ATI RN
Mental Health Practice A ATI Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient receiving an antipsychotic agent develops acute extrapyramidal symptoms. Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The most appropriate response by the nurse is C: "These are the results of the drug that can be treated; your illness is not getting worse." This response acknowledges the side effects of the antipsychotic medication (extrapyramidal symptoms) while reassuring the patient that these symptoms can be managed without indicating a worsening of their condition. It demonstrates empathy, provides accurate information, and offers hope for improvement. Explanation of other choices: A: This response is dismissive and invalidates the patient's experience, which can be harmful to the therapeutic relationship. B: Allergy is not the cause of extrapyramidal symptoms, so changing medication based on this assumption is incorrect and may lead to unnecessary changes. D: Blaming sunlight for the symptoms is inaccurate and does not address the underlying issue of medication side effects, potentially causing confusion for the patient.
Question 2 of 5
A group of nursing students are reviewing information about the evolution of mental health care and are discussing the recommendations of the final report of the Joint Commission on Mental Illness and Health. The students demonstrate understanding of this information when they identify that the report recommended an increase in which of the following?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Clinics supplemented by general hospital units. The Joint Commission on Mental Illness and Health recommended an increase in community-based mental health services, including clinics supplemented by general hospital units, to provide more accessible and comprehensive care for individuals with mental health issues. This shift in focus from institutional care to community-based services aimed to improve overall mental health care delivery and outcomes. Incorrect choices: A: Numbers of mental health hospitals - The report actually recommended a decrease in reliance on mental health hospitals. B: State funding for mental health care - While funding is important, the report focused more on the type and delivery of mental health services rather than just funding. D: Use of psychotherapy by psychiatrists - While psychotherapy is a valuable treatment modality, the report focused on broader system-level recommendations rather than specific treatment methods.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with delirium who has been brought for treatment by his son. While taking the client's history, which question would be most appropriate for the nurse to ask the client's son?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: "Has your father taken any medications recently?" This question is most appropriate because delirium can be caused by medication side effects. By asking about recent medications, the nurse can gather important information to help identify potential causes of the client's delirium. Summary of other choices: B: "Are you aware of your father falling or injuring his head in any way?" - This question focuses on physical trauma, which may not necessarily be related to the client's delirium. C: "Has your father had a recent stroke?" - While a stroke can cause delirium, assuming a stroke without evidence may lead to incorrect assessment and treatment. D: "Has your father experienced any major losses recently?" - This question is more related to emotional stressors and may not directly address the potential medical causes of delirium.
Question 4 of 5
On an inpatient psychiatric unit, the nurse explores feelings about potentially working with a woman whose husband has abused her and her children physically and verbally. This interaction would occur in which phase of the nurse-client relationship?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pre-interaction phase. In this phase, the nurse is preparing to meet the client, gathering information, and examining personal feelings and biases. By exploring feelings about working with an abused woman, the nurse is engaging in self-reflection and preparing to approach the interaction with awareness and sensitivity. The other choices are incorrect because in the orientation phase the nurse establishes rapport, in the working phase interventions are implemented, and in the termination phase the nurse evaluates outcomes and prepares for closure, none of which align with exploring personal feelings before meeting the client.
Question 5 of 5
Larry, a middle-aged male in a treatment facility, is loudly displaying anger in the day room with a visiting family member. It is obvious to the nurse this pattern has played out before. Violence is often escalated when family members or authority figures:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Engage in a power struggle. Engaging in a power struggle can escalate the situation by challenging the individual's sense of control and leading to increased anger and aggression. This behavior can further provoke the individual and worsen the situation. A: Using a soft tone of voice may not address the underlying issues causing the anger and can be perceived as patronizing. B: Moving away in fear can demonstrate avoidance behavior and may not effectively address the situation. C: Using simple words to communicate may not address the power dynamic at play and may not de-escalate the situation effectively. In summary, engaging in a power struggle can exacerbate the situation, while the other choices may not effectively address the root cause of the anger and aggression displayed by Larry.