ATI RN
ATI Capstone Mental Health Proctored Assessment Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient's relationships are intense and unstable. The patient initially idealizes the significant other and then devalues him or her, resulting in frequent feelings of emptiness. This patient will benefit from interventions to develop which aspect of mental health?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Fulfilling relationships. Patients with intense and unstable relationships, idealization, devaluation, and feelings of emptiness likely have traits of borderline personality disorder. Developing fulfilling relationships is crucial in managing this disorder. It helps improve emotional stability, self-esteem, and coping skills. Effective work, communication skills, and productive activities are important but may not directly address the core issues of relationship instability and emotional dysregulation seen in this patient population.
Question 2 of 5
A patient checks and rechecks electrical cords related to an obsessive thought that the house may burn down. The nurse and patient explore the likelihood of an actual fire. The patient states this event is not likely. This counseling demonstrates principles of
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: cognitive restructuring. This counseling technique involves challenging and changing irrational thoughts, like the fear of the house burning down, by exploring evidence and creating more balanced perspectives. In this scenario, the nurse and patient are addressing the patient's obsessive thought by examining the likelihood of an actual fire, which aligns with cognitive restructuring. A: Flooding involves exposing the patient to the feared stimulus at full intensity, which is not demonstrated in the scenario. B: Desensitization involves gradually exposing the patient to the feared stimulus, not directly challenging irrational thoughts. C: Relaxation techniques aim to reduce anxiety and stress but do not address the underlying irrational thoughts like cognitive restructuring does.
Question 3 of 5
A 25-year-old woman who recently had abdominal surgery was admitted to the psychiatric unit, where it was determined that she had a borderline personality disorder. During the first week on the unit, it was determined that she also has diabetes. Her diabetes mellitus would be listed in which axis of her DSM-IV-TR diagnosis?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Axis III. Axis III in the DSM-IV-TR is used for medical conditions that are relevant to the individual's mental health diagnosis. In this case, the woman's diabetes would be listed on Axis III because it is a medical condition that can impact her mental health and treatment. Diabetes is a physical health issue that can affect emotional well-being and may influence the course of her psychiatric treatment. A: Axis I is for clinical disorders such as mood disorders or anxiety disorders. B: Axis II is for personality disorders and mental retardation. D: Axis IV is for psychosocial and environmental stressors. Therefore, the correct placement for the woman's diabetes mellitus in her DSM-IV-TR diagnosis would be on Axis III.
Question 4 of 5
A hospitalized patient diagnosed with depression asks the nurse, 'Should I go home this weekend?' Which response by the nurse uses the technique of reflection?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Option A reflects the patient's question back to them without adding any personal interpretation, allowing them to further explore their feelings. Step 2: This technique of reflection demonstrates active listening and encourages the patient to delve deeper into their thoughts. Step 3: Option B is a therapeutic technique called clarification, not reflection. Option C is an example of paraphrasing. Option D is a form of confrontation, not reflection. Summary: Choice A is correct as it reflects the patient's question back to them, facilitating self-exploration. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they represent different communication techniques.
Question 5 of 5
A patient is being treated in an interdisciplinary clinic. During interactions with a patient who is receiving cognitive behavior therapy, which of the following would the nurse concentrate on first?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Identifying the underlying beliefs. In cognitive behavior therapy, identifying the underlying beliefs is crucial as they drive the patient's thoughts and behaviors. By focusing on these core beliefs first, the nurse can help the patient understand the root causes of their issues and work towards challenging and modifying them effectively. A: Identifying alternative explanations of an event - This step usually comes after identifying the underlying beliefs. B: Exploring evidence to support or refute the beliefs - This step comes after identifying the beliefs and is not the initial focus. D: Examining the real implications if the beliefs are true - This step is important but is typically addressed after identifying and working on the underlying beliefs.