ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient is talking to the nurse about the recent death of her grandmother. She is obviously very sad, and a tear rolls down her cheek as she talks. The nurse remembers how she felt when her own grandmother died the previous summer. The nurse puts her hand on the patient's shoulder and says, 'This must be very difficult for you.' The nurse is demonstrating empathy based on which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the nurse's response reflects an attempt to communicate understanding of the patient's feelings, showing empathy. The nurse acknowledges the patient's sadness and difficulty, indicating she is trying to connect with the patient emotionally. This response validates the patient's emotions and demonstrates active listening. Choice B is incorrect because it focuses on the nurse's actions rather than the empathetic communication. Choice C is incorrect because the nurse's own experience is not the basis for empathy; it is the ability to understand and share the patient's emotions. Choice D is incorrect because while compassion and kindness are important, they do not directly relate to empathy in this scenario.
Question 2 of 5
A group of nursing students is preparing a class presentation comparing the different types of cognitive therapies. When describing solution-focused brief therapy, which of the following would the students identify as being different from the other therapies?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Solution-focused brief therapy differs from other cognitive therapies by focusing on the functional aspects of the patient rather than solely on problems. This approach emphasizes strengths and solutions, aiming to help clients identify and build on their existing resources to achieve their goals. By focusing on the positive and functional aspects, solution-focused brief therapy promotes a forward-looking and goal-oriented approach. In contrast, other therapies may focus more on challenging the existence of problems (choice B), recognizing change as constant (choice C), or delving into past experiences (choice D).
Question 3 of 5
The spouse of a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia says, 'I don't understand how events from childhood have anything to do with this disabling illness.' Which response by the nurse will best help the spouse understand the cause of this disorder?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because schizophrenia is widely believed to have a biological basis, supported by research showing genetic and neurological factors. This response helps the spouse understand that the disorder is not solely caused by childhood events but rather by underlying biological mechanisms. The other choices are incorrect because A oversimplifies the cause of mental disorders, B does not address the biological aspect of schizophrenia, and D does not provide relevant information about the disorder's cause.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse wants to find a description of diagnostic criteria for anxiety disorders. Which resource would have the most complete information?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: DSM-V. The DSM-V (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition) is the standard classification of mental disorders used by healthcare professionals, including nurses. It provides detailed diagnostic criteria for various mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders. The DSM-V is considered the most comprehensive and up-to-date resource for diagnosing mental health disorders. Incorrect Choices: A: Nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC) focuses on outcomes rather than diagnostic criteria for mental disorders. C: The ANA's Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice outlines the scope of practice for psychiatric-mental health nurses but does not provide diagnostic criteria. D: ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision) is primarily used for coding and billing purposes and does not offer detailed diagnostic criteria for mental health disorders like anxiety disorders.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client diagnosed with depression and notes that the client has been prescribed mirtazapine. The nurse interprets this information, identifying this agent as which type?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Alpha-2 antagonist. Mirtazapine is classified as a noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant (NaSSA), which acts as an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor antagonist. This mechanism of action increases the release of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain, leading to its antidepressant effects. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) inhibit the reuptake of serotonin, cyclic antidepressants primarily inhibit reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin, and norepinephrine dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs) inhibit the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine. Thus, choices A, B, and C are incorrect in this context.