ATI RN
Mental Health ATI Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nursing instructor is preparing a class lecture about cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Which of the following would the instructor use to best describe this process?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on helping patients change their thoughts and behaviors to improve their mental health. In CBT, patients work collaboratively with the therapist to identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviors. By changing these cognitive distortions and maladaptive behaviors, patients can improve their emotional well-being. Choice A is incorrect because CBT is not about solving patients' problems for them, but rather empowering them to solve their own issues. Choice B is incorrect as it focuses solely on behavior modification and does not address the cognitive component of CBT. Choice C is incorrect because CBT aims to challenge and change distorted beliefs rather than reinforcing them.
Question 2 of 5
When assessing a client with dementia, the nurse identifies that the client is experiencing hallucinations. Based on the nurse's understanding of this disorder, which type of hallucination would the nurse expect as most common?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Visual hallucinations. In dementia, visual hallucinations are most common due to changes in the brain affecting perception. These hallucinations can be vivid and complex. Auditory hallucinations (choice A) are less common in dementia. Gustatory (choice C) and olfactory (choice D) hallucinations are even rarer and usually not associated with dementia. Visual hallucinations are often distressing for individuals with dementia and may require appropriate interventions for management.
Question 3 of 5
Madelyn, a 29-year-old patient recently diagnosed with depression, comes to the mental health clinic complaining of continued difficulty sleeping. One week ago she was started on a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRRI), fluoxetine (Prozac), for her depressive symptoms. When educating Madelyn your response is guided by the knowledge that:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because neurotransmitters involved in sleep and wakefulness are targeted by many psychiatric medications, including SSRIs like fluoxetine. The difficulty sleeping may be a temporary side effect as Madelyn's body adjusts to the medication. This explanation is supported by the fact that changes in neurotransmitter levels can impact sleep patterns. Choice A is incorrect because while SSRIs can cause side effects like hypersomnolence, difficulty sleeping is also a known side effect. Choice B is incorrect because while depression can affect sleep, starting a new medication like fluoxetine can also impact sleep patterns. Choice D is incorrect because discontinuing the medication without consulting a healthcare provider can have negative consequences for Madelyn's mental health. Addressing the sleep issue through education and monitoring is a more appropriate approach.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is reading an article about a young girl who developed gastrointestinal symptoms from a hairball because of a ritual that she engaged in. The girl would pull out hair over several hours to relieve tension and anxiety and then eat the hair. The nurse most likely is reading an article about which of the following?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Trichotillomania. Trichotillomania is a disorder characterized by the compulsive urge to pull out one's hair, leading to hair loss. In this case, the young girl's behavior of pulling out hair to relieve tension and anxiety aligns with the symptoms of trichotillomania. Kleptomania (A) is the urge to steal items, not related to hair pulling. Pyromania (C) is the urge to set fires, not related to hair pulling. Intermittent explosive disorder (D) involves episodes of impulsive aggression, not related to hair pulling.
Question 5 of 5
A client presents with psychotic symptoms: hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech and behavior. They do not have medical comorbidities and do not use any substances. The signs have been present for five months. What diagnosis is suspected?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct diagnosis suspected in this case is C: schizophreniform disorder. This is because the client is experiencing psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech, and behavior for a period of five months. Schizophreniform disorder is characterized by similar symptoms to schizophrenia but with a duration of at least one month but less than six months. Delusional disorder (A) involves persistent delusions without other psychotic symptoms. Brief psychotic disorder (B) lasts less than one month. Schizophrenia (D) requires symptoms to be present for at least six months.