ATI RN
Nursing Mental Health Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient who is hospitalized with depression tells the nurse, 'I don't want to take the medication because I'm afraid I'll become suicidal.' Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it demonstrates the nurse's understanding of the patient's concerns and addresses the issue of suicidal ideation directly. By asking about suicidal thoughts, the nurse can assess the patient's risk and provide appropriate interventions. Choice B is incorrect as it dismisses the patient's fear without addressing the underlying problem. Choice C is incorrect as it validates the patient's refusal without addressing the safety concern. Choice D is incorrect as it compares the patient to another individual and does not address the specific issue of suicidal thoughts.
Question 2 of 5
An older patient tells the nurse that she is becoming more forgetful. The nurse explains to the patient that this is most likely related to which of the following?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Medications. Older patients commonly experience medication side effects that can cause memory issues. Medications like sedatives, antihistamines, and benzodiazepines can impair memory. This is a logical explanation as the patient's forgetfulness could be a result of medication-induced cognitive impairment. Explanation for other choices: A: Anxiety - While anxiety can affect memory, it is less likely to be the primary cause of cognitive decline in an older patient. B: Organic brain syndrome - This term is broad and not specific enough to pinpoint the cause of the forgetfulness in this scenario. C: Plaques in the brain tissue - Plaques are commonly associated with conditions like Alzheimer's disease, but there is no indication in the question that this patient's forgetfulness is due to this specific pathology.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is with an adolescent who tells the nurse that she has nothing to live for and she just wishes she was dead. Which nursing action would be the priority?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because staying with the patient to explore more of her thoughts about suicide is the priority. This allows the nurse to assess the severity of the situation, gather more information, provide immediate support, and establish rapport with the patient. It also helps in forming a safety plan and determining the level of risk. Choice A is incorrect because it does not address the immediate need for support and assessment. Choice C is incorrect as seclusion may escalate the situation and is not the best approach for someone expressing suicidal ideation. Choice D is incorrect as it is not the most immediate priority and does not directly address the patient's current emotional state.
Question 4 of 5
The plan of care for a client diagnosed with depression includes cognitive interventions. The nurse would expect to assist with which of the following?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Thought stopping. Cognitive interventions for depression aim to challenge and change negative thought patterns. Thought stopping is a technique used to interrupt and replace negative thoughts with more positive or neutral ones. This helps the client break the cycle of negative thinking associated with depression. A: Social skills training focuses on improving interpersonal interactions, not directly addressing cognitive distortions. B: Activity scheduling involves planning and engaging in activities to increase positive experiences, but it does not directly target cognitive distortions. D: Interpersonal therapy focuses on improving relationships and communication skills, rather than directly addressing cognitive distortions.
Question 5 of 5
A client is brought into the emergency department because he was involved in an automobile accident. His blood alcohol level (BAL) is 0.10 mg %. Based on this finding, the nurse would expect to assess which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Difficulty with coordination. A BAL of 0.10 mg % indicates the client is legally intoxicated. Alcohol affects the cerebellum, impairing coordination and balance. Stupor (B) suggests a higher level of intoxication. Emotional lability (C) refers to rapid and exaggerated changes in mood, which is not directly related to BAL. Ataxia (D) is a lack of voluntary coordination of muscle movements, which is more severe than difficulty with coordination.