ATI RN
RN Mental Health Schizophrenia ATI Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient was admitted to the hospital after a suicide attempt made after his daughter was killed in an automobile accident during which he had been driving and survived with only minor injuries. Even though the accident was unavoidable, he feels responsible. During the assessment interview, the patient begins to describe the last conversation he had with his daughter before he lost control of the automobile. As he speaks about his daughter, his voice trembles, and a silent tear rolls down his face. He makes a visible attempt to 'straighten up' and smiles superficially at the nurse, stating, 'I'll get over this. I just need to keep a stiff upper lip. I think all I need to do is stay overnight. I'll be as good as new by tomorrow.' Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it addresses the patient's minimization of his suicidal attempt and encourages him to acknowledge the severity of the situation. By stating that he will not be ready to go home by tomorrow, the nurse challenges the patient's attempt to downplay his emotions and the seriousness of his actions. This response shows empathy and concern for the patient's well-being, guiding him towards accepting the help and support he truly needs. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because: A: While asking about the daughter and their relationship is important for building rapport, it does not address the immediate concern of the patient's suicidal attempt. B: Agreeing with the patient's statement and suggesting a good night's rest minimizes the seriousness of the situation and fails to address the patient's emotional distress. C: Questioning the patient's statement of being as good as new does not directly confront the seriousness of the suicide attempt and may not prompt the patient to reconsider his minimization of the situation.
Question 2 of 5
A patient visits the clinic and tells the nurse about being under a great deal of stress on the job for the past month. Applying the factors that determine the stress response, which question would be most appropriate for the nurse to ask?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because asking about the specific event that the patient finds most stressful helps identify the stressor. Understanding the cause of stress is crucial in managing it effectively. Choice A focuses on the impact of stress, not the cause. Choice B is related to social support, not the primary stressor. Choice D is about the timing of stress awareness, not the stressor itself. By identifying the specific stressor, the nurse can develop targeted interventions and support for the patient.
Question 3 of 5
While caring for a hospitalized client with schizophrenia, the nurse observes that the client is listening to the radio. The client tells the nurse that the radio commentator is speaking directly to him. The nurse interprets this finding as which of the following?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Referential thinking. This is because when the client believes that the radio commentator is speaking directly to them, it indicates referential thinking, where the individual perceives unrelated events or objects as having personal significance. This is a common symptom of schizophrenia. A: Autistic thinking refers to self-absorption and detachment from reality, not related to perceiving external stimuli as personal messages. B: Concrete thinking is a literal interpretation of external stimuli, not attributing personal significance to them. D: Illusional thinking involves experiencing false perceptions or beliefs, not necessarily attributing external stimuli as directly related to oneself.
Question 4 of 5
A client with a panic disorder has been prescribed a benzodiazepine medication. Which of the following would the nurse emphasize as a risk associated with using this medication?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Withdrawal symptoms. Benzodiazepines are known for causing physical dependence, leading to withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly. The nurse must emphasize this risk to the client with panic disorder to prevent potential harm. Dietary restrictions (A) are not typically associated with benzodiazepine use. Agitation (C) can be a side effect but is not a primary risk. Fecal impaction (D) is not directly related to benzodiazepine use. It is crucial for the nurse to educate the client on the importance of gradually tapering off the medication to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Question 5 of 5
While talking with a client with an eating disorder, the client states, 'I've gained 2 pounds, so soon I'll be over 100 pounds.' The nurse interprets this as which of the following?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Dichotomous thinking. This is because the client is exhibiting a black-and-white type of thinking by assuming that gaining 2 pounds will immediately push them over 100 pounds, without considering the possibility of any in-between weights. Dichotomous thinking involves viewing situations in extreme, polarized terms, such as all-or-nothing, good-or-bad. In this case, the client's statement reflects a rigid and unrealistic perspective on weight gain. A: Magnification - This choice involves blowing things out of proportion or exaggerating the importance of certain events or attributes, which is not the case in the client's statement. B: Selective abstraction - This choice refers to focusing on a single detail while ignoring the broader context, which is not evident in the client's statement. C: Overgeneralization - This choice involves drawing broad conclusions based on limited evidence, which is not the case as the client's statement is specific to their weight gain.