ATI RN
Mental Health Practice Test Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
During a solution-focused behavior therapy session, the therapist asks a patient to use his imagination based on a scenario in which a patient awakens and all his problems have disappeared. The therapist then asks the patient, 'How would your life be different?' Which type of question is the therapist using?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Miracle question. This question is used to help clients envision a future where their problems have miraculously disappeared, allowing them to explore how their life would be different without those issues. It encourages clients to imagine a positive change and helps them identify their desired outcomes. A: Exception question focuses on times when the problem did not occur. C: Relationship question explores how relationships may be impacting the issue. D: Scaling question involves rating progress or motivation levels, not imagining a problem-free scenario.
Question 2 of 9
The DSM-V classifies:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the DSM-V classifies mental disorders people have. This classification is based on a comprehensive assessment of specific criteria outlined in the DSM-V for various mental health conditions. Deviant behaviors (A) alone do not necessarily indicate a mental disorder. Present disability or distress (B) is a consequence of mental disorders, but not the sole criteria for classification. Classifying all people with mental disorders (C) is too broad and does not account for individuals without a diagnosed mental disorder. Therefore, the correct classification focuses on mental disorders individuals have (D) based on specific diagnostic criteria.
Question 3 of 9
A newly admitted patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder has gained 20 pounds over a few months and has suicidal ideation. The patient has taken antidepressant medication for 1 week without remission of symptoms. Select the priority nursing diagnosis.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The priority nursing diagnosis in this scenario is C: Risk for suicide. This is because the patient's suicidal ideation poses an immediate threat to their safety and needs to be addressed urgently to ensure their well-being. The patient's weight gain and lack of symptom improvement with antidepressants are important factors but do not take precedence over the risk of suicide. Imbalanced nutrition and chronic low self-esteem are not the priority as they are not immediately life-threatening. Hopelessness is also important but addressing the risk for suicide takes precedence in this critical situation.
Question 4 of 9
A nurse is providing care to a patient with a mental disorder classified by the DSM-IV-TR. The nurse understands that although the first three axes appear to contain all the diagnostic information about a patient, a truly accurate picture of the client is incomplete without considering other factors such as an estimate of current functioning and:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Life stressors. Understanding the patient's life stressors is crucial in assessing their current functioning and overall well-being. Stressors can exacerbate symptoms, impact treatment outcomes, and affect daily functioning. Considering life stressors helps the nurse develop a comprehensive care plan. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because while cultural background, marital status, and genetic history are important factors to consider, they do not directly provide insight into the patient's current functioning and how stressors may be influencing their mental health.
Question 5 of 9
There is conflict surrounding the dying experience in modern medicine. The medical model of treatment in the United States has traditionally been focused on the prolongation of life. What intrinsic factor plays into this medical model?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Medicare is a fee-for-service model. In the United States, the fee-for-service model incentivizes healthcare providers to perform more procedures and tests to generate more revenue. This directly contributes to the focus on prolonging life rather than quality end-of-life care. Healthcare workers' intentions (A) and ethical considerations (D) may vary, and palliative care costs (C) are not the primary intrinsic factor shaping the medical model.
Question 6 of 9
The nurse is caring for a group of hospitalized patients with various psychiatric diagnoses. The nurse identifies which patient as having the greatest risk for a suicide attempt?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Man with major depressive disorder. Patients with major depressive disorder have a higher risk of suicide due to the intense feelings of hopelessness and despair associated with the condition. Individuals with depression may experience suicidal ideation and have a higher likelihood of attempting suicide. Bipolar I disorder (A) may also present a risk, but major depressive disorder has a more consistent association with suicide. Acute stress disorder (B) typically does not have as direct a link to suicide as major depressive disorder. Somatoform disorder (D) is characterized by physical symptoms without a clear medical explanation and is not specifically linked to an increased risk of suicide.
Question 7 of 9
After teaching a group of students about protective factors for mental illness, the instructor determines that the teaching was successful when the students identify which of the following?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Social support. Social support is a well-established protective factor for mental illness as it provides individuals with a network of resources, emotional support, and coping strategies. Having a strong social support system can help individuals better manage stress, improve self-esteem, and reduce feelings of isolation. A, B, and C are incorrect choices. Unemployment (A) is a risk factor for mental illness, not a protective factor. Younger age (B) is not necessarily a protective factor, as mental illness can affect individuals of all ages. Single status (C) can be a risk or protective factor depending on the individual's social support system.
Question 8 of 9
A nurse is planning care for a client with a sealed radiation implant who is to remain in the hospital for 1 week. Which of the following should the nurse include in the plan of care?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for the correct answer B: 1. Wearing a dosimeter film badge helps monitor the nurse's radiation exposure. 2. This is important as the nurse will be in close proximity to the client with the radiation implant. 3. The badge will measure the nurse's radiation exposure levels to ensure they are within safe limits. 4. This precaution is crucial to protect the nurse's health during the client's stay. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: A: Removing dirty linens does not directly relate to radiation safety for the nurse. C: Limiting client visits does not address the nurse's radiation exposure. D: Ensuring family members stay 3 feet away does not protect the nurse from radiation exposure.
Question 9 of 9
A nurse is preparing to assess a middle-aged male client who was brought to the emergency department by his wife. She reports that the client has been extremely depressed lately. When assessing this client, which of the following would be a priority assessment?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Thoughts of self-harm. This is the priority assessment because it indicates the client's risk of harm to himself. Assessing for self-harm is crucial in determining the immediate safety of the client. Changes in sleeping patterns, appetite, and fatigue are important assessments in evaluating depression but do not directly address the client's immediate safety. It is essential to address the most critical issue first to ensure the client's well-being.