ATI RN
Mental Health Practice Questions Quizlet Questions
Question 1 of 9
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 9
A group of nursing students is reviewing information about barriers to pain management. The group demonstrates the need for additional study when they identify which of the following as a barrier?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Adequate reimbursement. This is the correct answer because reimbursement issues do not typically act as a barrier to pain management. It is important for healthcare professionals to provide pain management regardless of reimbursement concerns. In contrast, fear of tolerance (A), concern for being a good client (C), and reluctance to report pain (D) are common barriers to pain management that can impact patient care and outcomes. Patients may fear developing tolerance to pain medications, may be hesitant to report pain due to concerns about being seen as a difficult patient, or may simply be reluctant to report pain altogether. Addressing these barriers is crucial for effective pain management.
Question 3 of 9
A client is hospitalized on a psychiatric unit secondary to a suicide attempt. He has been diagnosed with depression. He has been consistently depressed. When assessing the client, which of the following would alert the nurse that the client's suicidal risk has worsened?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the client stating that he feels better as he interacts more with other clients is a significant indicator of worsening suicidal risk. This change in behavior, from being consistently depressed to feeling better with social interaction, could indicate a sudden shift in mood, which may signal a potential spike in impulsivity and risk-taking behavior, including suicidal ideation. A, B, and D are incorrect: A: Expressing feeling more depressed can be a sign of deteriorating mental health, but it doesn't necessarily indicate an immediate increase in suicidal risk. B: Lethargy and isolation are common symptoms of depression and may not directly correlate with a sudden increase in suicidal risk. D: If the energy level and degree of depression remain the same, it may not indicate a worsening of suicidal risk unless other significant changes in behavior or mood are observed.
Question 4 of 9
Luc's family comes home one evening to find him extremely agitated and they suspect in a full manic episode. The family calls emergency medical services. While one medic is talking with Luc and his family, the other medic is counting something on his desk. What is the medic most likely counting?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Energy drink containers. Energy drinks are often consumed during manic episodes due to their high caffeine content, which can exacerbate manic symptoms. The medic counting energy drink containers is likely assessing the extent of Luc's consumption, providing valuable information for his medical evaluation and treatment. Hypodermic needles (A) are not typically associated with manic episodes. Fast food wrappers (B) and empty soda cans (C) may not be as directly related to exacerbating manic symptoms compared to energy drinks.
Question 5 of 9
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 6 of 9
After teaching a class to a group of nursing students about the historical perspectives of mental health care, the instructor determines that the group has understood the information when they identify which of the following as a common belief about mental illness during the medieval period?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Mental illness in an individual was the result of being possessed by demons. During the medieval period, mental illness was often attributed to supernatural causes like demons. This belief led to practices such as exorcisms to 'cure' the person. This answer is correct as it highlights a common belief about mental illness during that time. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: B: A person was removed from a contaminated environment to protect him or her - This choice does not align with the historical perspective of mental health care during the medieval period. C: Exorcisms were used as the primary mode of treatment to cleanse the person of his or her sins - While exorcisms were used, the primary belief was that mental illness was caused by demons, not necessarily sins. D: The focus was on moral treatment to promote the individual's safety and comfort - Moral treatment was a later development in mental health care, not a common belief in the medieval period.
Question 7 of 9
A nurse is caring for a client who sprained his left ankle 12 hours ago. Which of the following prescriptions given by the provider should the nurse clarify?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because applying heat to a sprained ankle within the first 48 hours can increase swelling and inflammation. This can delay the healing process and worsen the injury. The other choices are appropriate for caring for a sprained ankle. A: Elevating the extremity helps reduce swelling. C: Compression dressing helps support the ankle and reduce swelling. D: Regular assessments ensure proper circulation and monitor for complications. In summary, option B is incorrect as it goes against the principle of managing a sprained ankle in the initial phase.
Question 8 of 9
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.
Question 9 of 9
A 52-year-old male client who has a history of alcohol dependence is admitted to a detoxification unit. He has tremors, he is anxious, his pulse has risen from 98 to 110 beats/min, his blood pressure has risen from 140/88 to 152/100 mm Hg, and his temperature is six tenths of a degree above normal. He is slightly diaphoretic. Which nursing diagnosis would be the priority?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Risk for Injury. The priority nursing diagnosis in this scenario is based on the client's physical symptoms and potential harm to himself. The client's tremors, anxiety, elevated pulse and blood pressure, increased temperature, and diaphoresis indicate symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, which can lead to seizures or delirium tremens. The client is at risk for injury due to these physiological manifestations. Disturbed Thought Processes (A) may be present, but addressing the risk for injury takes precedence. Ineffective Coping (C) and Ineffective Denial (D) may be relevant, but they are not as urgent as ensuring the client's safety from potential harm during alcohol withdrawal.