ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nursing student observes an incorrect dosage of medication being given to a client receiving electroconvulsive therapy. To implement the ethical principle of veracity, which action would the nursing student take?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. By informing the student's instructor and the client's primary nurse, the nursing student upholds the ethical principle of veracity, which is being truthful and honest. This action ensures that the correct dosage of medication is administered to the client, preventing potential harm. Documenting the situation is essential for accurate record-keeping and accountability. Choice A is incorrect because keeping the information confidential would go against the ethical principle of veracity and could potentially harm the client. Choice C is incorrect as the decision about actions should involve healthcare professionals to ensure the client's safety and well-being, not solely the client. Choice D is incorrect because even if the client was not harmed immediately, incorrect medication dosages could still have long-term consequences, making it crucial to report the incident for proper evaluation and prevention.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse wants to demonstrate genuineness with a patient diagnosed with schizophreni The nurse should
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: use congruent communication strategies. Congruent communication involves aligning verbal and nonverbal cues, showing authenticity and transparency. This is crucial when working with patients diagnosed with schizophrenia to build trust and rapport. Restating what the patient says (A) may seem insincere or robotic. Using self-revelation (C) can shift the focus from the patient to the nurse. Consistently interpreting the patient's behaviors (D) may lead to misinterpretations and breakdown in communication. Overall, using congruent communication strategies helps the nurse establish a genuine connection with the patient and promote effective therapeutic communication.
Question 3 of 5
Which is an effective nursing intervention to assist an angry patient learn to manage anger without violence?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it promotes cognitive-behavioral techniques to manage anger effectively. By helping the patient identify triggering thoughts, evaluate their validity, and replace them with reality-based thinking, nurses can assist in changing the patient's response to anger. This intervention encourages self-awareness and empowers the patient to develop healthier coping mechanisms. Choice B is incorrect as it promotes punitive measures, which can escalate aggression and undermine trust between the patient and healthcare provider. Choice C is incorrect as aversive conditioning methods like popping a rubber band on the wrist are not evidence-based and can be harmful. Choice D is incorrect as medication should not be the first-line intervention for managing anger without violence.
Question 4 of 5
A patient has threatened to kill his wife, and it is not anticipated that this crisis will resolve itself. The patient is to be admitted to an inpatient psychiatric unit on an involuntary basis. When explaining to the family about this plan, the nurse would identify which of the following as the focus of care?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Acute symptom stabilization. In this situation, the main focus of care is to address the immediate threat of harm to the patient's wife by stabilizing the patient's acute symptoms. This involves ensuring the patient's safety and the safety of others through interventions such as medication management and behavioral interventions. Long-term therapy (choice A) would not be the immediate priority, as the focus is on managing the current crisis. Rehabilitative services (choice B) focus on long-term recovery and functioning, which is not the primary goal at this stage. 24-hour supervision (choice D) may be necessary as part of the care plan, but it is not the primary focus of care in this scenario.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is assessing a patient's immediate and short-term memory. Which of the following would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the nurse is assessing immediate and short-term memory. Giving the patient three words to recite now and then in 5 minutes tests both immediate recall and short-term memory retention. This task assesses the patient's ability to retain information over a brief period, which is crucial for evaluating memory function. In contrast, options A, B, and D involve different memory processes or timeframes and are not as directly relevant to assessing immediate and short-term memory. Option A focuses on long-term memory, option B involves problem-solving skills, and option D primarily tests orientation rather than memory retention.