ATI RN
Mental Health Practice Test Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
How does the nurse interpret assessment data in planning client care?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: analyzing cues. In the nursing process, assessing data involves collecting information about the client's health status. Analyzing cues means interpreting and making sense of the collected data to identify patterns, issues, and potential problems. This step is crucial in planning client care as it helps the nurse understand the client's needs and develop appropriate interventions. Generating solutions (A) comes after analyzing cues, taking action (C) is part of implementing the care plan, and evaluating outcomes (D) is the final step to assess the effectiveness of the interventions. Therefore, B is the correct choice as it directly relates to the interpretation of assessment data in planning client care.
Question 2 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 3 of 9
A new graduate nurse is considering taking a job that focuses on meeting the mental health needs of homeless populations. During the graduate nurse's pre-employment interview, the graduate nurse asks the interviewer what characteristics are common in this population. Which response by the interviewer would be most likely?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because homeless populations come from diverse backgrounds and often face chronic illnesses and unemployment. This response acknowledges the variability within the homeless population and highlights common challenges they may face. Option A makes assumptions about education and employment, which are not necessarily true for all homeless individuals. Option C stereotypes the population as having squandered their resources, which is not accurate for everyone. Option D incorrectly focuses on elderly individuals and downplays the prevalence of addiction and mental illness among the homeless. Overall, choice B provides a balanced and realistic view of the characteristics commonly found in homeless populations.
Question 4 of 9
Research supports which intervention implemented on a long-term basis significantly reduces the incidence of suicide and suicide attempts in a patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Lithium. Research has shown that long-term use of lithium significantly reduces the risk of suicide and suicide attempts in patients with bipolar disorder. Lithium helps stabilize mood, reduce impulsivity, and lower the risk of suicidal behavior. - A: SSRIs may worsen symptoms in some patients with bipolar disorder and can increase the risk of suicidal behavior. - B: ECT is used for severe cases of depression or mania but is not a primary intervention for preventing suicide in bipolar disorder. - C: One-on-one observation can be helpful in preventing immediate suicide attempts but is not a long-term solution for reducing suicide risk in bipolar disorder.
Question 5 of 9
A 20-year-old man arrives at the emergency department by ambulance. He is unconscious, with slow respirations and pinpoint pupils. There are 'tracks' visible on his arms. The friend who came with him reports that the client had just 'shot up' heroin when he became unconscious. Which medication would the nurse most likely expect to administer?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Naloxone. Naloxone is a medication used to reverse opioid overdose by blocking opioid receptors in the brain. In this case, the man's symptoms of slow respirations and pinpoint pupils are indicative of opioid overdose. Naloxone can quickly restore normal breathing and consciousness. Naltrexone (B) is used for opioid addiction treatment but not for acute overdose reversal. Bupropion (C) is an antidepressant and smoking cessation aid, not indicated for opioid overdose. Varenicline (D) is a smoking cessation aid and is not used for opioid overdose reversal.
Question 6 of 9
The nurse's lack of verbal communication for therapeutic reasons is to"silence" as the nurse's ability to process information and examine reactions to the messages received is to:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: "Listening." Listening in therapeutic communication involves not just hearing what the patient is saying, but also understanding the message, interpreting non-verbal cues, and providing appropriate responses. It is essential for building trust, showing empathy, and facilitating a therapeutic relationship. "Focusing" (A) is about directing the conversation to important topics, "Offering self" (B) involves sharing personal experiences or emotions, and "Restating" (C) is repeating what the patient has said, all of which are important communication techniques but not directly related to processing information and examining reactions like active listening.
Question 7 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 8 of 9
A patient experiencing moderate anxiety says, "I feel undone." An appropriate response for the nurse would be:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: Choice C is correct as it demonstrates active listening and encourages the patient to elaborate on their feelings, promoting therapeutic communication. It acknowledges the patient's emotions and seeks clarification to better understand their experience. This response shows empathy and validates the patient's feelings, fostering trust and rapport. Choices A and D lack empathy and may come off as dismissive or directive. Choice B focuses on the cause of anxiety rather than addressing the immediate emotional distress.
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.