ATI RN
Mental Health Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
On an inpatient locked psychiatric unit, a newly admitted client requests to leave against medical advice (AMA). What should be the initial nursing action for this client?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct initial nursing action for a client wanting to leave against medical advice from an inpatient locked psychiatric unit is to check the client's admission status and discuss the reasons for wanting to leave (Choice B). This approach allows the nurse to assess the client's mental status, risk factors, and reasons for wanting to leave, which are essential for providing appropriate care and interventions. By understanding the client's perspective and concerns, the nurse can work collaboratively with the client to address underlying issues and potentially prevent harm. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not prioritize understanding the client's reasons for wanting to leave or assessing the client's mental status and risk factors. Choice A dismisses the client's request without exploring the underlying issues. Choice C focuses on punitive measures rather than therapeutic communication. Choice D, placing the client on one-on-one observation, does not address the client's concerns or reasons for wanting to leave.
Question 2 of 9
After working with a patient who has a history of violent behavior to identify possible clues that suggest that his behavior is escalating, the nurse and patient develop a plan for prevention. Which strategy would they be least likely to include?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Turning up the music loud. This strategy would be least likely to be included because it does not directly address the escalation of violent behavior. Counting to 10 and taking slow deep breaths are both commonly used techniques to help manage anger and prevent escalation. Taking a voluntary time out is also effective in creating a safe space to de-escalate. Turning up the music loud may serve as a distraction, but it does not actively address the underlying issues or help the patient stay in control of their emotions.
Question 3 of 9
A nurse providing discharge teaching to the client who has schizophrenia and is starting therapy with clozapine. Which of the following is the highest priority for the client to report to the provider?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Fever. This is the highest priority for the client to report because fever can indicate a serious side effect called agranulocytosis, a potentially life-threatening condition associated with clozapine therapy. Agranulocytosis can lead to severe infections due to low white blood cell count. It is crucial to monitor for fever as an early sign of this condition to prevent complications. A: Constipation - While constipation can be a side effect of clozapine, it is not as urgent as fever in this context. B: Blurred vision - Blurred vision is a common side effect of clozapine but is not typically considered a medical emergency. D: Dry mouth - Dry mouth is a common side effect of many medications, including clozapine, and is not as concerning as fever in this scenario.
Question 4 of 9
A group of nursing students are reviewing information about counseling interventions. The students demonstrate a need for additional review when they identify counseling interventions as involving which of the following?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Goal of regaining functional abilities. Counseling interventions typically focus on emotional and psychological support rather than physical rehabilitation or regaining functional abilities. This choice is incorrect because counseling is not aimed at improving physical abilities but rather at addressing emotional and mental health issues. Choices A, B, and D are correct as they align with common counseling interventions, which are often specific, time-limited, focus on coping improvement, and aim to prevent disability by addressing mental health concerns.
Question 5 of 9
Which statement by an older patient with a mild neurocognitive disorder demonstrates a safe response to beginning a new medication?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because having a family member present during appointments ensures accurate information retention and understanding, especially for older patients with mild neurocognitive disorders who may have difficulty remembering or processing information independently. This support system can help clarify any confusion, address concerns, and monitor medication adherence. A: While reading the information provided by the pharmacist is helpful, it may not be sufficient for patients with cognitive impairments. C: While knowing they can call the doctor is important, relying solely on this may not provide immediate or real-time support when needed. D: Following instructions on the medication bottle is essential, but older patients with cognitive disorders may need additional assistance to ensure proper medication management.
Question 6 of 9
A nurse is caring for a 76-year-old patient with a hearing deficit caused by presbycusis. Which of the following would be most appropriate for the nurse to do when communicating with the patient?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Use lower pitched tones. Presbycusis causes difficulty in hearing high-frequency sounds, so using lower pitched tones can help the patient hear better. Higher volume (choice A) may distort the sound and not necessarily improve understanding. Addressing family members (choice B) does not directly address the patient's hearing deficit. Asking about sign language (choice C) assumes the patient knows sign language, which may not be the case. Thus, using lower pitched tones is the most appropriate approach for effective communication with a patient with presbycusis.
Question 7 of 9
A patient is referred to a psychosocial rehabilitation program. When explaining this type of care to the patient, the nurse would emphasize which of the following?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Services that promote the patient's reintegration into the community. This option is correct because psychosocial rehabilitation programs focus on providing support and services that help individuals with mental health conditions to reintegrate into the community and improve their quality of life. These programs aim to help patients develop skills for independent living, social relationships, and vocational functioning. A: Intensive treatment that prepares the patient to live in the community - This option is not the best answer as psychosocial rehabilitation programs focus more on promoting reintegration rather than intensive treatment. C: Detoxification services for alcohol and drugs in an outpatient setting - This option is incorrect as psychosocial rehabilitation programs do not primarily focus on detoxification services but rather on broader aspects of recovery. D: Frequent monitoring within a therapeutic milieu for relapse prevention - While relapse prevention is important, it is not the primary focus of psychosocial rehabilitation programs, making this option less relevant compared to promoting community reintegration.
Question 8 of 9
The nurse is assessing a newly admitted client diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. The nurse assesses the client's level of anxiety and reactions to stressful situations, obtaining this information for which reason?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: To act as a predictor of the client's risk for a suicide attempt. Assessing the client's level of anxiety and reactions to stressful situations is crucial in determining the likelihood of a suicide attempt, as individuals with schizoaffective disorder are at a higher risk for suicide. By understanding the client's anxiety levels and responses to stress, the nurse can intervene early to prevent potential harm. Choice A is incorrect because assessing anxiety levels is more focused on immediate risk factors rather than long-term outcomes. Choice B is incorrect because mental competency is typically assessed through other means. Choice D is incorrect as social skills evaluation is not the primary purpose of assessing anxiety levels in this context.
Question 9 of 9
You realize that your patient who is being treated for a major depressive disorder requires more teaching when she makes the following statement:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: B is the correct answer because the patient's statement indicates a dangerous decision to switch from an SSRI (Prozac) to a MAOI without consulting a healthcare provider. MAOIs have significant interactions with certain foods and other medications that can lead to serious side effects such as hypertensive crisis. This decision shows a lack of understanding of the importance of proper medication management and the potential risks involved. Choices A, C, and D all demonstrate a reasonable understanding of antidepressant therapy and do not indicate immediate safety concerns.