ATI RN
Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
An unemployed college graduate is experiencing severe anxiety over not finding a teaching position and has difficulty with independent problem-solving. During a routine physical examination, the graduate confides in the clinic nurse. Which is the most appropriate nursing intervention?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Work through the problem-solving process with the client. This option promotes empowerment and autonomy by guiding the client to develop their problem-solving skills. It allows the nurse to offer support and guidance without taking over the process entirely, fostering independence and self-efficacy. Encouraging the client to actively participate in finding solutions can help build confidence and improve their ability to handle similar situations in the future. Explanation for other choices: A: Encouraging relaxation exercises can be helpful for managing anxiety, but it does not directly address the underlying issue of developing problem-solving skills. B: Completing the problem-solving process for the client does not empower the client to learn how to address similar challenges independently. D: Keeping a journal can be a helpful tool for self-reflection and managing emotions, but it does not specifically address the client's difficulty with independent problem-solving.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is interviewing a distressed client, who relates being fired after 15 years of loyal employment. Which of the following questions would best assist the nurse to determine the clients appraisal of the situation? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: "What resources have you used previously in stressful situations?" This question is the best choice as it focuses on understanding the client's coping mechanisms and resilience. By asking about previous resources used, the nurse can assess the client's strengths and support systems. Choice B is incorrect because asking if the client has experienced a similar situation does not directly address the client's current appraisal of the situation. Choice C is incorrect as it focuses on assigning blame, which may not be helpful in understanding the client's perspective and emotions. Choice D is also incorrect because asking why the client thinks they were fired may lead to a defensive response and may not necessarily provide insight into the client's appraisal of the situation.
Question 3 of 5
At what point should the nurse determine that a client is at risk for developing a mental disorder?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. When maladaptive responses to stress are coupled with interference in daily functioning, the nurse should determine that a client is at risk for developing a mental disorder. This is because maladaptive responses to stress, such as excessive worry or avoidance behaviors, can be early signs of mental health issues. When these responses start impacting daily functioning, such as affecting work or relationships, it indicates a higher level of risk for a mental disorder. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not specifically address the combination of maladaptive responses to stress and interference in daily functioning, which are key indicators of potential mental health issues.
Question 4 of 5
During an intake assessment, a nurse asks both physiological and psychosocial questions. The client angrily responds, Im here for my heart, not my head problems. Which is the nurses best response?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it directly addresses the client's resistance by providing relevant information linking psychological factors to medical conditions. By explaining the impact of stress on health, the nurse demonstrates the importance of addressing psychosocial aspects during the assessment. Choice A is incorrect as it does not acknowledge the client's concerns and may come off as dismissive. Choice B is also incorrect as it focuses on the client's feelings rather than providing information to address the issue. Choice D is incorrect as it offers to skip the questions, which goes against the best practice of conducting a comprehensive assessment.
Question 5 of 5
An employee uses the defense mechanism of displacement when the boss openly disagrees with suggestions. What behavior would be expected from this employee?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Displacement is a defense mechanism where emotions are redirected from the original source to a substitute target. In this case, the employee is likely to displace their anger from the boss onto a coworker by criticizing them. This behavior allows the employee to express their feelings indirectly. A: Assertively confronting the boss does not align with displacement as it involves direct confrontation. B: Leaving the meeting to work out in the gym is a form of avoidance and does not involve displacing emotions onto another target. D: Taking the boss out to lunch is more of a conciliatory gesture and does not involve displacing negative emotions onto someone else.