ATI RN
Psychiatric Nurse Certification Questions
Question 1 of 5
A person in the community asks, 'Why aren’t people with mental illness kept in state institutions anymore?' Select the nurse’s best response
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A) Less restrictive settings are available now to care for individuals with mental illness. This response is the best because it reflects the shift in mental health care from institutionalization to community-based care. In the past, individuals with mental illness were often placed in state institutions, but this approach has been largely replaced by a focus on providing care in less restrictive settings such as outpatient clinics, group homes, and supportive housing. This change has been driven by a recognition of the importance of individual autonomy, recovery-oriented care, and the desire to integrate individuals with mental illness into the community. Option B) There are fewer persons with mental illness, so less hospital beds are needed is incorrect because the prevalence of mental illness has not decreased significantly, and the shift away from institutionalization is not solely due to a decrease in the number of individuals with mental illness. Option C) Most people with mental illness are still in psychiatric institutions is incorrect as this statement is not reflective of the current approach to mental health care, which emphasizes community-based treatment and support. Option D) Psychiatric institutions violated patients’ rights is incorrect because although there have been historical instances of human rights violations in psychiatric institutions, the main reason for moving away from institutionalization is to provide more person-centered and recovery-focused care in less restrictive environments. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of understanding the evolution of mental health care practices and the shift towards community-based care models. It emphasizes the need for nurses to be knowledgeable about current approaches to caring for individuals with mental illness and the principles of recovery-oriented care.
Question 2 of 5
An adolescent asks a nurse conducting an assessment interview, Why should I tell you anything? Youll just tell my parents whatever you find out. Which response by the nurse is appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Adolescents value confidentiality, and the nurse must balance trust with legal/ethical duties. Option C is appropriate because it honestly explains that most information is confidential, but certain serious issues (e.g., suicidal ideation) must be shared with the treatment team for safety, fostering trust while clarifying limits. Option A is inaccurate (some exceptions exist), Option B undermines confidentiality, and Option D is dismissive and confrontational.
Question 3 of 5
When assessing a patient's mental health status, which of the following describe the purpose of the psychosocial assessment? Select one that does not apply.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The purpose of the psychosocial assessment is to construct a picture of the client's current emotional state, mental capacity, and behavioral function. This assessment serves as the basis for developing a plan of care to meet the client's needs. The client's physical health status would need to be completed as another assessment or an extended assessment.
Question 4 of 5
A patient is known to express tangential thinking. The nurse would assess for which of the following when interacting with the patient?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Tangential thinking is wandering off the topic and never providing the information requested. Thought blocking is stopping abruptly in the middle of a sentence or train of thoughts, sometimes unable to continue the idea. Loose associations are disorganized thinking that jumps from one idea to another with little or no evident relation between the thoughts. Flight of ideas is excessive amount and rate of speech composed of fragmented or unrelated ideas.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse suspects that a patient is abusing alcohol while taking prescribed medications. The nurse plans to educate the patient on the dangers of mixing medicine with alcohol. Which of the following would be the most effective way for the nurse to approach this subject with the patient?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Noncompliance with prescribed medications is an important area. If the client has stopped taking medication or is taking medication other than as prescribed, the nurse must help the client feel comfortable enough to reveal this information. The nurse also explores the client's use of alcohol and over-the-counter or illicit drugs. Such questions require nonjudgmental phrasing; the nurse must reassure the client that truthful information is crucial in determining the client's plan of care.