ATI RN
Mental Health Exam 1 Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient is being discharged from the psychiatric unit this afternoon, and the nurse needs to teach the patient about discharge medications. The patient is exhibiting signs of moderate anxiety about the upcoming discharge. Based on Peplau's views regarding anxiety, the nurse would expect to implement the teaching plan at which time?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: When his anxiety decreases to a mild level. According to Peplau, anxiety can be a driving force for learning and growth. When anxiety is at a moderate level, it indicates a level of readiness for learning. Implementing the teaching plan when the patient's anxiety decreases to a mild level ensures that the patient is still motivated to learn and engage in the teaching process. Waiting until the anxiety stabilizes (option A) may lead to missed opportunities for effective teaching. Expecting the patient to be completely free of anxiety (option C) is unrealistic and may delay the teaching process. Waiting until the patient's anxiety escalates to the panic level (option D) would not be conducive to effective learning as it may impair the patient's ability to process and retain information.
Question 2 of 5
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 3 of 5
A nurse is working as part of a community disaster response team. When responding to a community disaster, the nurse integrates understanding of individuals'responses, anticipating which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: People can become aggressive and violent when their basic needs are threatened. In a disaster situation, individuals may experience fear, stress, and uncertainty, leading to heightened emotions and potential aggression. This response is a natural survival instinct when basic needs such as safety, shelter, and food are threatened. Anticipating this response allows the nurse to prepare for managing potential conflicts and ensuring the safety of both victims and responders. Choices B and C are incorrect because people involved in a disaster may prioritize their own survival and well-being before helping others, depending on the situation. Losses incurred during a disaster can have significant long-term effects on victims, such as trauma, grief, and financial hardship. Choice D is incorrect because the psychological distress associated with disasters may not always be immediately felt, as some individuals may initially be in a state of shock or disbelief before processing their emotions.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse makes a home visit to a client who has dysthymic disorder. Which of the following would the nurse expect to assess?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Low energy. Dysthymic disorder is characterized by persistent low mood, which often leads to decreased energy levels. Individuals with dysthymic disorder may experience fatigue, lack of motivation, and difficulty engaging in activities. Intense concentration (B) is not typically associated with dysthymic disorder, as individuals may have difficulty focusing due to their low energy and mood. Agitation (C) is more commonly seen in conditions such as anxiety disorders, rather than dysthymic disorder. Normal appetite (D) may or may not be present in individuals with dysthymic disorder, as appetite changes can vary among individuals.
Question 5 of 5
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.