ATI RN
2019 ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam Questions
Question 1 of 9
The nurse has instructed a client with panic disorder about how to use the technique of positive self-talk. The nurse determines that the client has understood the instructions when the client verbalizes which statement to use during an impending panic attack?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: "I can handle this anxiety; it will be over shortly." This statement reflects positive self-talk by acknowledging the anxiety but also affirming the client's ability to cope and that the situation is temporary. This empowers the client to manage the panic attack effectively. Incorrect Choices: A: "I am feeling very nervous right now." This choice focuses only on acknowledging the feeling without providing a positive coping strategy. C: "I am taking medication to eliminate these symptoms." This choice relies solely on medication and does not address the client's ability to cope with the panic attack. D: "Relax your muscles, relax your muscles." This choice provides a relaxation technique but lacks the empowering and affirming aspect of positive self-talk.
Question 2 of 9
The nurse is counseling a parent whose child has a communication disorder. Which of the following would the nurse emphasize when teaching the parent about this disorder?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Initiating conversations with the child frequently. This is important as it helps the child practice communication skills and improves their confidence. By engaging in regular conversations, the child gets more opportunities to develop their speech and language abilities. Option A is incorrect as solely focusing on nonverbal activities may neglect the child's speech development. Option C is incorrect as stopping the child's conversation when stuttering begins can lead to frustration and hinder progress. Option D is incorrect as medication is not typically the primary treatment for communication disorders in children.
Question 3 of 9
A nurse documents: "Patient is mute despite repeated efforts to elicit speech. Makes no eye contact. Inattentive to staff. Gazes off to the side or looks upward rather than at speaker." Which nursing diagnosis should be considered?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Impaired verbal communication. The patient's inability to speak, make eye contact, and focus on the speaker indicates a communication issue. Impaired verbal communication relates to difficulty expressing thoughts, feelings, or needs. The patient's behavior aligns with this diagnosis as they are mute, inattentive, and not making eye contact. Defensive coping (A) involves protecting oneself from emotional pain. Decisional conflict (B) pertains to uncertainty about choices. Risk for other-directed violence (C) involves potential harm to others, which is not evident in the scenario. Thus, D is the most appropriate nursing diagnosis.
Question 4 of 9
The nurse is caring for a patient who has been under severe stress while caring for her elderly mother who is in the advanced stages of Alzheimer's disease. The nurse explains that the patient is adapting to the stress she is experiencing because of which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A: Ability to survive in the midst of severe stress Rationale: 1. The patient is under severe stress due to caring for her mother with Alzheimer's disease. 2. Adaptation to stress involves the ability to survive and cope with challenging situations. 3. Surviving severe stress indicates the patient's resilience and ability to endure difficult circumstances. 4. This choice best reflects the patient's capacity to manage and withstand the stress she is facing. Summary: B: Acceptance of others' help in caring for her mother - This choice focuses on receiving help from others, which may not directly relate to the patient's ability to adapt to stress. C: Success at being able to solve problems - While problem-solving skills are valuable, adaptation to stress goes beyond just solving problems. D: Capability in setting reasonable personal goals - Setting goals is important but may not directly address the patient's adaptation to severe stress.
Question 5 of 9
The parent of a 4-year-old rewards and praises the child for helping a sibling, being polite, and using good manners. These qualities are likely to be internalized and become part of which system of the personality?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Superego. The superego is responsible for internalizing societal norms, values, and moral standards. By rewarding and praising the child for positive behaviors such as helping a sibling and using good manners, the parent is reinforcing these moral values, which are then internalized by the child through the development of the superego. The superego acts as the conscience and strives for perfection based on societal expectations. Option A (Id) is incorrect because the Id is the instinctual and impulsive part of the personality driven by the pleasure principle. Option B (Ego) is incorrect as the Ego mediates between the Id and the external world, dealing with reality. Option D (Preconscious) is incorrect as it refers to the part of the mind that contains thoughts and memories that are not currently in awareness but can be easily accessed.
Question 6 of 9
The nurse has instructed a client with panic disorder about how to use the technique of positive self-talk. The nurse determines that the client has understood the instructions when the client verbalizes which statement to use during an impending panic attack?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: "I can handle this anxiety; it will be over shortly." This statement reflects positive self-talk by acknowledging the anxiety but also affirming the client's ability to cope and that the situation is temporary. This empowers the client to manage the panic attack effectively. Incorrect Choices: A: "I am feeling very nervous right now." This choice focuses only on acknowledging the feeling without providing a positive coping strategy. C: "I am taking medication to eliminate these symptoms." This choice relies solely on medication and does not address the client's ability to cope with the panic attack. D: "Relax your muscles, relax your muscles." This choice provides a relaxation technique but lacks the empowering and affirming aspect of positive self-talk.
Question 7 of 9
A client on a psychiatric unit is telling the nurse about anger toward the airline after losing an only child in a plane crash. In which situation is the nurse demonstrating active listening?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because assuming a relaxed posture and leaning toward the client demonstrates active listening by showing empathy and interest in what the client is saying. This nonverbal behavior encourages the client to continue expressing their feelings. A: Agreeing with the client can shut down communication and invalidate the client's emotions. B: Repeating everything the client says may come across as robotic and not conducive to building rapport. D: Expressing sorrow and sadness, while empathetic, may shift the focus from the client to the nurse's emotions. In summary, actively listening involves nonverbal cues that show understanding and support without interjecting personal opinions or emotions.
Question 8 of 9
Taylor, a psychiatric registered nurse, orients Regina, a patient with anorexia nervosa, to the room where she will be assigned during her stay. After getting Regina settled, the nurse informs Regina:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because as a psychiatric nurse, it is important to ensure the safety of the patient, especially those with anorexia nervosa who may have harmful items in their belongings. Going through the patient's belongings allows the nurse to assess and remove any potential risks. This action aligns with the duty of care and ensures the patient's well-being. Choice B is incorrect because using a scale can trigger anxiety and reinforce unhealthy behaviors related to weight monitoring in patients with anorexia nervosa. Choice C is incorrect as stating a specific number of meals may not be suitable for every individual and could create unnecessary pressure on the patient. Choice D is incorrect because the structure of care should be based on evidence-based practices and clinical guidelines, not solely on the patient’s desire to eat.
Question 9 of 9
A psychotherapist works with an anxious, dependent patient. Which strategy is most consistent with psychoanalytic psychotherapy?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because focusing on the patient's feelings developed towards the therapist is consistent with psychoanalytic therapy. This approach allows the therapist to explore transference and countertransference dynamics, which are central in understanding the patient's inner conflicts and relational patterns. By addressing these feelings, the therapist can help the patient gain insight into unresolved issues from their past that are influencing their current behavior. Choice A is incorrect because while it can be beneficial in therapy, it is more aligned with a strengths-based or humanistic approach rather than psychoanalytic therapy. Choice B is also incorrect because praising the patient for describing feelings of isolation does not directly address the deeper unconscious processes that psychoanalytic therapy aims to explore. Choice D is incorrect because providing psychoeducation and emphasizing medication adherence are more commonly associated with cognitive-behavioral or medication-focused therapies, rather than psychoanalytic therapy.