Question 9 of 9
A nurse is a receiving report on four clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse assess first?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because a client with chronic kidney disease and cloudy diasylate outflow may indicate peritonitis, a serious complication requiring immediate assessment and intervention. Cloudy dialysate outflow can be a sign of infection or peritonitis, which can lead to sepsis if not addressed promptly. Assessing this client first allows for early detection and treatment of potential life-threatening complications. Choices A, B, and D do not present immediate life-threatening conditions and can be assessed after ensuring the client with chronic kidney disease is stable.