ATI RN
Mental Health Nursing ATI Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nursing student new to psychiatric-mental health nursing asks a peer what resources he can use to figure out which symptoms are present in a specific psychiatric disorder. The best answer would be:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: DSM-5. The DSM-5 is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which is the standard classification of mental disorders used by mental health professionals. It provides criteria for diagnosing specific psychiatric disorders based on symptoms, behaviors, and other clinical features. By using the DSM-5, the nursing student can accurately identify which symptoms are present in a specific psychiatric disorder. A: Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC) and B: Nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC) are not specifically designed to identify symptoms of psychiatric disorders. NIC focuses on nursing interventions, while NOC focuses on nursing outcomes. C: NANDA-I nursing diagnoses provide a framework for identifying nursing problems and developing care plans but do not provide specific information on symptoms of psychiatric disorders. In summary, the DSM-5 is the most appropriate resource for identifying symptoms of psychiatric disorders, while the other choices are not specifically designed for this purpose.
Question 2 of 5
During an interview with a patient, which question asked of an older adult is associated with the Patient Self-Determination Act?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because the Patient Self-Determination Act emphasizes the importance of discussing end-of-life choices with family or a designated surrogate. This question aligns with the act's goal of promoting patient autonomy and ensuring that patients have a say in their healthcare decisions. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not directly address the act's focus on end-of-life planning and decision-making with family or a designated surrogate. A focuses on access to medical information, C on informed decision-making about treatment, and D on helping the patient feel comfortable, which are important but not specifically related to the Patient Self-Determination Act.
Question 3 of 5
What is a cause of pseudodementia?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: severe depression. Pseudodementia refers to cognitive symptoms that mimic dementia but are actually caused by a psychiatric disorder like severe depression. This condition can be reversed with appropriate treatment for the underlying depression. Medication reaction (choice A) can cause cognitive impairment but is not specific to pseudodementia. Old age (choice C) is not a direct cause of pseudodementia. Genetics (choice D) may play a role in some forms of dementia but not in pseudodementia caused by severe depression.
Question 4 of 5
What personality disorder is most likely to be associated with illegal activity?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: antisocial personality disorder is most likely to be associated with illegal activity. Individuals with this disorder often exhibit a disregard for the rights of others, impulsivity, and a lack of remorse, making them prone to engaging in criminal behavior. Borderline personality disorder (B) is characterized by unstable relationships and emotions, but not necessarily criminal behavior. Dependent personality disorder (C) involves an excessive need to be taken care of, and schizoid personality disorder (D) is characterized by social detachment, both of which are not typically associated with illegal activity.
Question 5 of 5
On an inpatient psychiatric unit, a client diagnosed with borderline personality disorder is challenging other clients and splitting staff. Which response by the nurse reflects the nurse's role of milieu manager?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A Rationale: Setting strict limits and communicating them to all staff members is the most appropriate response as a milieu manager. In an inpatient psychiatric unit, creating a structured and consistent environment is crucial for managing challenging behaviors, such as those exhibited by a client with borderline personality disorder. By setting clear boundaries and ensuring all staff members are aware of them, the nurse establishes a safe and therapeutic milieu for all clients. This approach helps maintain a stable and supportive setting, promoting positive interactions among clients and staff. Summary: - Choice B (Using role-play): While role-play can be a valuable therapeutic technique, it may not directly address the immediate need to manage challenging behaviors in the milieu. - Choice C (Seeking orders for forced medications): This is not the appropriate course of action as forcing medications should be a last resort and should only be considered in situations where the client is at imminent risk of harm. - Choice D (Holding a group session on relationship skills): While group sessions