ATI RN
ATI Capstone Mental Health Proctored Assessment Questions
Question 1 of 5
Sigmund Freud, Karl Menninger, and Aaron Beck theorized that hopelessness was an integral part of why a person commits suicide. A more recent theory suggest suicide results from:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: The diathesis-stress model. This model suggests that individuals have a predisposition (diathesis) towards a certain mental health condition, such as depression, and this predisposition interacts with environmental stressors to trigger the condition. Suicide can result from the combination of genetic vulnerability (diathesis) and stressful life events (stressors). Elevated serotonin levels (choice A) are more associated with mood disorders like depression, not directly linked to suicide. Outward aggression turned inward (choice C) is more related to internalizing behaviors like self-harm, but not necessarily suicide. A lack of perfectionism (choice D) is not a widely recognized factor in suicide risk. The diathesis-stress model provides a comprehensive explanation for the complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors leading to suicide.
Question 2 of 5
When assessing a client with depression, the client states, I just feel so sad and hopeless. I just don't care anymore. I don't even enjoy doing the crossword puzzles like I used to. The nurse documents this finding as indicative of which of the following?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Anhedonia. Anhedonia refers to the inability to experience pleasure or joy in activities that were previously enjoyable. In the scenario provided, the client's statement about not enjoying crossword puzzles anymore indicates a loss of pleasure, which is a key symptom of anhedonia commonly seen in depression. A: Dysthymic disorder is a type of chronic mood disorder characterized by persistently depressed mood. The client's symptoms do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of dysthymic disorder based on the information provided. C: Delusion refers to a fixed false belief that is not based in reality. The client's statement does not involve any delusional beliefs, so this choice is incorrect. D: Psychosis involves a loss of contact with reality, often manifesting as hallucinations or delusions. The client's statement does not indicate a break from reality, so psychosis is not the correct choice.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is completing an admission assessment of a young adult woman who has a history of depression and who was brought to the hospital by her boyfriend. In response to the nurse's question regarding suicidal ideation, the patient discloses that she is thinking about killing herself. Which question would be most appropriate for the nurse to ask next?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: "What thoughts have you had about how you would kill yourself?" This question is appropriate as it assesses the patient's specific suicidal ideation, providing crucial information for risk assessment and intervention planning. By asking about the method, the nurse can gauge the immediacy and lethality of the patient's suicidal thoughts. A: "What does your boyfriend think about your desire to kill yourself?" - This question focuses on the boyfriend's perspective rather than the patient's own thoughts and feelings, not directly addressing the immediate risk. B: "What are your spiritual beliefs about suicide?" - While spiritual beliefs can be important, this question does not directly address the severity or immediacy of the patient's suicidal thoughts. C: "What will killing yourself accomplish?" - While exploring the patient's reasons for suicidal ideation is important, this question does not address the specific method or immediate risk.
Question 4 of 5
A group of nursing students is reviewing the physical changes that occur in older adults. The students demonstrate understanding of the information when they identify which of the following as contributing to the patient's risk for drug toxicity?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Reduced liver function. In older adults, liver function declines, affecting drug metabolism and clearance. This can lead to drug toxicity as medications may not be broken down effectively. Reduced liver function is a common age-related change that can impact the pharmacokinetics of drugs. Choices B, C, and D do not directly contribute to drug toxicity risk in older adults. Reduced brain gray matter volume, lower metabolic rate at rest, and decreased body water are not specifically related to drug metabolism and clearance. Thus, they are incorrect choices for contributing to the patient's risk for drug toxicity.
Question 5 of 5
A patient is being treated in an interdisciplinary clinic. During interactions with a patient who is receiving cognitive behavior therapy, which of the following would the nurse concentrate on first?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Identifying the underlying beliefs. In cognitive behavior therapy, identifying the underlying beliefs is crucial as they drive the patient's thoughts and behaviors. By focusing on these core beliefs first, the nurse can help the patient understand the root causes of their issues and work towards challenging and modifying them effectively. A: Identifying alternative explanations of an event - This step usually comes after identifying the underlying beliefs. B: Exploring evidence to support or refute the beliefs - This step comes after identifying the beliefs and is not the initial focus. D: Examining the real implications if the beliefs are true - This step is important but is typically addressed after identifying and working on the underlying beliefs.