ATI RN
ATI Capstone Mental Health Assessment Quizlet Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is caring for a 78-year-old client who is taking an anticholinergic medication and complains of dry mouth. Which of the following would be most appropriate for the nurse to suggest?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Rinse the mouth with a mouthwash. Anticholinergic medications can cause dry mouth due to decreased saliva production. Rinsing with a mouthwash can help moisturize the oral mucosa and provide temporary relief. Chewing hard candies (choice A) may provide temporary relief but can also increase the risk of dental caries. Using more seasonings on food (choice C) and drinking decaffeinated beverages often (choice D) do not directly address the dry mouth concern.
Question 2 of 5
Which assessment finding exhibited by a patient being assessed for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) would be considered a defining behavior and support such a diagnosis?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because describing vivid 'flashbacks' of being attacked is a defining behavior of PTSD according to the DSM-5 criteria. This symptom is specific to PTSD and indicates re-experiencing of the traumatic event. Choice A is not specific to PTSD and can occur in other conditions. Choice B is more related to mood disorders than PTSD. Choice D is more indicative of a need to disclose the trauma, which is common but not a defining behavior of PTSD.
Question 3 of 5
Inpatient hospitalization for persons with mental illness is generally reserved for patients who
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because inpatient hospitalization for mental illness is typically reserved for patients who present a clear danger to themselves or others. This criterion ensures the safety of the individual and those around them. Patients who pose a risk require immediate intervention and close monitoring in a controlled environment to prevent harm. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because noncompliance with medication, limited support systems, or developing new symptoms may not necessarily warrant inpatient hospitalization unless they lead to a clear danger to self or others. It is crucial to prioritize safety and address imminent risks in determining the need for inpatient care.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is developing a care plan for a client with schizotypal personality disorder. The client has reported a recent history of magical thinking. What does the nurse note is the priority nursing diagnosis?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: disturbed thought process. This is the priority nursing diagnosis because magical thinking is a common symptom of schizotypal personality disorder, indicating a disturbance in thought process. Addressing this issue is crucial for the client's overall well-being and treatment success. Choice A (anxiety) may be a secondary concern related to the client's symptoms but not the priority. Choice B (risk for loneliness) is not directly related to the client's current symptom of magical thinking. Choice C (risk for self-harm) is important to assess but may not be the priority at this time compared to addressing the core symptom of disturbed thought process.
Question 5 of 5
A patient is engaged in bibliotherapy and begins to express his feelings because he closely associates his experience with that provided by the reading material. The nurse interprets this as which of the following?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Catharsis. Catharsis refers to the process of emotional release and purification through expressing feelings and emotions. In this scenario, the patient is engaging in bibliotherapy and expressing his feelings, indicating a release of pent-up emotions. This is a therapeutic process that allows the patient to process and cope with their emotions in a healthy way. Choice A: Insight is incorrect as it refers to gaining a deeper understanding or awareness, which is not explicitly mentioned in the scenario. Choice C: Anxiety reduction is incorrect as the scenario does not specify that the patient's goal is to reduce anxiety, but rather to express feelings associated with the reading material. Choice D: Problem solving is incorrect as the scenario does not involve the patient actively working through a specific problem, but rather expressing emotions related to the reading material.