ATI RN
ATI Practice Questions Mental Health Questions
Question 1 of 9
In the majority culture of the United States, which individual has the greatest risk to be labeled mentally ill? One who:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because describing hearing God's voice speaking can be perceived as a symptom of auditory hallucinations, which is commonly associated with mental illness. This could lead to a diagnosis of conditions like schizophrenia. Choice B is incorrect because being pessimistic and striving to meet personal goals does not inherently indicate mental illness. Choice C is incorrect as being wealthy and generous does not align with typical signs of mental illness. Choice D is incorrect because having an optimistic viewpoint and meeting one's own needs are generally positive traits that do not indicate mental illness.
Question 2 of 9
A nurse is reviewing the medical records of several older adult patients who have come to the clinic for evaluation. The nurse would classify a patient of which age as being in the middle-old stage?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C (78-year-old adult) because the middle-old stage typically refers to individuals aged 75-84. This age range is considered the transition from the young-old stage (65-74) to the oldest-old stage (85+). Choice A (66-year-old adult) falls into the young-old stage, choice B (70-year-old adult) is also in the young-old stage, and choice D (86-year-old adult) is in the oldest-old stage. Therefore, based on the age range classification, the 78-year-old adult (choice C) is classified as being in the middle-old stage.
Question 3 of 9
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 4 of 9
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.
Question 5 of 9
In the majority culture of the United States, which individual has the greatest risk to be labeled mentally ill? One who:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because describing hearing God's voice speaking can be perceived as a symptom of auditory hallucinations, which is commonly associated with mental illness. This could lead to a diagnosis of conditions like schizophrenia. Choice B is incorrect because being pessimistic and striving to meet personal goals does not inherently indicate mental illness. Choice C is incorrect as being wealthy and generous does not align with typical signs of mental illness. Choice D is incorrect because having an optimistic viewpoint and meeting one's own needs are generally positive traits that do not indicate mental illness.
Question 6 of 9
The nurse is planning a presentation for a group of mental health care providers on the topic of co-occurring disorders. The nurse plans to include information about health care providers and their response to these clients. Which of the following would the nurse include as a major reason for these clients being often underserved and undertreated?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Step 1: Individuals with co-occurring disorders have complex needs, requiring providers to prioritize which issue to address first. Step 2: Difficulty in determining which problem is in most immediate need can lead to undertreatment of one or both disorders. Step 3: This can result in clients being underserved and not receiving the comprehensive care they require. Step 4: Option A is incorrect because not all providers focus solely on 12-step programs; Option B is incorrect as underdiagnosing personality disorders is not the main reason for underserving co-occurring clients; Option C is incorrect as providers are aware of concurrent mental health disorders but may struggle with prioritization. Step 5: Therefore, the correct answer is D as it highlights the critical issue of determining immediate treatment needs for clients with co-occurring disorders.
Question 7 of 9
A student nurse is learning about ASD. What statement to the clinical instructor demonstrates that the student understands the definition of this disorder?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: "The signs and symptoms of this disorder usually begin before age three." This statement demonstrates understanding of ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) because it aligns with the diagnostic criteria outlined in the DSM-5, where symptoms typically manifest in early childhood, often before age three. This early onset distinguishes ASD from other developmental disorders. Incorrect choices: A: The signs and symptoms of ASD do not go away at age eighteen. Symptoms persist into adulthood. C: ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, not primarily based on physical symptoms. D: Describing ASD as a developmental disorder is accurate, but it does not specifically address the typical onset before age three, which is crucial for understanding the disorder.
Question 8 of 9
A pregnant woman is in a relationship with a male who routinely abuses her. Her unborn child may engage in high-risk behavior as a teen as a result of:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Maternal stress. Maternal stress during pregnancy can have long-term effects on the child's behavior, including an increased likelihood of engaging in high-risk behavior as a teen. Stress hormones released by the mother can impact the developing fetus, leading to changes in the child's brain development and stress response systems. This can contribute to behavioral issues later in life. Summary: - A: Maternal stress affects the unborn child's behavior. - B: Parental nurturing is not related to the impact of maternal stress. - C: Appropriate stress responses in the brain do not address the negative impact of maternal stress on the child. - D: Memories of the abuse would not directly influence the unborn child's behavior.
Question 9 of 9
A nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia. Which of the following assessment findings should the nurse expect?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Poor problem-solving ability. This is expected in clients with schizophrenia due to cognitive deficits. Schizophrenia often impairs executive functions, leading to difficulties in problem-solving. Decreased level of consciousness (A) is not a typical finding in schizophrenia. Unable to identify common objects (B) is more characteristic of dementia. Preoccupation with somatic disturbance (D) is more common in somatic symptom disorders, not schizophrenia.