ATI RN
ATI Capstone Mental Health Questions
Question 1 of 9
Tammy, a 28-year-old with major depressive disorder and bulimia nervosa, is ready for discharge from the county hospital after 2 weeks of inpatient therapy. Tammy is taking citalopram (Celexa) and reports that it has made her feel more hopeful. With a secondary diagnosis of bulimia nervosa, what is an alternative antidepressant to consider?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Fluoxetine (Prozac). Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that is FDA-approved for both major depressive disorder and bulimia nervosa. It is commonly used in treating patients with co-occurring depression and eating disorders, like bulimia nervosa. Fluoxetine has shown efficacy in reducing binge eating and purging behaviors associated with bulimia nervosa. Now, let's analyze the other choices: B: Isocarboxazid (Marplan) is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) that is not commonly used as a first-line treatment for bulimia nervosa. MAOIs have more dietary and drug interaction concerns compared to SSRIs. C: Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) that is not typically preferred for bulimia nervosa due to its side effect profile and overdose risk. D: Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
Question 2 of 9
The nurse is planning care for a newly admitted adolescent who has bacterial meningitis. Which of the following instructions is appropriate for the nurse to include in the plan of care?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Initiate droplet precautions for the client. This is appropriate because bacterial meningitis is transmitted through droplets, so implementing droplet precautions helps prevent the spread of infection to others. Option B (Assist the client to a supine position) is incorrect as it can worsen intracranial pressure. Option C (Perform the Glasgow coma scale every 24 hours) is not directly related to preventing transmission of infection. Option D (Recommend prophylactic acyclovir for the client's family) is incorrect as acyclovir is used for herpes simplex virus, not bacterial meningitis.
Question 3 of 9
Guadalupe is the matriarch of a large family. She is terminally ill and none of her family members know her end-of-life wishes. The best action for the nurse is to:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because organizing a family meeting with Guadalupe's permission allows for open communication about her end-of-life wishes. This approach respects her autonomy and ensures her preferences are known. Discussing durable power of attorney (A) may be premature without knowing Guadalupe's wishes. Having a family meeting without her (C) disregards her right to be involved in decision-making. Asking the doctor to inform Guadalupe about her terminal illness (D) should be done by a healthcare provider, not a nurse, and may cause distress without addressing her specific wishes.
Question 4 of 9
Martin is a 23-year-old male with a new diagnosis of schizophrenia, and his family is receiving information from a home health nurse. The topic of education is suicide prevention, and the nurse recognizes effective teaching when the mother says:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because suicide risk is indeed highest in the first few years after a schizophrenia diagnosis due to the stress of adjusting to the illness, medication side effects, and stigma. Choice A is incorrect as individuals with schizophrenia have a higher risk of suicide compared to the general population. Choice C is incorrect because confusion is not a significant factor in suicide risk for individuals with schizophrenia. Choice D is incorrect as while suicide risk is elevated in schizophrenia, most individuals diagnosed do not die by suicide.
Question 5 of 9
To establish rapport with a 10-year-old child who is hospitalized in a psychiatric setting, which statement by the nurse would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: "Would you like to play a game of checkers with me?" This choice is most appropriate as it focuses on building a therapeutic relationship through a non-threatening and engaging activity. Playing a game of checkers can help establish rapport, foster trust, and create a sense of normalcy for the child in a psychiatric setting. It allows for social interaction, provides a distraction, and can help the child feel more comfortable and open up to the nurse. Explanation of why the other choices are incorrect: A: Comparing the child's situation to Cinderella's in a fairy tale may not be relatable or relevant to the child's experiences, potentially minimizing their feelings and concerns. B: Using a tool to measure self-control and initiative may come off as clinical and impersonal, possibly making the child feel like they are being evaluated rather than supported. C: Asking the child to draw a picture of themselves may be intimidating or invasive, as it delves into personal expression without
Question 6 of 9
When engaged in therapeutic communication in a therapeutic relationship with a patient with a mental health problem, which of the following would be most important for the nurse to keep in mind?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because in a therapeutic relationship, the patient should be the primary focus to address their needs effectively. Self-disclosure (A) may shift the focus from the patient to the nurse, affecting the therapeutic process. Empathy (C) is important but not the most crucial aspect; the patient's needs should come first. Recording conversations (D) violates patient confidentiality and trust, hindering the therapeutic relationship. Thus, maintaining the patient as the primary focus ensures effective communication and support.
Question 7 of 9
A family has a long history of conflicted relationships among the members. Which family member's comment best reflects a mentally healthy perspective?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it shows a mentally healthy perspective of taking responsibility and being proactive in making positive changes for the benefit of the family. By acknowledging the need for personal growth and willingness to change behavior, this family member demonstrates self-awareness and a commitment to improving relationships. Choice A is incorrect as it deflects responsibility by comparing oneself to others. Choice B reminisces about the past without addressing current issues or solutions. Choice D is not a healthy approach as it suggests avoidance rather than addressing and working through familial conflicts.
Question 8 of 9
The nurse manager conducts a hand hygiene surveillance project on the mental health unit. This activity demonstrates nursing competency in which two QSEN categories?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: safety and quality improvement. Hand hygiene surveillance project aligns with safety by preventing infections and quality improvement by enhancing patient outcomes. Safety includes preventing harm, while quality improvement focuses on optimizing processes. Teamwork (B) and informatics (C) are not directly related to hand hygiene surveillance. Evidence-based practice (D) and person-centered care (D) are important but not the primary focus of a hand hygiene surveillance project.
Question 9 of 9
In the majority culture of the United States, which individual has the greatest risk to be labeled mentally ill? One who
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because describing hearing God's voice speaking is often associated with religious delusions, a symptom of certain mental illnesses like schizophrenia. This can lead to being labeled mentally ill due to societal norms. Option B is incorrect as being pessimistic but goal-oriented is a common personality trait. Option C is incorrect as being generous does not inherently indicate mental illness. Option D is incorrect as having an optimistic viewpoint and meeting personal needs are not indicative of mental illness.