ATI RN
ATI Practice Questions Mental Health Questions
Question 1 of 5
In dealing therapeutically with a variety of psychiatric clients, the nurse knows that incorporating humor into the communication process should be used for which purpose?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: To maintain a balanced perspective. Humor can help clients see situations from a different angle, promoting a balanced outlook. It can also create a more relaxed atmosphere, aiding in therapeutic communication. Using humor solely to diminish anger (A) may not address the underlying issues. While humor can refocus attention (B), it should ultimately lead to a balanced perspective. Using humor to delay dealing with issues (D) is counterproductive to therapeutic goals.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse assesses an older adult patient brought to the emergency department by a family member. The patient was wandering outside saying, "I can't find my way home." The patient is confused and unable to answer questions. Select the nurse's best action.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Obtain important information from the family member. The rationale for this is that the patient is confused and unable to provide accurate information about themselves. By obtaining information from the family member, the nurse can gather important details about the patient's medical history, current medications, recent events, and any pre-existing conditions that may be contributing to the confusion. This information is crucial for the nurse to appropriately assess and provide care for the patient. Option A is incorrect as recording the patient's answers on the assessment form would not be reliable due to the patient's confusion. Option B is not necessary as the nurse can gather relevant information from the family member. Option C is not the best course of action as the patient's confusion does not necessarily indicate a need for a mental health advocate at this point.
Question 3 of 5
A patient tells a nurse, "My best friend is a perfect person. She is kind, considerate, good-looking, and successful with every task. I could have been like her if I had the opportunities, luck, and money she's ha" This patient is demonstrating
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: C: Rationalization is when a person justifies their behaviors or feelings by providing logical reasoning that may not be valid. In this case, the patient is rationalizing their shortcomings by attributing them to external factors like opportunities, luck, and money. This defense mechanism helps protect their self-esteem by avoiding taking responsibility for their own traits. Incorrect choices: A: Denial is refusing to accept reality, which is not evident in this scenario. B: Projection is attributing one's own unacceptable feelings or thoughts to others, which is not present here. D: Compensation is making up for a perceived weakness by emphasizing a strength, which is not demonstrated by the patient's statement.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is preparing a presentation for a local community group about mental disorders and plans to include how mental disorders are different from medical disorders. Which statement would be most appropriate for the nurse to include?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because mental disorders are typically diagnosed based on a cluster of observable behaviors, thoughts, and feelings, rather than a specific biological pathology or laboratory tests. This statement is appropriate as it aligns with the current understanding of mental disorders as complex conditions that involve a combination of psychological, behavioral, and emotional symptoms. Choice A is incorrect because while some mental disorders may have underlying biological components, not all are solely defined by biological pathology. Choice B is incorrect because laboratory tests are not the primary method for diagnosing mental disorders. Choice D is incorrect because manifestations of mental disorders often fall outside of normal, expected parameters, which is why they are considered disorders in the first place.
Question 5 of 5
While providing care to a patient with a mental disorder, the patient asks the nurse, 'Does mental illness run in your family?' Which response by the nurse would be most inappropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct response is C because it discloses personal information about the nurse's family member, which is unprofessional and breaches patient confidentiality. The nurse should maintain professional boundaries and focus on the patient's needs, not their own personal experiences. Choices A, B, and D maintain appropriate boundaries and redirect the conversation back to the patient's concerns, demonstrating empathy and respect for the patient's privacy.