ATI RN
ATI 2019 Mental Health Proctored Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
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 their mental health. Homelessness often results from poverty, leading to chronic stress, lack of access to basic needs, social isolation, and increased vulnerability to mental health issues. Homeless individuals face multiple stressors that can exacerbate existing mental health conditions or lead to the development of new ones. Older adults (A) may face financial challenges but are not necessarily homeless. Individuals with physical disabilities (B) may encounter economic difficulties but are not automatically homeless. Single-parent families (C) may struggle financially, but homelessness is not exclusive to this group.
Question 2 of 5
While caring for a family, the nurse determines that first-order changes have occurred with which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because first-order changes refer to small, incremental adjustments within the system. In this scenario, the parent returning to work while the children are all in school signifies a gradual shift in the family dynamic. The other choices involve significant and more disruptive changes like a daughter leaving for college, a son getting married and moving out, and the death of a family member, which are considered second-order changes that lead to more substantial shifts in the family system.
Question 3 of 5
A patient has come to the clinic to discuss the stress she is experiencing because of failing two exams at school. Initially, she described her failures as 'the worst thing that has ever happened to me,' and she stated, 'There is absolutely nothing I can do to pass this course now.' In response to the nurse's questions, the nurse finds out there are three more equally weighted exams scheduled for the course in question. The nurse and patient collaborate and decide to use interventions to facilitate emotion-focused coping. Which additional comment from the patient would the nurse identify as providing support for this decision?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the patient's statement shows a shift in perspective from hopelessness to a willingness to collaborate and problem-solve. By acknowledging the possibility of working together to find a solution, the patient demonstrates openness to coping strategies. Choice A displays frustration without a willingness to participate actively. Choice B reinforces hopelessness and a defeatist attitude. Choice D reinforces negative self-perception without any indication of openness to change. In summary, choice C aligns with emotion-focused coping by showing a willingness to explore solutions collaboratively.
Question 4 of 5
A hospitalized client with schizophrenia is receiving antipsychotic medications. While assessing the client, the nurse identifies signs and symptoms of a dystonic reaction. Which agent would the nurse expect to administer?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Dystonic reactions are extrapyramidal side effects commonly seen with antipsychotic medications. Diphenhydramine is a first-line treatment for dystonic reactions due to its anticholinergic properties. It helps block the excessive dopamine activity in the brain that causes these reactions. Propranolol (B) is a beta-blocker and not typically used for dystonic reactions. Risperidone (C) and Aripiprazole (D) are antipsychotic medications themselves and would not be used to treat dystonic reactions caused by antipsychotic medications.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse who has worked with a client diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) when he was an inpatient on the psychiatric unit sees the client in the waiting room of the outpatient psychiatric clinic. The client motions to the nurse to come over so he can tell the nurse how things have been going since he was discharged. While talking with the client, the nurse determines that the client's therapy has been effective when the client states which of the following?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because the client's behavior of going to the workshop to work on projects when his mother-in-law visits indicates a healthy coping mechanism to manage stress. This shows that the therapy has been effective in helping the client find a constructive way to deal with his anxiety triggers. Choice A indicates ongoing stress, which suggests therapy may not be effective. Choice C shows a habit that has not changed, indicating little progress. Choice D suggests the use of alcohol as a coping mechanism, which is not a healthy or sustainable way to manage anxiety.