ATI RN
ATI Capstone Mental Health Assessment Questions
Question 1 of 9
At what point in the nurse–patient relationship should a nurse plan to first address termination?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, during the orientation phase. This is the initial phase where the nurse establishes rapport, gathers information, and sets the tone for the relationship. Planning for termination during orientation allows for a smooth transition and helps manage expectations. Addressing termination at the end of the working phase (choice B) may be abrupt and disrupt the therapeutic process. Near the beginning of the termination phase (choice C) is too late as it doesn't allow sufficient time for the patient to process and prepare for closure. Waiting for the patient to bring up termination (choice D) may lead to uncertainty and anxiety for the patient.
Question 2 of 9
A nurse is assessing a patient's spirituality. Which question would be most appropriate to ask?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: "What gives your life meaning?" because it directly relates to assessing the patient's spirituality by exploring their values, beliefs, and purpose in life. This question allows the nurse to understand the patient's spiritual perspective and connection to something greater than themselves. Choice A is incorrect because it focuses on mental health and suicide risk rather than spirituality. Choice B is also incorrect as it emphasizes the importance of family rather than exploring the patient's spiritual beliefs. Choice C is incorrect as it delves into moral philosophy rather than directly addressing the patient's spirituality. By asking about the meaning in life, the nurse can gain insight into the patient's spiritual well-being and provide appropriate support.
Question 3 of 9
The nurse is interviewing a client with schizophrenia when the client begins to say, 'Kite, night, right, height, fright.' The nurse documents this as which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Clang association. Clang association is a form of disorganized speech commonly seen in schizophrenia where words are linked together based on sound rather than meaning. In this scenario, the client is stringing together words that rhyme, indicating a pattern based on sound. Stilted language refers to formal, rigid speech lacking natural flow. Verbigeration is the repetition of words or phrases. Neologisms are newly created words. In this case, the client's speech does not fit the definitions of stilted language, verbigeration, or neologisms, making clang association the most appropriate choice.
Question 4 of 9
When assessing a patient diagnosed with a borderline personality disorder, which statement by the patient warrants immediate attention?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because expressing a desire to hurt someone is a red flag for potential harm to self or others. This statement indicates a risk of violent behavior and immediate attention is needed to ensure safety. Statements A, B, and C are not immediate concerns as they do not suggest immediate harm or danger. A: Grief over a past event, B: Medication compliance, and C: Issues with parental relationships are important but do not pose an immediate threat.
Question 5 of 9
A nursing instructor is developing a teaching plan for a class about families. Which of the following would the instructor be most likely to include?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: New members are added by birth, marriage, or adoption. This is because families are not solely defined by blood relations but also by relationships formed through birth, marriage, or adoption. This inclusive definition reflects the diverse structures of modern families. Choice A is incorrect as it limits the definition of families to blood relations only. Choice C is incorrect as family size trends vary and may not necessarily be increasing in the United States. Choice D is incorrect as families today are often more mobile due to various factors such as job opportunities and lifestyle choices.
Question 6 of 9
A confused older adult patient in a skilled nursing facility was asleep when unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) entered the room quietly and touched the bed to see if it was wet. The patient awakened and hit the UAP in the face. Which statement best explains the patient's action?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the patient's action can be explained by the concept of interpreting the UAP's behavior as potentially harmful. In this scenario, the patient was asleep and suddenly awakened by the UAP quietly entering the room and touching the bed. The patient's instinctive response of hitting the UAP in the face can be seen as a defensive reaction triggered by perceiving a potential threat or harm from the UAP's unexpected actions. This aligns with the idea that older adults in a vulnerable state may react aggressively when feeling threatened or unsafe. Choice A is incorrect because it generalizes behavior without considering the specific context of the situation. Choice B is incorrect as it does not directly address the patient's perception of harm from the UAP's actions. Choice C is incorrect as there is no evidence provided in the scenario to support the idea that the patient learned violent behavior from other patients.
Question 7 of 9
During an interview, a patient states, 'God does not exist for me.' The nurse interprets this statement as reflecting which of the following?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Atheism. Atheism is the belief that there is no existence of any gods or deities. In this scenario, the patient explicitly states that "God does not exist for me," indicating a lack of belief in a higher power. Animism (A) is the belief that objects, places, and creatures possess a distinct spiritual essence. Agnosticism (B) is the belief that the existence of a higher power is unknown or unknowable. Polytheism (D) is the belief in multiple gods or deities, which is not reflected in the patient's statement.
Question 8 of 9
A group of nurses is reviewing medications used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The students demonstrate understanding of the information when they identify methylphenidate as which of the following?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Psychostimulant. Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant commonly used to treat ADHD. It works by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps improve focus and attention in individuals with ADHD. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (A) primarily target serotonin levels and are not used to treat ADHD. Noradrenergic reuptake inhibitors (C) target norepinephrine levels but are not the primary mechanism of action for methylphenidate. Alpha agonists (D) work on a different pathway and are not the correct classification for methylphenidate.
Question 9 of 9
Considering psychosocial role theory, which patient demonstrates healthy adjustment to aging?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the retiree volunteering at the library aligns with the psychosocial role theory, which emphasizes the importance of maintaining social roles and engagement in later life for healthy aging. Volunteering promotes social interaction, sense of purpose, and contribution to society, leading to better mental and emotional well-being. Choices A, B, and D focus on physical health or coping with illness, which are important aspects of aging but do not solely represent healthy adjustment to aging according to psychosocial role theory.