The nurse is caring for a 30-year-old white man whose wife has recently died. The patient has been diagnosed with clinical depression and is demonstrating insufficient coping skills. Which action by the nurse would be most important?

Questions 20

ATI RN

ATI RN Test Bank

ATI Mental Health Capstone Assessment Questions

Question 1 of 5

The nurse is caring for a 30-year-old white man whose wife has recently died. The patient has been diagnosed with clinical depression and is demonstrating insufficient coping skills. Which action by the nurse would be most important?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because asking the patient if he is thinking about killing himself is crucial in assessing suicide risk, which is a primary concern in cases of clinical depression. This step allows the nurse to evaluate the patient's safety and take appropriate measures to prevent self-harm. Referring the patient for long-term psychotherapy (A) is important but not the most immediate concern in ensuring the patient's safety. Determining the patient's risk of psychosis (B) is not as relevant in this scenario as addressing the immediate risk of suicide. While understanding the patient's family history of depression (C) may provide context, it does not directly address the patient's current safety and well-being.

Question 2 of 5

A client with a history of opioid abuse is exhibiting manifestations of moderate withdrawal. Which of the following would the nurse expect to assess?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Dilated pupils. Opioid withdrawal commonly presents with dilated pupils due to the noradrenergic rebound effect. This occurs as the body tries to compensate for the suppression of noradrenaline caused by chronic opioid use. Rhinorrhea and lacrimation are associated with opioid withdrawal but are typically seen in early withdrawal stages. Dysphoria is a common symptom in opioid withdrawal but is not specific to moderate withdrawal.

Question 3 of 5

The nurse is assessing an 8-year-old child's self-concept. Which of the following would be least appropriate for the nurse to ask?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because asking about breakfast is unrelated to self-concept assessment. Choices A, B, and C are relevant as they explore the child's aspirations, interests, and self-perception. Breakfast is a daily routine and does not provide insights into the child's self-concept. It is important for the nurse to focus on questions that directly relate to the child's thoughts, feelings, and perceptions of themselves rather than their daily activities.

Question 4 of 5

A nurse is working for a mobile homeless treatment program. Which method would the nurse most likely use to provide follow-up care to clients?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, riding a bicycle to wherever the client happens to be. This method is most likely used for follow-up care in a mobile homeless treatment program because it allows the nurse to reach clients who may not have consistent access to transportation or a fixed address. By being mobile, the nurse can ensure continuity of care and provide services directly to clients in their own environment. Option A, seeing them by appointment at a clinic office, may not be feasible for homeless clients due to transportation and scheduling challenges. Option C, meeting the client in a public place easily accessible by taxi, may not be practical if the client's location changes frequently. Option D, using the telephone to determine how well the clients are doing, lacks the personal connection and hands-on assessment that may be necessary for providing effective follow-up care in this setting.

Question 5 of 5

A nurse encounters an unfamiliar psychiatric disorder on a new patient's admission form. Which resource should the nurse consult to determine criteria used to establish this diagnosis?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is C: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V). The DSM-V is the standard classification of mental disorders used by healthcare professionals. It provides criteria for diagnosing psychiatric disorders based on research and clinical expertise. Other choices are incorrect because: A (ICD-10) is a classification system for all diseases, not specific to psychiatric disorders; B (ANA's standards) focuses on nursing practice, not diagnosis; D (behavioral health manual) may not provide standardized diagnostic criteria. The DSM-V is the most appropriate resource for accurate psychiatric diagnosis.

Access More Questions!

ATI RN Basic


$89/ 30 days

ATI RN Premium


$150/ 90 days

Similar Questions