ATI RN
Psychiatric Nursing Practice Test Questions with Answer Key PDF Questions
Question 1 of 9
A psychiatric-mental health nurse is adhering to the standards of practice. When engaging in clinical decision making, the nurse is integrating which of the following as the foundation?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Nursing process. The nursing process is the systematic framework that guides nurses in providing individualized, holistic care. It involves assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. By integrating the nursing process into clinical decision-making, psychiatric-mental health nurses ensure comprehensive and effective care for their patients. Developmental issues (A) are important considerations in mental health nursing but do not serve as the foundation for clinical decision-making. Commitment (C) and accountability (D) are essential traits for nurses but do not directly influence the clinical decision-making process. The nursing process, with its structured approach, serves as the cornerstone for organizing and prioritizing care interventions.
Question 2 of 9
The nurse is providing care to a male patient who is hospitalized with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Which of the following would be appropriate for the nurse to include in the patient’s medical record?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it accurately reflects a symptom commonly associated with schizophrenia, which is auditory hallucinations (hearing voices). This information is important for monitoring the patient's condition and adjusting treatment plans. Choice A is incorrect because it does not provide any relevant information about the patient's schizophrenia symptoms. Choice C is incorrect as it does not mention any specific symptoms related to schizophrenia. Choice D is incorrect as the term "acted crazily" is stigmatizing and unprofessional, and does not provide a clear description of the patient's symptoms.
Question 3 of 9
A psychiatric-mental health nurse is teaching a class about social factors associated with mental illness at a community health center. When describing the influence of poverty and effects of the downward economic spiral on mental health, which population would the nurse identify as being the most at risk?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Homeless individuals. Homeless individuals are the most at risk due to the severe impact of poverty and the downward economic spiral on mental health. Homelessness is often directly linked to poverty and lack of resources, leading to increased stress, trauma, and mental health issues. Homeless individuals face constant instability, lack of access to basic necessities, and higher rates of trauma and violence, all of which significantly contribute to mental health problems. Other choices are less directly associated with the severe impact of poverty and homelessness on mental health. Older adults, individuals with physical disabilities, and single-parent families can also be at risk, but homeless individuals are the most vulnerable due to the extreme conditions they face on a daily basis.
Question 4 of 9
A group of nursing students are reviewing information about the various nursing theorists and their application to psychiatric-mental health nursing. The students demonstrate understanding when they identify which theorist as responsible for developing the theory of cultural care diversity and universality?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Madeleine Leininger is known for developing the theory of cultural care diversity and universality. 2. Leininger emphasized the importance of understanding and integrating cultural beliefs and practices into nursing care. 3. This theory is particularly relevant in psychiatric-mental health nursing to provide culturally sensitive care. 4. Sister Calista Roy developed the Adaptation Model, Hildegard Peplau the Interpersonal Relations Model, and Dorothea Orem the Self-Care Deficit Theory, which are not directly related to cultural care diversity and universality. Summary: Choice A is correct as Madeleine Leininger is the nursing theorist responsible for the theory of cultural care diversity and universality. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they are associated with different nursing theories not focused on cultural care diversity and universality.
Question 5 of 9
A psychiatric nursing class is discussing current trends in mental health care. A student voices the opinion that there should be equitable access to mental health care and resources for those who live in rural areas, for those without health insurance, and for those with very little income. The student nurse’s opinion most closely reflects which ethical principle?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Justice. The student nurse's opinion aligns with the ethical principle of justice, which emphasizes fairness and equitable access to resources for all individuals. By advocating for equal access to mental health care for those in rural areas, without insurance, and with low income, the student is promoting the ethical principle of justice. Justice ensures that everyone has the opportunity to receive necessary care regardless of their circumstances. Nonmaleficence (A) focuses on avoiding harm, paternalism (B) involves making decisions for someone else's best interest without their consent, and veracity (C) pertains to truthfulness and honesty, which are not directly related to the student nurse's opinion on access to mental health care.
Question 6 of 9
A female patient was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia, and in the course of her treatment, it was determined that she was experiencing alcohol dependence because she began experiencing alcohol withdrawal while she was in the hospital. When the psychiatrist who was called in as a consultant documented the patient’s mental disorder, he identified her alcohol dependence on which axis?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Axis I. Alcohol dependence is classified as a mental disorder and is considered part of Axis I in the DSM-IV-TR system. Axis I includes clinical disorders, such as substance use disorders, that are the primary focus of clinical attention. In this case, the patient's alcohol dependence and withdrawal symptoms are the main reason for her admission and treatment. Explanation of incorrect choices: B: Axis II focuses on personality disorders and mental retardation, which are not the primary concern in this scenario. C: Axis III pertains to general medical conditions that are relevant to the patient's mental health, but not the primary mental disorder itself. D: Axis IV involves psychosocial and environmental stressors, such as life events or problems, which are not the primary focus in this case of alcohol dependence.
Question 7 of 9
A group of nursing students are reviewing information about Freud’s personality structure. The students demonstrate understanding of this information when they identify the ability to form mutually satisfying relationships as a function of which of the following?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The ability to form mutually satisfying relationships is a function of the Ego. The Ego operates based on reality principles and mediates between the demands of the Id and the constraints of the external world. It helps individuals to navigate social interactions and form healthy relationships by balancing instinctual drives with societal norms. Defense mechanisms (choice A) are strategies used by the Ego to manage conflicts between the Id and Superego, not directly related to forming relationships. The Unconscious (choice B) refers to the part of the mind containing thoughts, memories, and desires not currently in awareness. The Id (choice C) represents primal instincts and desires, which are not conducive to forming mutually satisfying relationships.
Question 8 of 9
A patient is involuntarily committed without a court order. The nurse understands that the emergency short-term hospitalization can occur for which time frame?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B (48 to 92 hours) because emergency short-term hospitalization without a court order typically ranges from 48 to 92 hours. This time frame allows for evaluation and stabilization of the patient's condition. Choice A (A maximum of 24 hours) is incorrect as it may not provide sufficient time for proper assessment and treatment. Choice C (3 to 5 days) and Choice D (One week) are also incorrect as they exceed the usual duration of emergency short-term hospitalization without a court order. Therefore, Choice B is the most appropriate option based on the typical time frame for such emergency commitments.
Question 9 of 9
A college-aged student and his friend arrive at the student health center. The friend reports that the patient has been having difficulties concentrating, remembering, and thinking. `He’s had quite a few research papers due this past week. After ruling out other problems, the nurse determines that the patient is experiencing a culture-bound syndrome. Which of the following would the nurse most likely suspect?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Shenjing shuairo. The given scenario describes symptoms related to cognitive difficulties due to stress from research papers. Shenjing shuairo is a culture-bound syndrome in Chinese culture that manifests as physical and cognitive symptoms due to stress or emotional distress. It aligns with the student's symptoms and stress from academic work. A: Ataque de nervios is a syndrome in Latino cultures characterized by a sudden outburst of emotion, not related to the cognitive difficulties described. B: Brain fog is a general term for cognitive symptoms like memory issues and lack of clarity, not specific to any culture-bound syndrome. C: Mal de ojo is a folk illness in Latino cultures related to the belief in the evil eye, not matching the cognitive symptoms in the scenario.