ATI RN
Mental Health ATI Book Questions
Question 1 of 5
Allowing the client to take the initiative in introducing the topic is to"broad opening" as the nurse's making self-available and presenting emotional support is to:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, "Offering self." This is because when a nurse makes themselves available and provides emotional support, they are offering their presence and support to the client, showing empathy and readiness to assist. This approach helps build a therapeutic relationship and provides a safe space for the client to express their feelings. Now, let's analyze the other choices: A: "Focusing" involves directing the conversation to a specific topic or issue, which is different from providing emotional support. C: "Restating" is a technique used to clarify and confirm understanding of the client's message, not necessarily providing emotional support. D: "Giving recognition" involves acknowledging the client's efforts or progress, which is not the same as offering emotional support. In summary, "Offering self" is the most appropriate choice as it aligns with the nurse's role in providing emotional support and being present for the client in a therapeutic manner.
Question 2 of 5
A new staff nurse completes an orientation to the psychiatric unit. This nurse will expect to ask an advanced practice nurse to perform which action for patients?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because only advanced practice nurses, such as psychiatric nurse practitioners, have the authority to prescribe psychotropic medication. This action requires specialized training and legal authorization beyond the scope of practice for staff nurses. Choice A is incorrect because staff nurses are trained to perform mental health assessments as part of their regular duties. Choice C is incorrect as establishing therapeutic relationships is a fundamental nursing skill that all nurses, including new staff nurses, are expected to possess. Choice D is incorrect because individualizing nursing care plans is a standard practice for all nurses based on the patient's specific needs.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse wants to teach alternative coping strategies to a patient experiencing severe anxiety. Which action should the nurse perform first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Lower the patient's current anxiety. This is the first step because a patient experiencing severe anxiety may not be able to focus on learning coping strategies until their anxiety is reduced. It is essential to address the immediate issue of anxiety to create a conducive environment for learning. Incorrect choices: A: Verify the patient's learning style - While understanding the patient's learning style is important, it is not the priority when the patient is in a state of severe anxiety. C: Create outcomes and a teaching plan - Developing outcomes and a teaching plan should come after addressing the immediate anxiety to ensure the patient can engage effectively in the learning process. D: Assess how the patient uses defense mechanisms - While understanding defense mechanisms is relevant, it is not the primary concern when the patient is in a state of severe anxiety.
Question 4 of 5
A nursing instructor is describing the DSM-IV-TR to a group of nursing students. Which of the following would the instructor include as the primary purpose of this classification?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Provide a commonly understood diagnostic category for clinical practice. The DSM-IV-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision) is primarily used to standardize the classification of mental disorders for diagnosis and treatment planning in clinical practice. It helps clinicians communicate effectively by providing a common language and set of criteria for diagnosing mental health conditions. Choice B is incorrect because the DSM-IV-TR focuses on classification rather than treatment modalities. Choice C is incorrect as the DSM-IV-TR does not focus on identifying etiologies based on family histories but rather on symptom criteria and patterns. Choice D is incorrect as the DSM-IV-TR does not provide specific optimal treatment outcomes but rather aids in accurate diagnosis and classification.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is watching a video that depicts a patient and therapist interacting. The patient is asked to say whatever comes to his mind. The nurse identifies this as which of the following?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Free associations. In this scenario, the patient is asked to say whatever comes to his mind without censoring or filtering their thoughts. This technique is commonly used in psychoanalysis, where the therapist analyzes the patient's free associations to gain insight into their unconscious thoughts and emotions. Dream work (A) involves the interpretation of dreams, not verbal interactions. Gestalt therapy (C) focuses on the present moment and holistic experience, not free associations. Classical conditioning (D) is a form of learning through association between stimuli and responses, not verbal expression.