ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Practice A 2023 Questions
Question 1 of 9
Fred is an older adult with spinal stenosis and who is being treated with a short-term prescription of opioids for an acute episode of back pain. His nurse recognizes additional teaching is necessary when Fred states:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because sharing prescription medication, such as Norco, with others is illegal and dangerous. Step 1: Sharing opioids is illegal and can lead to legal consequences. Step 2: Sharing opioids can result in harmful drug interactions or overdose due to individual variations in tolerance and health conditions. Step 3: It is important to emphasize the importance of using prescribed medications only as directed by a healthcare provider for safety and effectiveness. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they are all appropriate self-management strategies for managing back pain in older adults with spinal stenosis.
Question 2 of 9
A client with body dysmorphic disorder is admitted to the inpatient unit. Based on the nurse's understanding about this disorder, the nurse would assess this client closely for which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Suicidal ideation. Clients with body dysmorphic disorder often experience severe distress and preoccupation with perceived flaws in their appearance, leading to significant emotional and psychological distress. This can increase the risk of suicidal ideation and self-harm. Assessing for suicidal ideation is crucial to ensure the client's safety and provide appropriate interventions. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: B: Escalating violence - While individuals with body dysmorphic disorder may experience distress and frustration, there is no direct correlation between the disorder and escalating violence. C: Anorexia - Body dysmorphic disorder and anorexia are separate disorders, although they may co-occur. Anorexia focuses on distorted body image related to weight and shape, while body dysmorphic disorder focuses on specific perceived flaws in appearance. D: Psychosis - Body dysmorphic disorder is not typically associated with psychosis, which involves a loss of touch with reality. Clients with body
Question 3 of 9
A nurse is assessing a survivor of intimate partner violence. During the interview, the nurse determines that the survivor's partner is using power and control over the client through coercion and threats. Which client statement would lead the nurse to suspect this?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the statement indicates that the partner is using coercion and threats to control the survivor by threatening to report her to child services, which demonstrates an abuse of power and control. This behavior is a clear indication of domestic violence dynamics, where the abuser exerts authority over the survivor through manipulation and intimidation. Choice A is incorrect because denying the abuse is not necessarily an indicator of power and control. Choice B, while concerning, does not specifically demonstrate coercion or threats. Choice D, while also indicating a power dynamic, does not involve explicit threats or coercion like choice C. Thus, choice C is the most indicative of power and control tactics commonly seen in intimate partner violence situations.
Question 4 of 9
After teaching a group of nursing students about milieu therapy, the instructor determines that additional teaching is needed when the students identify which of the following as a key concept of milieu therapy?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: De-escalation. Milieu therapy focuses on creating a therapeutic environment to promote healing and growth. De-escalation techniques are not a key concept of milieu therapy. Rationale: 1. Structure interaction (A): Correct - Milieu therapy emphasizes structured interactions between individuals to enhance communication and support. 2. Open communication (B): Correct - Milieu therapy encourages open and honest communication within the therapeutic environment. 3. Validation (C): Correct - Milieu therapy emphasizes validating individuals' feelings and experiences to promote a supportive environment. 4. De-escalation (D): Incorrect - De-escalation techniques are more commonly associated with crisis intervention and managing challenging behaviors, not a core concept of milieu therapy. In summary, de-escalation is not a key concept of milieu therapy, which focuses on promoting a therapeutic environment through structured interactions, open communication, and validation.
Question 5 of 9
The nurse working with patients diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is aware of the need to intervene early in order to de-escalate a patient's increasing anxiety level. Which patient behavior is likely an early indication of escalating anxiety?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Talking rapidly. This behavior is likely an early indication of escalating anxiety because rapid speech can reflect heightened arousal and internal distress. When a person starts talking rapidly, it can indicate a sense of urgency or agitation, which are common signs of increasing anxiety levels. In contrast, pacing around the unit (B) may indicate restlessness or agitation but not necessarily escalating anxiety. Staring out the window (C) could suggest dissociation or introspection rather than escalating anxiety. Refusing to go to therapy (D) might indicate resistance or avoidance but does not directly correlate with escalating anxiety levels.
Question 6 of 9
A nurse explains to the family of a mentally ill patient how a nurse–patient relationship differs from social relationships. Which is the best explanation?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it highlights the key difference in a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship: the focus on the patient's needs and active participation in problem-solving. The nurse facilitates discussion but empowers the patient to make decisions and implement solutions, promoting autonomy and self-efficacy. Choice B is incorrect because it suggests a more equal exchange of advice and implementation of solutions, which can blur professional boundaries and hinder the patient's growth. Choice C is incorrect as it emphasizes socialization and meeting mutual needs, which are more characteristic of social relationships rather than therapeutic ones focused on the patient's mental health needs. Choice D is incorrect because it describes a partnership focused on mutual growth and satisfaction, which may not always align with the therapeutic goals of addressing the patient's mental health issues effectively.
Question 7 of 9
When assessing a client for possible disordered water balance, the nurse checks the client's urine specific gravity. Which result would lead the nurse to suspect that the client is experiencing severe disordered water balance?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D (1.002). A urine specific gravity of 1.002 indicates very dilute urine, suggesting the client may be experiencing severe water imbalance, such as overhydration or excessive fluid intake. In contrast, choices A, B, and C represent more concentrated urine, which would typically be seen in conditions like dehydration or fluid retention. Therefore, D is the correct answer as it indicates a significant deviation from the normal range, signaling a severe water balance issue.
Question 8 of 9
Which drug group calls for nursing assessment for development of abnormal movement disorders among individuals who take therapeutic dosages?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Antipsychotics. Nursing assessment for abnormal movement disorders is crucial for individuals taking antipsychotics due to the risk of developing extrapyramidal symptoms such as dystonia, akathisia, parkinsonism, and tardive dyskinesia. These movement disorders can significantly impact the individual's quality of life and require close monitoring by healthcare providers. Summary: A: SSRIs - SSRIs are not typically associated with abnormal movement disorders; they are more commonly linked to serotonin-related side effects like sexual dysfunction or gastrointestinal disturbances. C: Benzodiazepines - Benzodiazepines are not known to cause abnormal movement disorders at therapeutic dosages; they are more likely to cause sedation, dizziness, and cognitive impairment. D: Tricyclic antidepressants - While tricyclic antidepressants can cause side effects like dizziness and sedation, they are not primarily associated with abnormal movement disorders like antipsychotics.
Question 9 of 9
The nurse is employed by a long-term residential treatment center that provides care to a variety of patients with chronic mental disorders. Which role would the nurse primarily assume when working with these patients?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Educator. In a long-term residential treatment center for patients with chronic mental disorders, the nurse primarily assumes the role of an educator. The nurse educates patients about their conditions, treatment plans, medications, coping strategies, and self-care techniques. This helps empower patients to actively participate in their own care and improve their overall well-being. Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect: A: Therapist - While nurses may provide therapeutic communication and support, their primary focus is not to provide therapy which is typically done by mental health professionals such as psychologists or counselors. B: Medication administrator - While nurses do administer medications, it is not their primary role in working with patients with chronic mental disorders. C: Mediator - While nurses may help facilitate communication and resolve conflicts, mediating is not their primary role in providing care to patients with chronic mental disorders.