ATI RN
Proctored ATI Mental Health Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient's 5-year-old poodle ran in front of a car and was killed. The patient continues to be upset by her pet's death, and she explains to a community counseling center nurse that she can't stop crying because, 'My Precious meant the world to me, and now my world will never be the same!' If the nurse were to determine that the patient was experiencing a crisis, which of the following types of crisis would it most likely be?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Situational crisis. In this scenario, the patient's overwhelming emotional response to her pet's death is due to a specific, unexpected event - the loss of her beloved pet. Situational crises are triggered by external events that disrupt an individual's normal functioning. The patient's distress is directly linked to the situation at hand, which is the sudden death of her poodle. Choice A: Maturational crisis, involves normal life transitions or stages. The patient's response is not related to a typical life event but to a specific incident. Choice C: Traumatic crisis, typically involves a life-threatening or deeply disturbing event. While the loss of a pet can be traumatic, in this case, the patient's distress seems more related to the emotional bond with her pet rather than the traumatic nature of the event. Choice D: Developmental crisis, occurs when an individual struggles to achieve a new developmental stage. The patient's grief is not related to a failure
Question 2 of 5
A group of nursing students are reviewing information related to drug therapy for mood disorders. The students demonstrate understanding of the information when they identify which agent as the gold standard for treating bipolar disorder?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Lithium. Lithium is considered the gold standard for treating bipolar disorder due to its proven efficacy in reducing manic episodes and preventing relapse. It has been used for decades and has a well-established track record. Additionally, lithium has a unique mechanism of action in stabilizing mood by modulating neurotransmitters. Carbamazepine, valproate, and lamotrigine are also used in treating bipolar disorder, but they are not considered the gold standard like lithium. Carbamazepine and valproate are typically used as alternative options or in combination with other medications, while lamotrigine is often used for bipolar depression rather than mania.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse assigned to ACT should explain the program's treatment goal as
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it accurately describes the treatment goal of Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) programs. ACT aims to provide intensive treatment and support for mentally ill individuals to help them live successfully in the community. This involves a comprehensive approach that includes medication management, therapy, and other services tailored to each individual's needs. Choice A is incorrect because ACT is not solely focused on maintaining abstinence from alcohol and other substances of abuse. Choice B is incorrect as it describes a different type of program for mentally ill patients in need of stabilization, not necessarily those in the community. Choice C is incorrect as it specifically mentions incarcerated inmates, which is not a focus of ACT programs designed for community living.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is working with a child for which an out-of-home placement has occurred. Which of the following would the nurse anticipate as the child's initial response?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Protest. When a child experiences an out-of-home placement, they typically respond with protest initially, displaying anger, resistance, and a sense of loss. This is a common reaction as the child may feel abandoned or confused. Despair (A) is usually a later response after protest. Withdrawal (B) involves isolating oneself, which is not an immediate response to out-of-home placement. Detachment (D) is a form of emotional disengagement, which is also not typically the initial response in this situation.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse makes a home visit to a family caring for a client with Alzheimer's disease. The client's wife tells the nurse that she hasn't been out of the house for more than 2 weeks because her sister has been unable to help her care for the client. Which nursing diagnosis would the nurse identify as the priority?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Caregiver Role Strain related to social isolation. The priority nursing diagnosis addresses the wife's current state of distress due to social isolation, which can impact her ability to provide care for the client. This diagnosis directly addresses her feelings of being overwhelmed and unable to fulfill her caregiving role effectively. In contrast, option A focuses on family coping, which is secondary to the wife's immediate need for support. Option B is not as relevant since it does not address the wife's emotional and psychological stress. Option D refers to the client's emotional state rather than the wife's, making it less of a priority in this scenario.