ATI RN
Mental Health Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
Meditation has been shown to be an effective stress management technique. When meditation is effective, what should a nurse expect to assess?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When meditation is effective, a nurse should expect to assess an achieved state of relaxation in the individual practicing meditation. Meditation techniques often focus on calming the mind and body, leading to a sense of deep relaxation, reduced stress levels, and an overall feeling of peace and well-being. This state of relaxation is a key indicator of the effectiveness of meditation in managing stress and promoting overall mental and emotional wellness.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is conducting education on anxiety and stress management. Which of the following should be identified as the most important initial step in learning how to manage anxiety?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most important initial step in learning how to manage anxiety is to first become aware of the factors creating stress. Understanding the root causes of anxiety and stress can help individuals develop appropriate coping strategies. By identifying triggers and stressors, individuals can then work towards addressing and managing these factors effectively. This self-awareness is crucial for developing a personalized and targeted approach to anxiety management. Diagnostic blood tests, relaxation exercises, and identifying support systems are important components of anxiety management as well, but they typically come after understanding the underlying stress factors.
Question 3 of 5
A client has a history of excessive drinking, which has led to multiple arrests for driving under the influence (DUI). The client states, I work hard to provide for my family. I dont see why I cant drink to relax. The nurse recognizes the use of which defense mechanism?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rationalization is a defense mechanism where an individual justifies unacceptable behaviors or feelings by providing logical reasons or explanations. In this scenario, the client is rationalizing their excessive drinking by stating that they work hard to provide for their family, so they should be able to drink to relax. This rationalization allows the client to avoid confronting the negative consequences of their excessive drinking and the impact it has had on their life, such as multiple DUI arrests. It provides a socially acceptable reason for their behavior, allowing them to continue drinking without feeling guilty or responsible for their actions.
Question 4 of 5
A mental health technician asks the nurse, How do psychiatrists determine which diagnosis to give a patient? Which of these responses by the nurse would be most accurate?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Psychiatrists determine a patient's diagnosis by using pre-established criteria from the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The DSM-5 provides standardized criteria for diagnosing mental health disorders, ensuring consistency and accuracy in the identification and classification of various psychiatric conditions. This allows psychiatrists to make informed and evidence-based decisions when assigning diagnoses to patients. Additionally, the DSM-5 helps psychiatrists communicate effectively with other healthcare professionals by using a common language and framework for mental health diagnosis.
Question 5 of 5
A fourth-grade boy teases and makes jokes about a cute girl in his class. This behavior should be identified by a nurse as indicative of which defense mechanism?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Projection is a defense mechanism in which an individual attributes their own unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or impulses onto someone else. In this scenario, the fourth-grade boy is teasing and making jokes about the cute girl in his class. By doing so, he may be projecting his own insecurities or feelings of attraction onto the girl by teasing her instead of confronting his own emotions. This behavior allows him to disown his feelings and avoid acknowledging them within himself.