ATI RN
ATI Capstone Mental Health Assessment Questions
Question 1 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 2 of 9
A group of nursing students is reviewing information about emotional responses to stress and the themes associated with them. The students demonstrate understanding of the information when they identify which emotion as associated with being moved by another's suffering and wanting to help?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Compassion. Compassion is the emotion associated with being moved by another's suffering and wanting to help. It involves recognizing and empathizing with someone else's pain and feeling motivated to alleviate that suffering. Relief (A) is the feeling of release from stress or anxiety, not necessarily related to helping others. Hope (B) is the feeling of optimism and expectation for a positive outcome, not specifically related to being moved by another's suffering. Love (D) is a complex emotion involving deep affection and attachment, but it may not always lead to the desire to help alleviate someone else's suffering, unlike compassion.
Question 3 of 9
How can a nurse determine that a client is experiencing ineffective coping?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because ineffective coping is characterized by difficulty managing day-to-day stress. This can manifest as increased anxiety, irritability, or withdrawal. The other choices are incorrect because: A indicates the client is actively coping; B suggests motivation for behavioral change; and D implies symptoms of depression, not necessarily ineffective coping.
Question 4 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 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
Besides antianxiety agents, which classification of drugs is also commonly given to treat anxiety and anxiety disorders?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Antidepressants. Antidepressants are commonly used to treat anxiety and anxiety disorders due to their ability to regulate neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine, which play a role in mood regulation. They are effective in managing symptoms of anxiety over the long term. Antipsychotics (A) are not typically the first-line treatment for anxiety and are more commonly used for psychotic disorders. Mood stabilizers (B) are primarily used for conditions like bipolar disorder, not anxiety. Cholinesterase inhibitors (D) are used for conditions like Alzheimer's disease, not anxiety disorders.
Question 7 of 9
A client on an inpatient psychiatric unit exhibits traits of borderline personality disorder. Which action by the nurse would initiate collaboration with the member of the mental health-care team who can best confirm this diagnosis?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct Answer: C. Collaborate with the clinical psychologist to prepare the client for personality testing. Rationale: 1. Borderline personality disorder (BPD) diagnosis requires comprehensive assessment, including personality testing. 2. Clinical psychologists are trained to administer and interpret psychological tests, including those for personality disorders. 3. Collaborating with the clinical psychologist ensures the client receives appropriate evaluation and diagnosis. 4. Requesting medication or focusing on occupational or recreational needs may not address the core issue of confirming a BPD diagnosis. Summary: A: Requesting medication is premature without confirming the diagnosis. B: Occupational therapy focuses on retraining skills, not diagnosing personality disorders. D: Planning recreational activities may help with anxiety but does not address the need for a formal diagnosis like personality testing.
Question 8 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 9 of 9
A client who practices Orthodox Judaism is upset. The client's son has recently committed suicide. The client tearfully tells the nurse that the son may not be able to be buried with honors. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Sit with the client and allow expression of loss and sorrow. This intervention is appropriate as it demonstrates empathy, support, and active listening. By sitting with the client and allowing them to express their emotions, the nurse is providing a safe space for the client to grieve. This approach aligns with the principles of therapeutic communication and client-centered care. A: Asking the client why the son won't be buried with honors may come off as insensitive and could potentially make the client feel judged or misunderstood. B: Accepting that the client is upset and leaving them alone does not address the client's emotional distress or provide support during a difficult time. C: Calling the psychiatrist for antianxiety medication does not address the client's immediate emotional needs and may not be the most appropriate intervention in this situation.