ATI RN
Mental Health Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nursing instructor is teaching a class on the pharmacodynamics of psychiatric medications. The instructor determines that additional teaching is needed when the students identify which of the following as a site of action?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Neurotransmitters. In pharmacodynamics, the site of action refers to where a drug exerts its effects in the body. Neurotransmitters are not a site of action; they are the chemical messengers that transmit signals between neurons. Drugs act on receptors, ion channels, and enzymes to produce their pharmacological effects. Receptors are proteins on cell surfaces or within cells that bind to specific drugs and initiate a response. Ion channels are proteins that regulate the flow of ions across cell membranes, affecting cell function. Enzymes are proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions. Therefore, neurotransmitters do not serve as the primary site of action for psychiatric medications.
Question 2 of 5
While engaging in a discussion with a group of teens about risk behaviors, one of the teens says, 'That will never happen to me.' The nurse interprets this as which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Invincibility fable. This term refers to the belief that one is immune to harm or negative outcomes. The teen's statement reflects this cognitive distortion, common in adolescents. It signifies a sense of invulnerability and underestimation of risks. The other choices are incorrect because B: Formal operations refers to Piaget's cognitive development stage, not relevant here. C: Egocentric thinking is about self-centeredness, not directly related to risk perception. D: Relational aggression involves social manipulation, not present in the teen's statement.
Question 3 of 5
After teaching a group of students about appraisal and the stress response, the instructor determines that additional teaching is needed when the students identify which of the following as part of the primary appraisal?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because outcome explanation is not part of primary appraisal. Primary appraisal involves evaluating the significance of an event in relation to one's well-being, focusing on factors such as relevance of the goal, consistency of goal with values, and personal commitment. Outcome explanation, on the other hand, is more related to secondary appraisal where one assesses potential coping strategies and their outcomes. Therefore, outcome explanation does not directly contribute to the initial evaluation of the event's impact on well-being, making it an inaccurate choice for primary appraisal.
Question 4 of 5
After working with a patient who has a history of violent behavior to identify possible clues that suggest that his behavior is escalating, the nurse and patient develop a plan for prevention. Which strategy would they be least likely to include?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Turning up the music loud. This strategy would be least likely to be included because it does not directly address the escalation of violent behavior. Counting to 10 and taking slow deep breaths are both commonly used techniques to help manage anger and prevent escalation. Taking a voluntary time out is also effective in creating a safe space to de-escalate. Turning up the music loud may serve as a distraction, but it does not actively address the underlying issues or help the patient stay in control of their emotions.
Question 5 of 5
A group of nursing students is reviewing the various theories related to the etiology of schizophrenia. The students demonstrate understanding of the information when they identify which neurotransmitter as being responsible for hallucinations and delusions?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why A (Dopamine) is the correct answer: 1. Dopamine hypothesis: Excess dopamine activity is linked to schizophrenia symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions. 2. Studies show antipsychotic drugs targeting dopamine receptors effectively alleviate these symptoms. 3. Dopamine dysregulation theory: Suggests abnormalities in dopamine transmission contribute to schizophrenia. 4. Serotonin, norepinephrine, and GABA are not directly implicated in hallucinations and delusions in schizophrenia.