ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is assessing a patient's immediate and short-term memory. Which of the following would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the nurse is assessing immediate and short-term memory. Giving the patient three words to recite now and then in 5 minutes tests both immediate recall and short-term memory retention. This task assesses the patient's ability to retain information over a brief period, which is crucial for evaluating memory function. In contrast, options A, B, and D involve different memory processes or timeframes and are not as directly relevant to assessing immediate and short-term memory. Option A focuses on long-term memory, option B involves problem-solving skills, and option D primarily tests orientation rather than memory retention.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is caring for an older patient in a residential care facility. The patient has been extremely irritable the entire day. When modifying the patient's plan of care, which of the following would be an appropriate snack to offer the patient to decrease the irritability?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Glass of milk. Milk contains tryptophan, an amino acid that helps in the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that contributes to mood regulation. Offering the patient a glass of milk can help increase serotonin levels, potentially decreasing irritability. A: Chocolate candy bar is high in sugar and may lead to a spike in blood sugar levels, followed by a crash, which can worsen irritability. B: Raisins are a source of natural sugars but lack the necessary nutrients to help regulate mood. C: Granola bar may contain added sugars and lack the specific components like tryptophan found in milk to help improve mood.
Question 3 of 5
A client with schizophrenia tells the nurse, 'I'm being watched constantly by the FBI because of my job.' Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct response is B: "It must be frightening to feel like you're always been watched." This response validates the client's feelings without challenging the delusion directly. It shows empathy and builds rapport. Choice A may inadvertently reinforce the delusion. Choice C denies the client's experience and may lead to resistance. Choice D uses clinical jargon and may be too direct, potentially causing the client to become defensive.
Question 4 of 5
The head nurse in the ED has received word that a major fire in a high-rise office tower will result in many injured persons being brought to the hospital within the next few minutes. The head nurse tells the staff, 'You will need to assess for acute stress reactions as well as treating physical problems.' Which patient is exhibiting symptoms characteristic of acute stress reaction?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because the female reporting still hearing her daughter's pleas for help is exhibiting symptoms characteristic of acute stress reaction, a common response to traumatic events like a major fire. This symptom indicates a re-experiencing of the traumatic event, known as intrusion, which is a key feature of acute stress reactions. This can include vivid memories, flashbacks, or hearing sounds related to the traumatic event. Choices A, C, and D do not align with acute stress reactions. A male with mood swings between mania and depression (Choice A) is more likely experiencing bipolar disorder. A male repeating 'I don't understand what's going on?' (Choice C) may indicate confusion or disorientation rather than acute stress reaction. A female rocking her young son and repeating 'it will be okay' (Choice D) may be demonstrating a coping mechanism rather than a symptom of acute stress reaction.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is working with a client diagnosed with complex somatic symptom disorder. Which of the following would the nurse identify as the most difficult aspect of providing care to this client?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Developing the therapeutic relationship. In complex somatic symptom disorder, patients often have difficulty trusting healthcare providers and may resist treatment. Developing a therapeutic relationship requires patience, empathy, and understanding. It is crucial for effective care as it allows the nurse to address the underlying psychological issues contributing to the somatic symptoms. Pain management (choice A) and anxiety relief (choice B) are important but may be more straightforward compared to building trust and rapport. Monitoring treatment (choice D) is essential but can be done effectively once a therapeutic relationship is established.