ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
An 85-year-old client has become agitated and physically aggressive after having a stroke with right-sided weakness. The client is started on risperidone PO 0.5 mg qhs. Which is a priority nursing diagnosis for this client?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Risk for falls R/T right-sided weakness and sedation from risperidone. This is the priority nursing diagnosis because the client's physical aggression and right-sided weakness increase the risk of falls, which can lead to further injury. The sedative effect of risperidone can further impair the client's balance and coordination, exacerbating the risk. Addressing this risk is crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of the client. Summary of other choices: B: Activity intolerance R/T right-sided weakness - While this is a relevant concern, it is not the priority as the risk of falls takes precedence. C: Disturbed thought processes R/T acting-out behaviors - While the client's behavior may be a concern, addressing the immediate risk of falls is more critical. D: Anxiety R/T change in health status and dependence on others - While anxiety may be present, addressing the risk of falls is more urgent in this situation.
Question 2 of 9
A nursing student observes an incorrect dosage of medication being given to a client receiving electroconvulsive therapy. To implement the ethical principle of veracity, which action would the nursing student take?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. By informing the student's instructor and the client's primary nurse, the nursing student upholds the ethical principle of veracity, which is being truthful and honest. This action ensures that the correct dosage of medication is administered to the client, preventing potential harm. Documenting the situation is essential for accurate record-keeping and accountability. Choice A is incorrect because keeping the information confidential would go against the ethical principle of veracity and could potentially harm the client. Choice C is incorrect as the decision about actions should involve healthcare professionals to ensure the client's safety and well-being, not solely the client. Choice D is incorrect because even if the client was not harmed immediately, incorrect medication dosages could still have long-term consequences, making it crucial to report the incident for proper evaluation and prevention.
Question 3 of 9
Garret's wife of 8 years is divorcing him because the marriage never developed a warm or loving atmosphere. Garrett states in therapy, 'I have always been a loner,' and was never concerned about what others think. The nurse practitioner suggests that Garrett try a trial of bupropion (Wellbutrin) to:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale for Choice C (Increase the pleasure of living): Bupropion is an antidepressant that works by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain, which can help improve mood and overall sense of pleasure. Given Garrett's emotional flatness and lack of warmth in his relationships, bupropion can potentially enhance his ability to experience pleasure in life and improve his overall quality of life. Summary of Incorrect Choices: A: Improving flat emotions is a potential benefit of bupropion, but the primary goal is not just to improve emotions, but to increase the pleasure of living. B: While bupropion can sometimes help with sleep disturbances, the main reason for prescribing it in Garrett's case is to address his emotional flatness and lack of enjoyment in life. D: Bupropion is not specifically indicated to prepare someone for group therapy; its main purpose in this scenario is to improve Garrett's overall sense of pleasure and enjoyment in life.
Question 4 of 9
Student nurse DeShawna just began clinical on a behavioral health unit. What is an example of a statement DeShawna may make that demonstrates her need for assistance?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct Answer: B Rationale: 1. Completing a mental status exam is crucial in assessing behavioral health clients. 2. Failing to do so may result in missing important information about the client's mental state. 3. DeShawna's statement indicates a lack of understanding of the importance of a mental status exam. 4. This demonstrates her need for assistance in recognizing the significance of thorough assessments. Summary of Incorrect Choices: A: Completing all parts of the nursing assessment is positive but does not specifically address the need for a mental status exam. C: Gathering medication names is important but does not address the need for a mental status exam. D: Assessing for suicidal ideation is crucial, but it does not address the need for a mental status exam, which is also essential in behavioral health assessments.
Question 5 of 9
The head nurse in the ED has received word that a major fire in a high-rise office tower will result in many injured persons being brought to the hospital within the next few minutes. The head nurse tells the staff, 'You will need to assess for acute stress reactions as well as treating physical problems.' Which patient is exhibiting symptoms characteristic of acute stress reaction?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because the female reporting still hearing her daughter's pleas for help is exhibiting symptoms characteristic of acute stress reaction, a common response to traumatic events like a major fire. This symptom indicates a re-experiencing of the traumatic event, known as intrusion, which is a key feature of acute stress reactions. This can include vivid memories, flashbacks, or hearing sounds related to the traumatic event. Choices A, C, and D do not align with acute stress reactions. A male with mood swings between mania and depression (Choice A) is more likely experiencing bipolar disorder. A male repeating 'I don't understand what's going on?' (Choice C) may indicate confusion or disorientation rather than acute stress reaction. A female rocking her young son and repeating 'it will be okay' (Choice D) may be demonstrating a coping mechanism rather than a symptom of acute stress reaction.
Question 6 of 9
An 80-year-old client visits the mental health clinic with her daughter. During the assessment process, the client tells the nurse that she is taking an antidepressant, an antibiotic, and an occasional aspirin. Which question would be most important for the nurse to ask?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: "How much grapefruit juice do you drink on a daily basis?" This is because grapefruit juice can interact with certain medications, including antidepressants, antibiotics, and aspirin, leading to potentially serious side effects. Grapefruit juice inhibits the enzyme CYP3A4, which can increase the concentration of these medications in the bloodstream, causing adverse effects. Therefore, it is crucial for the nurse to ask about grapefruit juice consumption to assess the risk of drug interactions. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because orange juice, tomato juice, and grape juice do not have significant interactions with the mentioned medications. While it is important to consider overall dietary habits, grapefruit juice specifically has a known interaction with many medications, making it the most critical question to ask in this scenario.
Question 7 of 9
A nurse wants to demonstrate genuineness with a patient diagnosed with schizophreni The nurse should
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: use congruent communication strategies. Congruent communication involves aligning verbal and nonverbal cues, showing authenticity and transparency. This is crucial when working with patients diagnosed with schizophrenia to build trust and rapport. Restating what the patient says (A) may seem insincere or robotic. Using self-revelation (C) can shift the focus from the patient to the nurse. Consistently interpreting the patient's behaviors (D) may lead to misinterpretations and breakdown in communication. Overall, using congruent communication strategies helps the nurse establish a genuine connection with the patient and promote effective therapeutic communication.
Question 8 of 9
A client with schizophrenia tells the nurse, 'I'm being watched constantly by the FBI because of my job.' Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct response is B: "It must be frightening to feel like you're always been watched." This response validates the client's feelings without challenging the delusion directly. It shows empathy and builds rapport. Choice A may inadvertently reinforce the delusion. Choice C denies the client's experience and may lead to resistance. Choice D uses clinical jargon and may be too direct, potentially causing the client to become defensive.
Question 9 of 9
The nurse administers each of the following drugs to various patients. The patient who should be most carefully assessed for fluid and electrolyte imbalance is the one receiving:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Lithium (Eskalith). Lithium is known to cause fluid and electrolyte imbalances by affecting sodium and water reabsorption in the kidneys. Patients on lithium therapy should be closely monitored for signs of dehydration, hyponatremia, and other electrolyte disturbances. Clozapine, Diazepam, and Amitriptyline do not typically cause significant fluid and electrolyte imbalances. Monitoring is still important, but not as critical as with lithium.