ATI RN
Mental Health Nursing Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
A nursing student new to psychiatric-mental health nursing asks a peer what resources he can use to identify the symptoms present in a specific psychiatric disorder. The best answer would be:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The DSM-5 is the standard classification of mental disorders used by mental health professionals in the U.S. It provides criteria for diagnosing different psychiatric disorders based on symptoms and clinical observations. Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC) and Nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC) are focused on nursing interventions and outcomes, respectively, while NANDA-I nursing diagnoses are related to identifying nursing problems and their contributing factors.
Question 2 of 9
When providing care for 10-year-old Harper diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which goal should be addressed initially?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The initial goal when caring for a child with PTSD like Harper is to address restoring a sense of control over disturbing thoughts by teaching relaxation techniques. This approach helps the child manage their distressing emotions and promotes a feeling of empowerment in dealing with their condition.
Question 3 of 9
Luc's family comes home one evening to find him extremely agitated, and they suspect he is in a full manic episode. The family calls emergency medical services. While one medic is talking with Luc and his family, the other medic is counting something on his desk. What is the medic most likely counting?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.
Question 4 of 9
Why is it important to establish a contract with a client with an eating disorder at the beginning of treatment?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Establishing a contract with a client with an eating disorder at the start of treatment is crucial to involve the client in decision-making processes. By engaging the client in decision-making, it enhances their sense of control over their treatment, which can lead to increased cooperation and better treatment outcomes. This collaborative approach empowers the client and fosters a therapeutic alliance between the client and the healthcare provider, rather than excluding the family or causing disruptions. It focuses on addressing both the physical and emotional needs of the client, ensuring a comprehensive treatment plan.
Question 5 of 9
A client displays signs and symptoms indicative of hypochondriasis. The nurse would initially expect to see:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In hypochondriasis, individuals are excessively preoccupied with and worried about having a serious illness, despite reassurance from medical professionals. This self-preoccupation is a key characteristic of hypochondriasis. 'La belle indifference' refers to a lack of concern or distress about symptoms, which is not typically seen in hypochondriasis. Fear of physicians may be present due to the individual's persistent belief in their illness despite medical reassurance. Insight into the source of their fears is usually lacking in hypochondriasis, as individuals often believe their physical symptoms are evidence of a serious illness.
Question 6 of 9
During cognitive-behavioral therapy, a 12-year-old patient reports to the nurse practitioner:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In cognitive-behavioral therapy, recognizing and challenging negative thoughts is crucial for progress. Choice B demonstrates the patient's ability to identify and correct distorted thoughts, indicating positive advancement in therapy. This cognitive restructuring is a key component of cognitive-behavioral therapy, helping individuals develop healthier thinking patterns and coping strategies.
Question 7 of 9
Which chronic medical condition commonly triggers major depressive disorder?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.
Question 8 of 9
When should healthcare professionals be most alert to the possibility of communication errors resulting in harm to the patient?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Healthcare professionals should be most alert to the possibility of communication errors resulting in harm to the patient during change of shift reports. This is a critical time when information is transferred between healthcare providers, and any errors in communication during this handover can lead to adverse outcomes for the patient.
Question 9 of 9
Tatiana has been hospitalized for an acute manic episode. On admission, the nurse suspects lithium toxicity. What assessment findings would indicate the nurse's suspicion as correct?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Ataxia, severe hypotension, and a large volume of dilute urine are classic signs of lithium toxicity. Ataxia refers to a lack of muscle coordination, severe hypotension indicates dangerously low blood pressure, and the large volume of dilute urine is a result of the kidneys' inability to concentrate urine properly, a common feature of lithium toxicity.