ATI RN
2019 ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
A staff nurse on a psychiatric unit knows that patients often have trouble sleeping because of their psychiatric conditions. Which of the following would reflect a psychiatric nursing intervention to appropriately address this problem?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A: Limiting amounts of evening snacks and beverages Rationale: 1. Limiting evening snacks and beverages can help regulate patients' sleep patterns by reducing stimulants that may interfere with sleep. 2. Nutrition plays a role in sleep quality, and avoiding heavy meals close to bedtime can promote better sleep. 3. This intervention addresses a common issue in psychiatric patients without imposing strict rules or physical activity. 4. It focuses on a holistic approach to improving sleep quality by considering dietary factors. Summary: B: Involving patients in a volleyball game immediately before bedtime - This choice is incorrect as vigorous physical activity before bedtime can be stimulating and may disrupt sleep. C: Enforcing the rule that all patients be in bed with lights out by 10:30 PM - This choice is incorrect as it is too rigid and may not address the underlying causes of sleep disturbances. D: Encouraging patients to take short naps in the afternoons - This choice is incorrect as daytime
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient who has been under severe stress while caring for her elderly mother who is in the advanced stages of Alzheimer's disease. The nurse explains that the patient is adapting to the stress she is experiencing because of which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A: Ability to survive in the midst of severe stress Rationale: 1. The patient is under severe stress due to caring for her mother with Alzheimer's disease. 2. Adaptation to stress involves the ability to survive and cope with challenging situations. 3. Surviving severe stress indicates the patient's resilience and ability to endure difficult circumstances. 4. This choice best reflects the patient's capacity to manage and withstand the stress she is facing. Summary: B: Acceptance of others' help in caring for her mother - This choice focuses on receiving help from others, which may not directly relate to the patient's ability to adapt to stress. C: Success at being able to solve problems - While problem-solving skills are valuable, adaptation to stress goes beyond just solving problems. D: Capability in setting reasonable personal goals - Setting goals is important but may not directly address the patient's adaptation to severe stress.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is caring for an elderly client who has been taking an antipsychotic medication for 1 week. The nurse notifies the physician when he observes that the client has muscle rigidity that resembles Parkinson's disease. Which agent would the nurse expect the physician to prescribe?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Anticholinergic. Antipsychotic medications can cause extrapyramidal symptoms like muscle rigidity resembling Parkinson's disease. Anticholinergics are used to manage these symptoms by blocking the effects of acetylcholine, which helps alleviate muscle rigidity. Anxiolytics (B), benzodiazepines (C), and beta-blockers (D) are not typically used to treat extrapyramidal symptoms associated with antipsychotic medications. Anxiolytics are for anxiety, benzodiazepines are for sedation or anxiety, and beta-blockers are for conditions like hypertension or heart-related issues.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse has instructed a client with panic disorder about how to use the technique of positive self-talk. The nurse determines that the client has understood the instructions when the client verbalizes which statement to use during an impending panic attack?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: "I can handle this anxiety; it will be over shortly." This statement reflects positive self-talk by acknowledging the anxiety but also affirming the client's ability to cope and that the situation is temporary. This empowers the client to manage the panic attack effectively. Incorrect Choices: A: "I am feeling very nervous right now." This choice focuses only on acknowledging the feeling without providing a positive coping strategy. C: "I am taking medication to eliminate these symptoms." This choice relies solely on medication and does not address the client's ability to cope with the panic attack. D: "Relax your muscles, relax your muscles." This choice provides a relaxation technique but lacks the empowering and affirming aspect of positive self-talk.
Question 5 of 5
A client has made multiple visits to the clinic. The nurse suspects that the client may be experiencing complex somatic symptom disorder based on which of the following?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Reports of the same symptoms repeatedly. In complex somatic symptom disorder, individuals often report persistent physical symptoms with no clear medical explanation. By repeatedly reporting the same symptoms, the client demonstrates a key characteristic of this disorder. Choices A, B, and D do not directly align with the diagnostic criteria for complex somatic symptom disorder. Expressions of concern about psychological problems (A) could indicate other mental health conditions. Indications that parents were always in 'good health' (B) and evidence of a need for social support from friends (D) are not specific to complex somatic symptom disorder.