ATI RN
Mental Health ATI Proctored Exam Questions
Question 1 of 9
Select the example of primary prevention.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because primary prevention focuses on preventing the development of mental health issues before they occur. Helping school-age children identify and describe normal emotions is an example of primary prevention as it promotes emotional well-being and prevents future mental health problems. Choice A is incorrect because it involves assisting someone who is already diagnosed with a mental illness, which is more of a secondary prevention approach. Choice C involves providing education and support to individuals already in a care home, which falls under secondary prevention. Choice D involves medicating an acutely ill patient, which is more of a tertiary prevention approach aimed at managing existing conditions and preventing further complications.
Question 2 of 9
Some cultures have lower rates of diagnosed conduct disorders than observed in Western societies. The lower rate of incidence may be contributed to:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because parents' limited tolerance for externalizing behavior can lead to fewer cases of conduct disorders being diagnosed. This is because parents in these cultures may intervene and address behavioral issues before they escalate to the level of a diagnosed disorder. Choices A and B do not necessarily lead to lower rates of diagnosed conduct disorders, as strict parenting with corporal punishment can actually exacerbate behavior problems, and cultural expression of anger does not directly relate to conduct disorders. Choice D is incorrect because widespread acceptance of conduct disorders would likely lead to higher rates of diagnosis, not lower.
Question 3 of 9
A nursing student uses a client's full name on an interpersonal process recording submitted to the student's instructor. What is the instructor's priority intervention?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because maintaining client confidentiality is a fundamental principle in nursing ethics. By using the client's full name on a submitted record, the student has breached confidentiality. The instructor's priority intervention should be to correct this error and remind the student of the importance of safeguarding client information. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not address the primary issue of confidentiality breach. Reinforcing accurate documentation (A) is important but secondary to confidentiality. Choice C and D are incorrect as client incompetency or involuntary commitment does not automatically negate the need for confidentiality.
Question 4 of 9
A nurse observes an AP providing care to a child who is in skeletal traction. Which of the following action requires intervention?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because massaging pressure points can cause skin breakdown in a child in skeletal traction. The pressure exerted during massage can lead to tissue damage and compromise skin integrity. This can result in pressure ulcers or sores, which can be extremely detrimental to the child's recovery. Providing a high protein snack (A) is beneficial for healing, assisting the child to reposition (B) helps prevent complications, and placing weights as a child's bed (C) is necessary for maintaining traction and should not be changed without proper authorization.
Question 5 of 9
An advanced practice psychiatric nurse is preparing to conduct a support group for psychiatric mental health nurses who have been assaulted by patients. Which of the following would the nurse need to keep in mind with this group?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because nurses in this situation may struggle with conflicting roles of being caregivers and victims, leading to feelings of guilt, self-blame, or inadequacy. This conflict can affect their ability to provide care effectively. Choice B is incorrect as nurses may not always choose to prosecute patients due to various reasons such as fear of retaliation or wanting to maintain a therapeutic relationship. Choice C is incorrect as not all nurses may feel comfortable or able to actively express their feelings about the assaults. Choice D is incorrect as nurses who have been assaulted by patients often experience guilt, shame, or self-blame due to societal stigma or internalized beliefs.
Question 6 of 9
A nurse is working with a family in which the parents have just gotten divorced. After teaching the parents about measures to reduce the risk of emotional problems for the children, which statement by the parents indicates a need for additional teaching?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A Rationale: 1. Altering routines may disrupt stability and increase anxiety for children. 2. Children benefit from consistency post-divorce to provide a sense of security. 3. Acknowledging children are not to blame is crucial for their emotional well-being. 4. Developing a regular visitation schedule fosters predictability and comfort. 5. Consistent limits help establish boundaries and structure for children. Therefore, statement A indicates a need for additional teaching as it could potentially harm the children's emotional well-being by disrupting their routines.
Question 7 of 9
The patient says, "My marriage is just great. My spouse and I always agree." The nurse observes the patient's foot moving continuously as the patient twirls a shirt button. The conclusion the nurse can draw is that the patient's communication is
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: incongruous. The patient's verbal statement about the marriage being great contradicts the nonverbal behavior of foot movement and button twirling, indicating incongruity between the verbal and nonverbal communication. This inconsistency suggests that the patient may not be entirely truthful or may be experiencing internal conflict. A: Clear - This choice is incorrect because the patient's communication is not clear due to the conflicting verbal and nonverbal cues. B: Distorted - This choice is incorrect as there is no indication of intentional distortion in the patient's communication. D: Inadequate - This choice is incorrect as inadequate communication refers to a lack of information or detail, which is not evident in this scenario.
Question 8 of 9
A nurse is obtaining information about a client's sleep patterns and asks him about the total amount of sleep time compared with the amount of time spent in bed. The nurse is assessing which of the following?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Sleep efficiency. Sleep efficiency is the ratio of total sleep time to time spent in bed, reflecting how effectively the individual is sleeping. This assessment helps the nurse determine the quality of the client's sleep. A: Sleep latency refers to the time it takes for an individual to fall asleep, not the ratio of sleep time to time spent in bed. B: Sleep architecture pertains to the different stages of sleep (such as REM and non-REM sleep), not the ratio of sleep time to time spent in bed. D: Sleep-wake cycle refers to the body's natural circadian rhythm governing sleep and wakefulness, not the ratio of sleep time to time spent in bed.
Question 9 of 9
As part of a follow-up home visit to an 80-year-old client who has had surgery, the nurse discusses the client's risk for delirium with his family members. Which of the following would the nurse NOT include as placing the client at increased risk?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hypertension. Hypertension is not a risk factor for delirium in the context of a follow-up home visit after surgery. Delirium is commonly associated with factors such as urinary tract infections (A), acute stress (C), and bone fractures (D) in elderly clients. Hypertension, although a serious condition, does not directly contribute to the development of delirium in this scenario. Delirium is often multifactorial, with underlying medical conditions, infections, and stress being key contributors. In this case, the nurse would focus on discussing the client's risk factors such as urinary tract infections, acute stress, and bone fractures with the family members to prevent delirium.