ATI RN
Mental Health Practice A ATI Questions
Question 1 of 9
On an inpatient psychiatric unit, the nurse explores feelings about potentially working with a woman whose husband has abused her and her children physically and verbally. This interaction would occur in which phase of the nurse-client relationship?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pre-interaction phase. In this phase, the nurse is preparing to meet the client, gathering information, and examining personal feelings and biases. By exploring feelings about working with an abused woman, the nurse is engaging in self-reflection and preparing to approach the interaction with awareness and sensitivity. The other choices are incorrect because in the orientation phase the nurse establishes rapport, in the working phase interventions are implemented, and in the termination phase the nurse evaluates outcomes and prepares for closure, none of which align with exploring personal feelings before meeting the client.
Question 2 of 9
Which level of prevention activities would a nurse in an emergency department employ most often?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Secondary prevention. In an emergency department, nurses focus on early detection and treatment of health issues to prevent complications. This aligns with secondary prevention, which aims to identify and treat diseases in their early stages to prevent further harm. Primary prevention (A) focuses on preventing the onset of diseases, which is not the main role in an emergency department. Tertiary prevention (C) involves managing and reducing the impact of ongoing diseases, which is not the immediate priority in the emergency setting. Preventive activities (D) is a vague term that could encompass primary, secondary, or tertiary prevention efforts, but in this context, secondary prevention is the most relevant for emergency department nurses.
Question 3 of 9
A nurse interacts with a newly hospitalized patient. Select the nurse's comment that applies the communication technique of "offering self."
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because offering to sit with the patient shows empathy and a willingness to provide support. By expressing a desire to help the patient feel comfortable and open up, the nurse is effectively using the communication technique of "offering self." This approach creates a safe space for the patient to share their feelings and concerns. Choice A is incorrect because sharing personal experiences can shift the focus away from the patient's needs. Choice B is incorrect as it focuses on the patient's thoughts without offering support or empathy. Choice C is incorrect because it lacks personal engagement and does not actively offer the nurse's presence for support.
Question 4 of 9
The nurse is having a therapeutic conversation with a client in a locked inpatient psychiatric unit. The client states,"Please don't tell anyone about my sexual abuse." Which is the appropriate nursing response?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because in an inpatient psychiatric unit, patient safety and treatment planning are the top priorities. By informing the healthcare team about the client's history of sexual abuse, they can provide appropriate care and interventions. Confidentiality cannot always be guaranteed in a psychiatric setting due to the duty to protect the client and others. Choice A is incorrect as it guarantees confidentiality, which may not be feasible in this situation. Choice C is incorrect as it challenges the client's decision and may breach trust. Choice D is incorrect as it focuses solely on the client's feelings without addressing the need for treatment planning by the healthcare team.
Question 5 of 9
A nurse is assisting a client with borderline personality disorder in how to manage transient psychotic episodes that involve auditory hallucinations. The teaching is planned for times when the client is free of these symptoms. Which of the following would the nurse instruct the client to do first?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Identify early internal cues of distress. This is the first step because recognizing early signs of distress can help the client intervene before the psychotic episode escalates. By identifying these cues, the client can implement coping strategies and prevent the hallucinations from worsening. Explanation for incorrect choices: A: Using skills to tolerate painful feelings is important, but identifying early cues is crucial for early intervention. B: Deep abdominal breathing can help with relaxation, but it may not address the underlying distress leading to the hallucinations. D: Referring to cards listing symptoms is less effective as it focuses on recognizing symptoms rather than proactively managing distress cues.
Question 6 of 9
A group of nursing students is reviewing information about the differences that occur with grieving in children, adolescents, and adults. The students demonstrate understanding of this information when they identify which of the following as characteristic of adolescents?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Adolescents mourn by talking about the loss. This is because adolescents tend to process their grief by verbalizing their feelings and thoughts. Adolescents are typically more vocal about their emotions and seek support through communication. This contrasts with children who may view death as reversible (A), adults who may need repeated explanations to understand the loss (C), and adults who may feel pressured by a time limit for socially acceptable grieving (D). Talking about the loss helps adolescents express their emotions and cope effectively with their grief.
Question 7 of 9
A group of nursing students are reviewing information about the evolution of mental health care and are discussing the recommendations of the final report of the Joint Commission on Mental Illness and Health. The students demonstrate understanding of this information when they identify that the report recommended an increase in which of the following?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Clinics supplemented by general hospital units. The Joint Commission on Mental Illness and Health recommended an increase in community-based mental health services, including clinics supplemented by general hospital units, to provide more accessible and comprehensive care for individuals with mental health issues. This shift in focus from institutional care to community-based services aimed to improve overall mental health care delivery and outcomes. Incorrect choices: A: Numbers of mental health hospitals - The report actually recommended a decrease in reliance on mental health hospitals. B: State funding for mental health care - While funding is important, the report focused more on the type and delivery of mental health services rather than just funding. D: Use of psychotherapy by psychiatrists - While psychotherapy is a valuable treatment modality, the report focused on broader system-level recommendations rather than specific treatment methods.
Question 8 of 9
A nurse is planning to delegate to an AP the fasting blood glucose testing for a client who has diabetes mellitus. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A Rationale: 1. Assess AP's qualifications: Ensures competency and safety. 2. Delegation based on competence: AP must be capable. 3. Legal and ethical responsibility: Nurse is accountable for delegation. 4. Ensures client safety: Properly trained AP will perform test accurately. Summary: B: Nurse should not perform the test; delegating responsibility is key. C: Asking about medication is not within scope for blood glucose testing. D: Checking prior results is not necessary for performing a current test.
Question 9 of 9
The nurse is assessing a 35-year-old woman who is seeking assistance at a local community counseling center. Which of the following statements made by the woman would indicate that she is experiencing a crisis?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the statement indicates a sudden inability to function normally, which is a key characteristic of a crisis. When a person mentions that they can't seem to function like they usually do, it suggests a significant disruption in their usual coping mechanisms and daily functioning. This can be a sign of a crisis situation where the individual is overwhelmed and struggling to manage their emotions and behavior effectively. Choices A, B, and D do not specifically indicate a crisis as they primarily focus on emotional distress and sadness related to specific events or relationships. While these situations may also be challenging for the individual, they do not necessarily imply a crisis involving a sudden disruption in functioning.