ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient presents to the emergency department with mixed psychiatric symptoms. The admission nurse suspects the symptoms may be the result of a medical problem. Lab results show elevated BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and creatinine. What is the nurse's next best action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assess the patient for a history of renal problems. Elevated BUN and creatinine levels indicate possible renal dysfunction, which can manifest as psychiatric symptoms. By assessing the patient for a history of renal problems, the nurse can gather important information to help determine the underlying cause of the symptoms. This step is crucial in identifying and addressing any potential medical issues contributing to the psychiatric presentation. Incorrect choices: A: Reporting the findings to the health care provider is important, but assessing the patient for a history of renal problems should be done first. C: Assessing the patient's family history for cardiac problems is not relevant to the elevated BUN and creatinine levels. D: Hospitalization on the psychiatric unit may not address the underlying medical issue causing the symptoms; assessing for renal problems is more appropriate.
Question 2 of 5
A group of students are reviewing the multiaxial diagnostic system of the DSM-IV-TR. The students demonstrate understanding of the axes when they identify that each axis represents which of the following?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: A domain of information. In the multiaxial diagnostic system of the DSM-IV-TR, each axis represents a specific domain of information for assessing an individual's mental health. Axis I represents clinical disorders, Axis II represents personality disorders and mental retardation, Axis III represents general medical conditions, Axis IV represents psychosocial and environmental stressors, and Axis V represents global assessment of functioning. The other choices are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the purpose of the axes in the multiaxial diagnostic system. A does not align with the purpose of the axes being domains of information, B is not relevant as the axes are not experimental designs, and D is incorrect as the axes do not represent laboratory test findings.
Question 3 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 4 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 5 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.