ATI RN
Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
During a mental status examination, which of the following components should be included in the assessment? Select one that doesn't apply.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: During a mental status examination, key components to be assessed include the client's appearance and behavior, thought processes, mood and affect, and cognitive function. These components help in evaluating the client's mental health status. The statement about cultural distance and illness treatment is not a part of a mental status examination and is not relevant to the assessment of mental health. Choices A, B, and C are essential components of a mental status examination and contribute to a comprehensive evaluation of an individual's mental well-being.
Question 2 of 5
A healthcare professional is assessing a client diagnosed with anorexia nervosa. Which of the following findings should the healthcare professional expect? Select one that doesn't apply.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Findings in a client diagnosed with anorexia nervosa include amenorrhea, lanugo, hypotension, and bradycardia. Hyperkalemia is not typically associated with anorexia nervosa. In anorexia nervosa, electrolyte imbalances often lead to hypokalemia, which is low potassium levels, due to malnutrition and potential purging behaviors. Hyperkalemia, high potassium levels, is not a common finding in individuals with anorexia nervosa.
Question 3 of 5
A client with bipolar disorder is prescribed lithium. Which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Lithium is a mood stabilizer commonly prescribed for bipolar disorder, and its therapeutic use requires careful monitoring and adherence to specific guidelines to ensure efficacy and prevent toxicity. **Choice D ("I can stop taking my medication once my mood stabilizes")** is the statement indicating a need for further teaching because lithium is a maintenance medication that must be taken continuously, even during periods of mood stability, to prevent relapse. Abrupt discontinuation can lead to a recurrence of manic or depressive episodes and may increase the risk of treatment resistance. Bipolar disorder is a chronic condition requiring long-term management, and stopping medication without medical supervision is dangerous. **Choice A ("I should maintain a consistent salt intake")** is correct and does not require further teaching. Lithium levels are sensitive to sodium balance; fluctuations in salt intake can alter lithium excretion, leading to toxicity (if sodium is too low) or reduced effectiveness (if sodium is too high). Maintaining consistent salt intake helps stabilize lithium levels within the therapeutic range. **Choice B ("I should drink 6-8 glasses of water daily")** is also appropriate. Proper hydration is critical because lithium is excreted by the kidneys, and dehydration can lead to elevated lithium levels, increasing the risk of toxicity. However, excessive fluid intake should be avoided as it can cause lithium levels to drop too low. **Choice C ("I need to have my lithium levels checked regularly")** is accurate and reflects good understanding. Regular blood tests are necessary to ensure lithium remains within the therapeutic range (typically 0.6-1.2 mEq/L). Subtherapeutic levels may render the medication ineffective, while supratherapeutic levels can cause toxicity, leading to symptoms such as tremors, confusion, seizures, or renal damage. The incorrect choices (A, B, and C) demonstrate proper knowledge of lithium management, while D reflects a dangerous misconception about discontinuing medication without professional guidance, necessitating further education on the chronic nature of bipolar disorder and the importance of adherence.
Question 4 of 5
Which of the following are therapeutic communication techniques that a healthcare professional can use when interacting with clients? Select one that doesn't apply.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Therapeutic communication techniques aim to promote understanding and trust between the professional and the client. Using silence allows the client to process thoughts, feelings, and information. Offering self involves making oneself available and showing empathy. Providing reassurance helps instill confidence. However, giving advice can sometimes be non-therapeutic as it may undermine the client's autonomy and decision-making process.
Question 5 of 5
A client with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is being cared for by a nurse. Which intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In caring for a client with OCD, it is essential to gradually limit the time allotted for compulsive behaviors. This intervention helps the client develop alternative coping mechanisms. Encouraging suppression or setting strict limits on compulsive behaviors can exacerbate the client's anxiety, making it crucial to approach the care plan with a gradual reduction strategy. Allowing the client to perform compulsive behaviors as needed does not promote progress towards managing OCD symptoms and may reinforce maladaptive patterns of behavior.