ATI RN
Mental Health ATI Proctored Exam 2024 Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is caring for a 70-year-old psychiatric patient who has been prescribed a number of medications. When teaching the patient about the medications, which explanation would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. As individuals age, changes in liver functioning can lead to slower metabolism and clearance of medications from the body. This can result in medication levels accumulating in the system, potentially leading to toxicity. This explanation is important for the patient to understand the risks associated with their medications. Choice A is incorrect because the speed of stomach emptying does not necessarily impact medication effects. Choice B is incorrect as the entire GI system speeding up is not a typical age-related change and does not necessarily affect medication digestion. Choice D is incorrect as age-related circulation changes do not necessarily mean medications are delivered more quickly to specific body sites.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is working with a potentially violent patient in a community clinic. Which of the following would the nurse implement to minimize personal risk?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Staying close to a door. By staying close to a door, the nurse can have a quick exit strategy in case the situation escalates. This allows the nurse to maintain a safe distance from the potentially violent patient and increases the chances of a swift escape if needed. Using protective devices (A) can be helpful but may not always be accessible in a community clinic setting. Keeping the door closed for privacy (C) may limit escape routes and hinder quick exit. Wearing inexpensive jewelry to distract the patient (D) is not a safe or effective strategy in managing a potentially violent situation.
Question 3 of 5
Assessment of a client with schizophrenia reveals that he is hearing voices that tell him that people are staring at him and illusions. When developing the plan of care for this client, which nursing diagnosis would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The most appropriate nursing diagnosis for a client with schizophrenia experiencing auditory hallucinations and illusions is "Disturbed sensory perception" (C). This diagnosis reflects the client's altered sensory experiences, such as hearing voices and experiencing illusions. It focuses on the client's perception of reality, which is impaired in this case. Choice A (Disturbed thought processes) is incorrect because it primarily focuses on cognitive processes rather than sensory experiences. Choice B (Risk for self-directed violence) is not the most appropriate because the client's symptoms do not directly indicate a risk of self-harm. Choice D (Ineffective coping) is also not as relevant in this case as the primary issue is related to sensory perception rather than coping mechanisms. Therefore, the correct diagnosis is "Disturbed sensory perception" as it addresses the client's altered sensory experiences.
Question 4 of 5
A woman with borderline personality disorder has been admitted to the inpatient unit because she has been engaging in wrist cutting. The client's sister is visiting, and the sister asks the nurse to explain why her sister sometimes does this to herself. Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Self-injurious behavior in individuals with borderline personality disorder is often a maladaptive coping mechanism used to relieve intense emotional distress or stress. This behavior is a way for the individual to externalize internal pain and gain a sense of control. It is important for the nurse to provide accurate information to the client's sister. Choice B is incorrect because self-injurious behavior in BPD is not typically used to calm or sedate individuals. Choice C is incorrect because self-injury is not usually a mechanism to avoid delusional thinking in BPD. Choice D is incorrect because while mood swings are common in BPD, self-mutilation is not typically used to slow them down.
Question 5 of 5
A student nurse is preparing a nursing care plan for a client who has insomnia and is experiencing sleep deprivation. Which nursing diagnosis would the nurse most likely identify as reflecting a priority care issue?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Risk for Injury. Insomnia and sleep deprivation can lead to cognitive impairment and physical fatigue, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries. The nurse's priority is ensuring the client's safety. Option B, Ineffective Coping, focuses on emotional response rather than immediate safety concerns. Option C, Deficient Knowledge, does not directly address the client's current safety issue. Option D, Anxiety, is important but may not pose an immediate threat to safety compared to the risk of injury from sleep deprivation.