ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam Questions
Question 1 of 9
During a treatment team meeting, the point is made that a client with schizophrenia has recovered from the acute psychosis but continues to demonstrate apathy, avolition, and blunted affect. The nurse who relates these symptoms to serotonin excess will suggest that the client receive?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the symptoms of apathy, avolition, and blunted affect are indicative of negative symptoms commonly seen in schizophrenia. These symptoms are often associated with dopamine and serotonin imbalances in the brain. Olanzapine, an atypical antipsychotic, is known for its efficacy in treating both positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. It acts by blocking serotonin and dopamine receptors, helping to alleviate the symptoms mentioned. Chlorpromazine and Haloperidol are typical antipsychotics that primarily target dopamine receptors, while Phenelzine is an MAOI used to treat depression and anxiety disorders, not schizophrenia. Therefore, the most appropriate choice for this client displaying these symptoms related to serotonin excess would be Olanzapine.
Question 2 of 9
During the assessment of an adolescent who collapsed during Olympic figure skating training and was diagnosed with severe malnutrition due to anorexia nervosa, which client statement supports the use of a family-based approach?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The statement 'I'm tired of fighting with my parents about eating' indicates a struggle related to food and parental conflicts, suggesting family dynamics play a role in the client's eating disorder. In cases of anorexia nervosa in adolescents, involving the family in the treatment process through a family-based approach has shown to be effective. This approach recognizes the influence of family interactions on the development and maintenance of eating disorders, aiming to improve communication, support, and understanding within the family unit to facilitate recovery.
Question 3 of 9
A client is diagnosed with somatic symptom disorder. Which question will help the nurse develop nursing diagnoses for this client's plan of care?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In clients with somatic symptom disorder, it is crucial to assess their adherence to medication for anxiety as prescribed. This question helps the nurse understand the client's treatment compliance, which can impact the development of nursing diagnoses and the overall plan of care. Monitoring medication adherence is essential in managing the client's symptoms and improving outcomes.
Question 4 of 9
A client is experiencing progressive changes in memory that have interfered with personal, social, and occupational functioning. The client exhibits poor judgment and has a short attention span. The nurse recognizes these as classic signs of which condition?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The client's presentation of progressive memory changes, poor judgment, and attention deficits align with classic signs of Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline that significantly impacts daily functioning. While delirium and mania may present with cognitive changes, Alzheimer's is specifically associated with progressive memory loss and cognitive impairment over time.
Question 5 of 9
Before discharge from the chemical dependency unit, clients are introduced to different community resources. Which of the following resources would be best for a teenage client, who has been abusing over-the-counter sedatives and is ready for discharge in two days?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: For a teenage client who has been abusing over-the-counter sedatives and is ready for discharge in two days, the best resource would be a detoxification center. This specialized facility can provide the necessary medical and psychological support to safely manage the withdrawal symptoms associated with substance abuse. It is crucial to ensure a safe and supervised detox process for the client's well-being and successful recovery.
Question 6 of 9
In a center for women who have been abused, which intervention would the nurse use for a woman whose husband has been abusing her for several years?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Choice C is the most appropriate intervention when working with a woman who has been abused by her husband. It acknowledges the woman's pain, expresses empathy, and offers support, creating a safe space for her to open up and seek help. This response shows understanding and compassion, which are crucial when dealing with individuals experiencing abuse.
Question 7 of 9
After 1 week of continuous mental confusion, an elderly African American client is admitted with a preliminary diagnosis of a neurocognitive disorder due to dementia. Which statement would cause the nurse to question this diagnosis?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.
Question 8 of 9
While auditing care plans for clients with eating disorders, the nurse realizes that a nursing diagnosis appropriate for a client with anorexia nervosa as well as for a client with bulimia nervosa is
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Chronic low self-esteem is a nursing diagnosis that can be applicable to clients with both anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. These eating disorders are often associated with distorted body image, feelings of inadequacy, and low self-esteem. Clients with these conditions may engage in harmful behaviors related to their self-image, making chronic low self-esteem a relevant nursing diagnosis for them.
Question 9 of 9
In what order should the following goals be approached for a client being treated for alcoholism?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When treating a client for alcoholism, it is important to follow a structured approach to maximize treatment effectiveness. The correct order of approaching goals is to first help the client in developing alternative coping skills to manage triggers and stressors without relying on alcohol. This is followed by attaining physiological stabilization, which involves addressing any physical health issues related to alcoholism. Next, the client should learn about dependence and recovery to understand the nature of their condition and the process of recovery. Finally, the goals of abstinence and developing a support system come into play to ensure long-term sobriety and a reliable network of support. Therefore, the correct order is: Developing alternative coping skills; attaining physiological stabilization; learning about dependence and recovery; abstinence and development of a support system.