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
The nurse is planning a presentation to a group of older adults on the topic of suicide in the population. One of the group participants asks who has the highest risk of suicide. Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because research shows that older men over 75 years who are divorced or widowed have the highest risk of suicide among older adults. This group faces social isolation, loss of social support, and higher rates of depression, making them more vulnerable. Choice A is incorrect as the number of prescriptions doesn't directly correlate with suicide risk. Choice B is incorrect because although depression is a risk factor, it's not the highest risk factor in this context. Choice C is incorrect as gender plays a significant role in suicide risk among older adults.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is providing a presentation for a group of health professionals about suicide. Which of the following would the nurse address as a major contributing factor to the rising suicide rate among men?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Substance abuse. Substance abuse is a significant contributing factor to the rising suicide rate among men because it can lead to depression, impaired judgment, and impulsive behavior, all of which increase the risk of suicide. Substance abuse can also exacerbate underlying mental health issues. In contrast, media influences, lack of conflict resolution skills, and parenting practices, while important factors in mental health, are not as directly linked to the increased suicide rate among men compared to substance abuse.
Question 4 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.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is implementing a brief intervention with a client who is abusing alcohol. The nurse most likely would be involved with which of the following?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because negotiating a conversation with the client to reduce alcohol use is a key component of brief interventions for alcohol abuse. The nurse's goal is to motivate the client to make positive changes in behavior. Asking questions about alcohol use (A) is important but not the primary focus. Pointing out inconsistencies (C) is more aligned with cognitive-behavioral therapy, not brief interventions. Helping the client change thinking patterns (D) is also important but not as directly related to the initial brief intervention process.