ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
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 5
Select the example of tertiary prevention.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because tertiary prevention focuses on managing existing conditions to prevent further complications. Helping a person with mental illness learn to manage money falls under this category by providing support and skills to improve their quality of life. Choice B involves physical restraint, which is not a form of prevention. Choice C is an example of primary prevention as it aims to educate and prevent the initial occurrence of substance abuse. Choice D is an example of secondary prevention as it involves identifying genetic risks and providing counseling to prevent the development of diseases or conditions.
Question 3 of 5
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 4 of 5
Which is an effective nursing intervention to assist an angry patient learn to manage anger without violence?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it promotes cognitive-behavioral techniques to manage anger effectively. By helping the patient identify triggering thoughts, evaluate their validity, and replace them with reality-based thinking, nurses can assist in changing the patient's response to anger. This intervention encourages self-awareness and empowers the patient to develop healthier coping mechanisms. Choice B is incorrect as it promotes punitive measures, which can escalate aggression and undermine trust between the patient and healthcare provider. Choice C is incorrect as aversive conditioning methods like popping a rubber band on the wrist are not evidence-based and can be harmful. Choice D is incorrect as medication should not be the first-line intervention for managing anger without violence.
Question 5 of 5
A patient has threatened to kill his wife, and it is not anticipated that this crisis will resolve itself. The patient is to be admitted to an inpatient psychiatric unit on an involuntary basis. When explaining to the family about this plan, the nurse would identify which of the following as the focus of care?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Acute symptom stabilization. In this situation, the main focus of care is to address the immediate threat of harm to the patient's wife by stabilizing the patient's acute symptoms. This involves ensuring the patient's safety and the safety of others through interventions such as medication management and behavioral interventions. Long-term therapy (choice A) would not be the immediate priority, as the focus is on managing the current crisis. Rehabilitative services (choice B) focus on long-term recovery and functioning, which is not the primary goal at this stage. 24-hour supervision (choice D) may be necessary as part of the care plan, but it is not the primary focus of care in this scenario.