ATI RN
Mental Health Nursing Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
An instructor is teaching nursing students about neurotransmitters. Which term best explains the process of how neurotransmitters released into the synaptic cleft may return to the presynaptic neuron?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Reuptake is the term that best explains the process of how neurotransmitters released into the synaptic cleft may return to the presynaptic neuron. After neurotransmitters are released into the synaptic cleft to transmit signals between neurons, they need to be removed from the cleft to allow for new signals to be transmitted. Reuptake is the process by which the presynaptic neuron reabsorbs the neurotransmitters that were released into the synaptic cleft, recycling them for later use. This process helps in regulating the levels of neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft, ensuring proper signaling between neurons. Regeneration, on the other hand, refers to the process of growing new neurons or nerve fibers. Recycling is a general term that may not specifically apply to the reabsorption of neurotransmitters, while retransmission is not a recognized term in this context.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse should expect that an increase in dopamine activity might play a significant role in the development of which mental illness?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a significant role in various mental illnesses, including schizophrenia. One of the leading theories about schizophrenia is the dopamine hypothesis, which suggests that excessive dopamine activity in certain areas of the brain contributes to the development of psychotic symptoms associated with the disorder. Medications that block dopamine receptors are often used to help manage symptoms of schizophrenia, further supporting the idea of dopamine dysregulation in this mental illness. Therefore, a nurse should expect that an increase in dopamine activity might play a significant role in the development of schizophrenia.
Question 3 of 5
Which of the following symptoms should a nurse associate with increased levels of thyroid- stimulating hormone (TSH) in a newly admitted client? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this question, the correct symptom associated with increased levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in a newly admitted client is depression (Option A). Here's a detailed rationale: Increased TSH levels are indicative of hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland is underactive. Depression is a common symptom of hypothyroidism due to the impact of inadequate thyroid hormone levels on brain function and neurotransmitter regulation. This hormonal imbalance can lead to mood disturbances, including feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and low energy levels. Option B, fatigue, is also a symptom of hypothyroidism. The underactive thyroid affects metabolism, leading to feelings of tiredness and lethargy. However, in this scenario, depression is a more specific symptom associated with increased TSH levels. Increased libido (Option C) and mania (Option D) are more commonly associated with hyperthyroidism, where the thyroid gland is overactive and produces excess thyroid hormones. In hyperthyroidism, individuals may experience heightened libido or manic symptoms due to the effects of excess thyroid hormones on the body's metabolic processes and neurotransmitter regulation. In an educational context, understanding the relationship between thyroid function and mental health is crucial for nurses working in mental health settings. Recognizing the potential psychiatric symptoms associated with thyroid disorders allows nurses to provide holistic care to clients, including appropriate referrals for further evaluation and treatment by healthcare providers specializing in endocrinology or psychiatry. This knowledge enables nurses to advocate for comprehensive assessments and individualized care plans to address both the mental health and endocrine needs of clients.
Question 4 of 5
Group therapy is strongly encouraged, but not mandatory, on an inpatient psychiatric unit. The unit managers policy is that clients can make a choice about whether or not to attend group therapy. Which ethical principle does the unit managers policy preserve?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The unit manager's policy of allowing clients to choose whether or not to attend group therapy preserves the ethical principle of autonomy. Autonomy refers to respecting individuals' right to make their own decisions about their care and treatment. By giving clients the choice, the unit manager is honoring their autonomy and allowing them to have a say in their own treatment plan. This helps empower clients and promotes their self-determination, which is a key aspect of ethical healthcare practice. It is important to respect autonomy in mental health settings to promote client-centered care and foster a therapeutic alliance.
Question 5 of 5
A psychiatric nurse working on an inpatient unit receives a call asking if an individual has been a client in the facility. Which nursing response reflects appropriate legal and ethical obligations?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct response is A, which involves refusing to give any information to the caller and citing rules of confidentiality. As a psychiatric nurse, maintaining confidentiality is crucial to ensure the privacy and rights of the individual seeking treatment. Providing information about a client without their consent can breach confidentiality and violate ethical standards. Therefore, by declining to disclose any information to the caller, the nurse upholds the legal and ethical obligations of safeguarding client confidentiality.