ATI RN
ATI Capstone Mental Health Proctored Assessment Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient is being treated in an interdisciplinary clinic. During interactions with a patient who is receiving cognitive behavior therapy, which of the following would the nurse concentrate on first?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Identifying the underlying beliefs. In cognitive behavior therapy, identifying the underlying beliefs is crucial as they drive the patient's thoughts and behaviors. By focusing on these core beliefs first, the nurse can help the patient understand the root causes of their issues and work towards challenging and modifying them effectively. A: Identifying alternative explanations of an event - This step usually comes after identifying the underlying beliefs. B: Exploring evidence to support or refute the beliefs - This step comes after identifying the beliefs and is not the initial focus. D: Examining the real implications if the beliefs are true - This step is important but is typically addressed after identifying and working on the underlying beliefs.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is completing an admission assessment of a young adult woman who has a history of depression and who was brought to the hospital by her boyfriend. In response to the nurse's question regarding suicidal ideation, the patient discloses that she is thinking about killing herself. Which question would be most appropriate for the nurse to ask next?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: "What thoughts have you had about how you would kill yourself?" This question is appropriate as it assesses the patient's specific suicidal ideation, providing crucial information for risk assessment and intervention planning. By asking about the method, the nurse can gauge the immediacy and lethality of the patient's suicidal thoughts. A: "What does your boyfriend think about your desire to kill yourself?" - This question focuses on the boyfriend's perspective rather than the patient's own thoughts and feelings, not directly addressing the immediate risk. B: "What are your spiritual beliefs about suicide?" - While spiritual beliefs can be important, this question does not directly address the severity or immediacy of the patient's suicidal thoughts. C: "What will killing yourself accomplish?" - While exploring the patient's reasons for suicidal ideation is important, this question does not address the specific method or immediate risk.
Question 3 of 5
When assessing a client with depression, the client states, I just feel so sad and hopeless. I just don't care anymore. I don't even enjoy doing the crossword puzzles like I used to. The nurse documents this finding as indicative of which of the following?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Anhedonia. Anhedonia refers to the inability to experience pleasure or joy in activities that were previously enjoyable. In the scenario provided, the client's statement about not enjoying crossword puzzles anymore indicates a loss of pleasure, which is a key symptom of anhedonia commonly seen in depression. A: Dysthymic disorder is a type of chronic mood disorder characterized by persistently depressed mood. The client's symptoms do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of dysthymic disorder based on the information provided. C: Delusion refers to a fixed false belief that is not based in reality. The client's statement does not involve any delusional beliefs, so this choice is incorrect. D: Psychosis involves a loss of contact with reality, often manifesting as hallucinations or delusions. The client's statement does not indicate a break from reality, so psychosis is not the correct choice.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is preparing an inservice program about substance abuse and its etiology. Which of the following would the nurse most likely include in the presentation when discussing possible psychologic etiologies?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Low self-esteem. Low self-esteem is a common psychological etiology of substance abuse as individuals may turn to substances to cope with feelings of inadequacy or self-doubt. This can lead to a cycle of self-medication and addiction. Incorrect choices: B: Genetic predisposition - While genetics can play a role in substance abuse, it is not a psychological etiology but rather a biological factor. C: Dysfunctional family - While family dynamics can contribute to substance abuse, it is more related to environmental factors than psychological ones. D: Peer influence - Peer influence is a social factor, not a psychological one, that can contribute to substance abuse behavior.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is caring for an adolescent in the outpatient psychiatric setting. To help the adolescent feel more in control of the initial therapy sessions, which statement by the nurse would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. By stating "If something is uncomfortable for you, you don't have to talk about it," the nurse empowers the adolescent to have control over the therapy session, fostering a sense of autonomy and trust. This statement respects the adolescent's boundaries and emotions, promoting a therapeutic relationship based on mutual understanding. Choice A is incorrect because it may undermine the adolescent's trust in confidentiality. Choice B is incorrect as it assumes distrust without allowing the adolescent to express their feelings. Choice C is incorrect as it may make the adolescent feel guilty or pressured by their parents' concern, potentially hindering open communication.