ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 9
An adolescent client is seen in the emergency department with symptoms of dementia, tremors, and ataxia. The client had been sniffing glue with a friend. The nurse suspects the client's symptoms were caused by poisoning with which of the following?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Toluene. Toluene is a solvent found in glue and can cause symptoms of dementia, tremors, and ataxia when inhaled. Mercury (A), lead (B), and arsenic (D) are toxic substances but do not typically present with these specific symptoms after glue sniffing. Mercury poisoning can cause neurological symptoms, lead poisoning can lead to developmental delays, and arsenic poisoning can result in gastrointestinal symptoms. Toluene exposure is associated with neurological effects due to its impact on the central nervous system.
Question 2 of 9
The nurse is performing an admission assessment on a forensic client. Which of the following would be most important for the nurse to include when explaining the purpose of the assessment to the client?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Step 1: The nurse's priority is to address the client's mental health and behavioral issues to provide appropriate treatment and support. Step 2: Focusing on mental health and behavior helps establish a therapeutic relationship and assess the client's immediate needs. Step 3: Discussing specific crimes may trigger distress or legal concerns, hindering the therapeutic process. Step 4: Avoiding detailed discussions of crimes maintains client confidentiality and respects their dignity. Summary: Option D is correct because it prioritizes mental health assessment over discussing specific crimes, ensuring a client-centered approach and fostering a safe therapeutic environment. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they prioritize irrelevant or potentially harmful information over the client's well-being.
Question 3 of 9
A nurse is observing a client diagnosed with borderline personality disorder on the inpatient unit. Which of the following would the nurse most likely note?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Participating in relationships in which the client has control. In borderline personality disorder, individuals often struggle with issues of control and impulsivity. They may seek relationships where they can exert control to manage intense emotions and fear of abandonment. This behavior is a common manifestation of the disorder. Choices A and B are less likely as individuals with borderline personality disorder may have difficulties with group participation and openly expressing feelings due to fear of rejection or abandonment. Choice D is incorrect as individuals with this disorder often struggle with personal boundaries and may violate them in relationships.
Question 4 of 9
While talking with a patient who has been experiencing aggression and intense anger, the nurse identifies that the patient feels isolation and anxious. Which statement by the nurse would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The most appropriate statement is "This must be scary for you" (A) because it acknowledges the patient's feelings of isolation and anxiety, showing empathy and validation. This helps build rapport and trust with the patient. Choice B is dismissive and minimizes the patient's feelings. Choice C implies the nurse fully understands, which may not be true. Choice D puts the responsibility on the patient to calm down before help is offered, which can escalate the situation.
Question 5 of 9
A nurse is caring for a group of clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse assign to an AP?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because a client who had a cerebrovascular accident two days ago and needs help toileting can be safely assigned to an AP. This task does not require specialized nursing knowledge or assessment skills. The AP can assist with toileting safely under the supervision of the nurse. Choices A, B, and C require nursing assessment, intervention, or evaluation of the client's condition, which should be done by a nurse. Assigning these tasks to an AP could compromise client safety and proper care.
Question 6 of 9
The client asks the nurse about the goal of treatment mental health programs. What would the nurse tell them?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because mental health programs aim to provide safe, structured, and supportive care for individuals with mental health symptoms who can benefit from frequent treatment monitoring. This goal emphasizes the importance of creating a therapeutic environment that offers necessary interventions and support to help individuals manage their symptoms and improve their well-being. Choice A is incorrect because the goal is not solely about transitioning individuals to complete independence quickly, but rather about providing ongoing support and care. Choice C is incorrect as mental health programs are not intended to serve as permanent homes, but rather as treatment settings aimed at improving individuals' mental health. Choice D is incorrect because while close monitoring may be necessary for some clients, it is not the sole goal of mental health programs, which also focus on providing support and treatment interventions.
Question 7 of 9
On an inpatient psychiatric unit, a client states,"I want to learn better ways to handle my anger." This interaction is most likely to occur in which phase of the nurse-client relationship?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the working phase, clients actively engage in exploring and addressing their issues, such as learning coping strategies for anger management. This phase focuses on goal setting, problem-solving, and skill development. The nurse-client relationship has progressed beyond initial introductions (orientation phase) and rapport-building (pre-interaction phase). The termination phase is when the relationship concludes after achieving goals. Thus, the correct answer is C as it aligns with the specific client goal of anger management intervention.
Question 8 of 9
A patient says to the nurse, "I dreamed I was stone When I woke up, I felt emotionally drained, as though I hadn't rested well." Which response should the nurse use to clarify the patient's comment?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct response is D because it directly addresses the ambiguity in the patient's statement by seeking clarification on the term "stoned." By asking for an example, the nurse can better understand the specific content of the dream and its emotional impact on the patient. This open-ended question encourages the patient to elaborate and express their feelings, leading to a more meaningful conversation and a deeper understanding of the patient's concerns. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not directly address the ambiguity in the patient's statement or seek clarification on the term "stoned." Choice A assumes the patient was uncomfortable with the dream content, choice B only relates the nurse's experience without addressing the patient's specific situation, and choice C focuses on the quality of sleep rather than the content of the dream.
Question 9 of 9
The parents of a young adult diagnosed with schizophrenia are providing care for the patient in their home. During a home visit, the parents state, 'It's been so difficult taking care of our son. We need a break. But he needs constant supervision.' Which of the following would be appropriate for the nurse to suggest?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Respite residential care. This option allows the parents to take a break from caregiving while ensuring their son receives necessary supervision. Respite care offers temporary relief for caregivers, preventing burnout. Partial hospitalization (A) involves structured treatment during the day, not suitable for caregiver respite. Acute inpatient care (B) is for crisis situations, not for caregiver relief. Intensive outpatient programs (D) require the patient to attend frequent therapy sessions, not giving the parents a break.