ATI RN
Mental Health Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
Six months after her husband and children were killed in a car accident, a client is diagnosed with
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Psychoimmunology is the study of the interactions between psychological processes and the nervous and immune systems. In this case, the client's diagnosis of ulcerative colitis, which is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, following the traumatic loss of her husband and children suggests a potential connection between her emotional state and physical health. Research in psychoimmunology has shown that prolonged stress or traumatic events can have a negative impact on the immune system, leading to an increased susceptibility to various health issues, such as autoimmune diseases like ulcerative colitis. Thus, the situation described aligns with the principles and findings of psychoimmunology.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse should recognize that a decrease in norepinephrine levels would play a significant role in which mental illness?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in regulating mood. Decreased levels of norepinephrine have been linked to depression. Norepinephrine is involved in the body's stress response, affecting mood, emotion, and cognition. In depression, low levels of norepinephrine can contribute to symptoms such as sadness, loss of interest in activities, and feelings of hopelessness. Therefore, a decrease in norepinephrine levels would play a significant role in depression rather than mania, schizophrenia, or anxiety, as these conditions may involve alterations in other neurotransmitters.
Question 3 of 5
During a sleep study, a delta rhythm has been recorded for a client experiencing sleep apnea. The nurse recognizes that which characteristic is associated with this rhythm, and what stage of sleep activity would be documented?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Delta rhythm is characterized by slow, high-amplitude brain waves that occur during the deepest stage of non-REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. This stage is known as stage 3 or slow-wave sleep, which is considered the most restorative and restful stage of sleep. Delta rhythm is typically associated with the maintenance of body functions, growth, and repair processes that occur during deep sleep. In the context of a sleep study, the presence of delta rhythm indicates that the individual is experiencing deep, restorative sleep, which is essential for overall health and well-being.
Question 4 of 5
During a hiring interview, which response by a nursing applicant should indicate that the applicant operates from an ethical egoism framework?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The response "This job will pay the bills, and the workload is light enough for me." indicates that the nursing applicant operates from an ethical egoism framework. Ethical egoism is a normative theory that suggests individuals act in their self-interest, seeking to maximize their own well-being. In this response, the applicant's primary concern is their own financial stability and the manageable workload, reflecting a self-interested approach to decision-making. This contrasts with other responses that focus on care for others (A and C) or a sense of duty (D).
Question 5 of 5
Which client should a nurse identify as a potential candidate for involuntarily commitment?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A client threatening to commit suicide should be identified as a potential candidate for involuntary commitment. Suicidal ideation or threats pose an immediate risk to the client's life, and if they are deemed to be at imminent risk of harm to themselves, involuntary commitment may be necessary to ensure their safety and provide necessary mental health interventions. It is important for healthcare professionals to take such threats seriously and act promptly to prevent harm.