ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam 2023 PDF Questions
Question 1 of 5
After teaching a group of students about mental health and mental illness, the instructor determines that the teaching was successful when the group identifies which of the following as reflecting mental disorders?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because an alteration in mood or thinking is a key characteristic of mental disorders. This indicates a disruption in normal cognitive or emotional processes, which is a defining feature of mental illnesses. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not specifically address the core symptoms of mental disorders. Capacity to interact with others (A) and ability to deal with stress (B) are important aspects of mental health but do not necessarily indicate the presence of a mental disorder. Lack of impaired functioning (D) does not capture the complexity of mental disorders, as individuals can still experience mental health issues even if they are able to function in certain areas of their life.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is caring for several hospitalized clients with anorexia nervosa. The nurse would be especially alert for which of the following if noted in the clients' histories?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Depression. Clients with anorexia nervosa often experience co-morbid conditions like depression due to the psychological and emotional impact of the disorder. Depression can exacerbate anorexic behaviors and hinder recovery. Paranoia (A), primary insomnia (B), and aggression (D) are not typically associated with anorexia nervosa. Paranoia is more commonly linked to conditions like schizophrenia, primary insomnia is a sleep disorder, and aggression may occur in various psychiatric disorders but is not a hallmark of anorexia nervosa.
Question 3 of 5
A client with suicidal thoughts tells the nurse, 'It just does not seem worth it anymore. Why not end my misery?' Which of the following responses for the nurse is appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because asking about a specific plan to end their life assesses the client's level of risk for immediate harm. It helps determine the seriousness of their suicidal thoughts and the need for immediate intervention. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not directly address the client's suicidal ideation or assess their immediate risk. Option A focuses on the client's perception of life but does not assess their immediate safety. Option C seeks clarification but does not address the urgency of the situation. Option D emphasizes trust but does not assess the client's immediate risk.
Question 4 of 5
A citizen at a community health fair asks the nurse, 'What is the most prevalent mental disorder in the United States?' Select the nurse's correct response.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Alzheimer's disease. This is because Alzheimer's disease is the most prevalent mental disorder in the United States, affecting a large number of individuals, especially in older age groups. Schizophrenia (A) and bipolar disorder (B) are serious mental illnesses, but they are less common than Alzheimer's disease. Dissociative fugue (C) is a rare disorder characterized by amnesia and sudden travel away from home. While all these disorders are significant, Alzheimer's disease stands out as the most prevalent in the U.S. based on epidemiological data.
Question 5 of 5
On a substance abuse unit, a client diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver tells the nurse,"I really don't believe that drinking a couple of cocktails every night has anything to do with my liver problems." Which is the best nursing response?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. This response uses therapeutic communication by reflecting the client's statement back to them. By doing so, the nurse acknowledges the client's perspective without being confrontational. It opens the door for further discussion and exploration of the client's beliefs around alcohol and liver damage. This approach helps build rapport and trust with the client, allowing for a more effective therapeutic relationship. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not address the client's denial or beliefs directly. Choice B focuses on gathering more information about the client's drinking habits without addressing the client's statement. Choice C asks for an explanation without validating the client's feelings. Choice D is a general statement that may come across as judgmental and does not address the client's specific belief.