ATI RN
Mental Health Practice Questions Quizlet Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient with acute depression states, "God is punishing me for my past sins." What is the nurse's most therapeutic response?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it acknowledges the patient's feelings without challenging or dismissing them. It shows empathy and validates the patient's emotions, promoting a therapeutic relationship. Choice B may invalidate the patient's feelings. Choice C may come off as confrontational. Choice D assumes the patient's beliefs and may not address their emotional distress effectively.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is assessing a patient with anxiety and observes the patient yelling and screaming. The nurse, integrating Peplau's theory, interprets this behavior as which of the following?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. In Peplau's theory, the nurse-patient relationship is crucial. 2. Yelling and screaming may indicate the patient is releasing pent-up emotions. 3. Relief behaviors suggest the patient is expressing emotions to alleviate anxiety. 4. This behavior aligns with the nurse providing emotional support. 5. Panic behaviors (A) imply uncontrollable fear, not necessarily related to relief. 6. Empathetic linkage (C) involves connecting with patient emotions, not just observing. 7. Social distance (D) is about maintaining boundaries, not addressing emotional distress. Summary: Choice B is correct because it reflects the patient's expression of relief, which aligns with Peplau's theory of nurse-patient relationship. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not address the specific emotional dynamics observed in the scenario.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse who is working with a patient being treated for depression is using solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) during the patient's brief psychiatric hospitalization. The nurse decides to use an 'exception question.' Which question would the nurse most likely use?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: When do you not feel depressed? In Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, the focus is on identifying exceptions to the problem rather than exploring the problem itself. The nurse asking about when the patient does not feel depressed helps to highlight moments when the patient's depression is not as prevalent, allowing them to identify coping strategies and potential solutions. Choice A is incorrect because it focuses on the onset of depression rather than the exceptions. Choice C is incorrect as it delves into the contributing factors of depression rather than identifying moments of respite. Choice D is incorrect because it focuses on the conditions for feeling depressed rather than exploring when the depression is not present.
Question 4 of 5
A psychiatric mental health nurse is assessing a woman for possible factors related to suicide. Which of the following would the nurse be least likely to identify?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Smoking. The nurse would be least likely to identify smoking as a factor related to suicide because smoking is not directly linked to suicidal behavior. Poor self-rated health, low education, and drug use are all known risk factors for suicide, as they can contribute to feelings of hopelessness, isolation, and coping difficulties. Smoking, while harmful to physical health, is not typically considered a direct risk factor for suicide. Therefore, the nurse would focus more on exploring the other options to assess the woman's risk for suicide.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is working with a patient who is in crisis. Which of the following would be least appropriate for the nurse to do?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The least appropriate action for the nurse is to provide false reassurance that everything will be okay. This can invalidate the patient's feelings and minimize the severity of their crisis. It's crucial for the nurse to acknowledge the patient's emotions and provide support without making unrealistic promises. Supporting cultural beliefs (A) and clarifying misconceptions (D) are important for effective communication. Encouraging the patient to focus on one aspect at a time (B) can help in breaking down overwhelming situations.