ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient preparing for surgery has moderate anxiety and is unable to understand preoperative information. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because presenting information in a calm manner using simple language helps the patient with moderate anxiety better understand preoperative information. This approach acknowledges the patient's anxiety and promotes effective communication. Choice A is incorrect because it addresses postoperative care rather than preoperative information. Choice C is incorrect as it focuses on recovery rather than addressing the patient's anxiety and understanding of preoperative information. Choice D is incorrect because it encourages expression of feelings rather than directly addressing the patient's understanding of preoperative information.
Question 2 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 3 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 4 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 5 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.