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
The history of a child newly diagnosed with ADHD reveals that the child is experiencing sleeping difficulties. Which agent would the nurse most likely use?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Atomoxetine. Atomoxetine is the preferred agent for ADHD in children with sleeping difficulties as it does not typically affect sleep patterns. Methylphenidate (A) may worsen sleep issues due to its stimulant properties. Bupropion (C) can also cause insomnia. Clonidine (D) may help with sleep but is not the first-line choice for ADHD without comorbid conditions like tics or aggression.
Question 3 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.
Question 4 of 5
Which technique is most applicable to aversion therapy?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Aversion therapy aims to reduce unwanted behaviors by associating them with negative consequences. Punishment, option A, is the most applicable technique as it involves applying an unpleasant stimulus to decrease the likelihood of a behavior occurring again. Desensitization (B) and positive reinforcement (D) aim to increase desired behaviors, which is not the goal of aversion therapy. Role modeling (C) involves observing and imitating others' behaviors, which is unrelated to aversion therapy's principles.
Question 5 of 5
Which statement shows a nurse has empathy for a patient who made a suicide attempt?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it directly acknowledges the patient's emotions and perspective without judgment. It shows understanding and validation of the patient's feelings, indicating empathy. Choice B focuses on the nurse's feelings, not the patient's. Choice C offers a solution without addressing the patient's emotional state. Choice D minimizes the seriousness of the patient's situation and lacks empathy. Overall, choice A demonstrates the most empathetic response by recognizing and empathizing with the patient's emotional distress.