ATI RN
Mental Health Exam 1 Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
A nursing instructor is preparing a presentation on the etiology of Alzheimer's disease. When discussing the role of neurotransmitters in the course of the disease, which of the following would the instructor most likely emphasize?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Acetylcholine. Alzheimer's disease is characterized by a decrease in acetylcholine levels in the brain, leading to cognitive decline. Acetylcholine plays a crucial role in memory and learning. Other neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine are not as directly linked to Alzheimer's pathology. Serotonin is more associated with mood regulation, dopamine with reward and movement, and norepinephrine with arousal and stress response. Therefore, the instructor would emphasize acetylcholine due to its specific involvement in the disease process.
Question 2 of 9
Donald, a 49-year-old male, is admitted for inpatient alcohol detoxification. He is cachexic, has multiple scabs on his arms and legs, and has lower extremity edema. An appropriate nursing diagnosis for Donald along with an expected outcome is:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Nutrition: Less than body requirements/Maintains nutrient intake for metabolic needs. Rationale: 1. Donald is cachexic, indicating severe malnutrition. 2. Multiple scabs suggest poor wound healing due to malnutrition. 3. Lower extremity edema can be a sign of protein deficiency. 4. The nursing diagnosis of Nutrition: Less than body requirements fits Donald's clinical presentation. 5. The expected outcome of Maintains nutrient intake for metabolic needs addresses the goal of improving Donald's nutritional status. Summary: A: Risk for injury/Remains free from injury - Not the best choice as Donald's primary issue is malnutrition, not injury risk. B: Ineffective denial/Accepts responsibility for behavior - Not relevant to the physical health issues presented by Donald. D: Risk for suicide/Expresses feelings, plans for the future - Donald's symptoms do not suggest a risk for suicide.
Question 3 of 9
A nursing instructor is preparing a presentation on the etiology of Alzheimer's disease. When discussing the role of neurotransmitters in the course of the disease, which of the following would the instructor most likely emphasize?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Acetylcholine. Alzheimer's disease is characterized by a decrease in acetylcholine levels in the brain, leading to cognitive decline. Acetylcholine plays a crucial role in memory and learning. Other neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine are not as directly linked to Alzheimer's pathology. Serotonin is more associated with mood regulation, dopamine with reward and movement, and norepinephrine with arousal and stress response. Therefore, the instructor would emphasize acetylcholine due to its specific involvement in the disease process.
Question 4 of 9
A school nurse is teaching a class of adolescents about healthy behaviors. Which of the following activities include as a means for preventing anxiety and depression when they are middle-aged adults?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Engaging in physical activity and exercise. Regular physical activity has been shown to have numerous benefits for mental health, including reducing the risk of anxiety and depression. Exercise helps release endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Additionally, staying physically active can improve self-esteem and cognitive function, both of which are important for overall mental well-being. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because while they are important for overall health, they do not specifically target anxiety and depression prevention in middle-aged adults. Restricting sugar and fat intake, refraining from smoking or doing drugs, and becoming active in local church activities may have their own health benefits, but they are not as directly linked to preventing anxiety and depression as engaging in physical activity and exercise.
Question 5 of 9
A Filipino American patient had a nursing diagnosis of situational low self-esteem related to poor social skills as evidenced by lack of eye contact. Interventions were applied to increase the patient's self-esteem but after 3 weeks, the patient's eye contact did not improve. What is the most accurate analysis of this scenario?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because cultural considerations are crucial in nursing care. Step 1: Assessing the patient's culture is essential to understanding behaviors like eye contact. Step 2: Filipino culture may view direct eye contact as disrespectful or submissive. Step 3: Lack of cultural awareness can hinder effective interventions. Step 4: Interventions should be culturally sensitive to be impactful. Summary: A: Focused on technique, not cultural relevance. B: Neglects the nurse's role in holistic care. C: Assumes negative emotions without evidence.
Question 6 of 9
A nurse is developing a teaching plan for a client with an impulse-control disorder. The nurse is planning to explain the emotional aspects associated with the behavior as part of the plan. Which of the following would the nurse describe as occurring first before the individual commits the act?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Tension. In impulse-control disorders, the individual typically experiences increasing tension or anxiety before engaging in impulsive behavior. This tension builds up and leads to a sense of urgency to act, overriding rational decision-making. This initial tension is a key emotional aspect that precedes the impulsive act. Remorse (choice A) and regret (choice C) occur after the act, as the individual reflects on their actions. Pleasure (choice D) is experienced during or after the impulsive behavior, but it is not the first emotional aspect that occurs. Therefore, understanding and addressing the tension is crucial in managing impulse control disorders.
Question 7 of 9
A family has a long history of conflicted relationships among the members. Which family member's comment best reflects a mentally healthy perspective?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it demonstrates a mentally healthy perspective by showing willingness to take responsibility for one's actions and make positive changes for the benefit of the family. This reflects self-awareness, accountability, and a proactive approach to improving relationships. Choice A acknowledges personal mistakes but lacks commitment to change. Choice B reminisces about the past without addressing present conflicts. Choice D shows avoidance and resignation, lacking effort to address underlying issues. Therefore, choice C is the best option for promoting mental health and resolving family conflicts.
Question 8 of 9
A female client is diagnosed with female orgasmic disorder and is receiving treatment by a qualified sex therapist. The client and her partner are being taught sensate focus. Which of the following would the couple be required to do first?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Participate in nongenital contact. This is the first step in sensate focus, a technique used to treat female orgasmic disorder. Initially, the couple focuses on non-sexual touching to build intimacy and reduce performance pressure. Option A is incorrect as sexual intercourse is not the initial focus. Option B is incorrect as genital touching is also not the first step. Option D is incorrect as masturbation is not typically part of sensate focus exercises between partners.
Question 9 of 9
The nurse tells group members that they will be working on expressing conflicts during the current group session. Which phase of group development is represented?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Working phase. During the working phase of group development, members engage in tasks and work towards achieving the group's goals. In this scenario, the nurse indicating that the group will be focusing on expressing conflicts aligns with the working phase, where members actively participate in discussions and address issues within the group dynamic. This phase is characterized by increased cohesion and collaboration among members. A: Planning (formation) phase - This phase involves the initial formation of the group and setting goals. It is focused on getting to know each other and establishing structure, not specifically addressing conflicts. B: Orientation phase - This phase involves introductions and setting norms. While conflicts may arise during this phase as members adjust, the primary focus is on establishing roles and expectations. D: Termination phase - This phase marks the end of the group, where members reflect on their experiences. It is not the phase for actively addressing conflicts within the group.