ATI RN
Mental Health Practice Questions Quizlet Questions
Question 1 of 5
After teaching a class to a group of nursing students about the historical perspectives of mental health care, the instructor determines that the group has understood the information when they identify which of the following as a common belief about mental illness during the medieval period?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Mental illness in an individual was the result of being possessed by demons. During the medieval period, mental illness was often attributed to supernatural causes like demons. This belief led to practices such as exorcisms to 'cure' the person. This answer is correct as it highlights a common belief about mental illness during that time. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: B: A person was removed from a contaminated environment to protect him or her - This choice does not align with the historical perspective of mental health care during the medieval period. C: Exorcisms were used as the primary mode of treatment to cleanse the person of his or her sins - While exorcisms were used, the primary belief was that mental illness was caused by demons, not necessarily sins. D: The focus was on moral treatment to promote the individual's safety and comfort - Moral treatment was a later development in mental health care, not a common belief in the medieval period.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse who is working with a patient being treated for depression is using solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) during the patient's brief psychiatric hospitalization. The nurse decides to use an 'exception question.' Which question would the nurse most likely use?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: When do you not feel depressed? In Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, the focus is on identifying exceptions to the problem rather than exploring the problem itself. The nurse asking about when the patient does not feel depressed helps to highlight moments when the patient's depression is not as prevalent, allowing them to identify coping strategies and potential solutions. Choice A is incorrect because it focuses on the onset of depression rather than the exceptions. Choice C is incorrect as it delves into the contributing factors of depression rather than identifying moments of respite. Choice D is incorrect because it focuses on the conditions for feeling depressed rather than exploring when the depression is not present.
Question 3 of 5
A psychiatric mental health nurse is assessing a woman for possible factors related to suicide. Which of the following would the nurse be least likely to identify?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Smoking. The nurse would be least likely to identify smoking as a factor related to suicide because smoking is not directly linked to suicidal behavior. Poor self-rated health, low education, and drug use are all known risk factors for suicide, as they can contribute to feelings of hopelessness, isolation, and coping difficulties. Smoking, while harmful to physical health, is not typically considered a direct risk factor for suicide. Therefore, the nurse would focus more on exploring the other options to assess the woman's risk for suicide.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is working with a patient who is in crisis. Which of the following would be least appropriate for the nurse to do?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The least appropriate action for the nurse is to provide false reassurance that everything will be okay. This can invalidate the patient's feelings and minimize the severity of their crisis. It's crucial for the nurse to acknowledge the patient's emotions and provide support without making unrealistic promises. Supporting cultural beliefs (A) and clarifying misconceptions (D) are important for effective communication. Encouraging the patient to focus on one aspect at a time (B) can help in breaking down overwhelming situations.
Question 5 of 5
A client is hospitalized on a psychiatric unit secondary to a suicide attempt. He has been diagnosed with depression. He has been consistently depressed. When assessing the client, which of the following would alert the nurse that the client's suicidal risk has worsened?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the client stating that he feels better as he interacts more with other clients is a significant indicator of worsening suicidal risk. This change in behavior, from being consistently depressed to feeling better with social interaction, could indicate a sudden shift in mood, which may signal a potential spike in impulsivity and risk-taking behavior, including suicidal ideation. A, B, and D are incorrect: A: Expressing feeling more depressed can be a sign of deteriorating mental health, but it doesn't necessarily indicate an immediate increase in suicidal risk. B: Lethargy and isolation are common symptoms of depression and may not directly correlate with a sudden increase in suicidal risk. D: If the energy level and degree of depression remain the same, it may not indicate a worsening of suicidal risk unless other significant changes in behavior or mood are observed.