ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 9
The nurse is caring for a client who was just admitted with a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder with depression. Which agent would the nurse anticipate as being prescribed for this client?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Clozapine. Clozapine is commonly prescribed for schizoaffective disorder with depression due to its effectiveness in managing both psychotic symptoms and mood disturbances. It is known for its unique ability to target both dopamine and serotonin receptors. A: Lithium is primarily used to treat bipolar disorder, not schizoaffective disorder with depression. B: Haloperidol is an antipsychotic medication more commonly used for treating schizophrenia. C: Chlorpromazine is an older antipsychotic medication that is not typically first-line for schizoaffective disorder with depression. In summary, Clozapine is the most suitable choice due to its dual action on psychotic symptoms and mood stabilization in schizoaffective disorder with depression, making it the most appropriate option among the choices provided.
Question 2 of 9
Which patient would be most appropriate to refer for assertive community treatment (ACT)? A patient diagnosed with
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because assertive community treatment (ACT) is designed for individuals with severe mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, who have difficulty managing their symptoms and functioning independently. This patient with schizophrenia and frequent hospitalizations would benefit from the intensive, community-based support provided by ACT teams. Choice A is incorrect as a phobic fear of crowded places does not typically require the level of intensive support provided by ACT. Choice B is incorrect as a single episode of major depressive disorder may not warrant the ongoing, comprehensive care offered by ACT. Choice C is incorrect as a catastrophic reaction to a tornado is likely a situational crisis that may be better addressed through crisis intervention or trauma-focused therapy, rather than ACT.
Question 3 of 9
A nurse is preparing a presentation on sleep disorders for a community group. Which of the following would the nurse include when explaining the differences between narcolepsy and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step 1: Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden episodes of sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Step 2: People with narcolepsy awaken from sleep feeling unrefreshed, not rested and replenished as mentioned in choice B. Step 3: On the other hand, individuals with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome often wake up feeling tired due to disrupted sleep from breathing pauses. Step 4: Therefore, the statement in choice B correctly contrasts the post-nap feelings of individuals with narcolepsy and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Step 5: Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately differentiate between the two disorders and may mislead the audience.
Question 4 of 9
While talking with a patient who has been experiencing aggression and intense anger, the nurse identifies that the patient feels isolation and anxious. Which statement by the nurse would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The most appropriate statement is "This must be scary for you" (A) because it acknowledges the patient's feelings of isolation and anxiety, showing empathy and validation. This helps build rapport and trust with the patient. Choice B is dismissive and minimizes the patient's feelings. Choice C implies the nurse fully understands, which may not be true. Choice D puts the responsibility on the patient to calm down before help is offered, which can escalate the situation.
Question 5 of 9
The parents of a young adult diagnosed with schizophrenia are providing care for the patient in their home. During a home visit, the parents state, 'It's been so difficult taking care of our son. We need a break. But he needs constant supervision.' Which of the following would be appropriate for the nurse to suggest?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Respite residential care. This option allows the parents to take a break from caregiving while ensuring their son receives necessary supervision. Respite care offers temporary relief for caregivers, preventing burnout. Partial hospitalization (A) involves structured treatment during the day, not suitable for caregiver respite. Acute inpatient care (B) is for crisis situations, not for caregiver relief. Intensive outpatient programs (D) require the patient to attend frequent therapy sessions, not giving the parents a break.
Question 6 of 9
The nurse is performing an admission assessment on a forensic client. Which of the following would be most important for the nurse to include when explaining the purpose of the assessment to the client?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Step 1: The nurse's priority is to address the client's mental health and behavioral issues to provide appropriate treatment and support. Step 2: Focusing on mental health and behavior helps establish a therapeutic relationship and assess the client's immediate needs. Step 3: Discussing specific crimes may trigger distress or legal concerns, hindering the therapeutic process. Step 4: Avoiding detailed discussions of crimes maintains client confidentiality and respects their dignity. Summary: Option D is correct because it prioritizes mental health assessment over discussing specific crimes, ensuring a client-centered approach and fostering a safe therapeutic environment. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they prioritize irrelevant or potentially harmful information over the client's well-being.
Question 7 of 9
Which statement made by the patient demonstrates an understanding of the foundational principle of integrative care?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Understanding the foundational principle of integrative care is recognizing the body's innate ability to heal itself. Step 2: Choice A acknowledges this principle by stating that the body can heal itself with the right tools. Step 3: This aligns with the holistic approach of integrative care, focusing on empowering the body's natural healing processes. Step 4: Other choices do not emphasize the foundational principle: - B focuses on the types of care received, not the core principle. - C mentions the source of knowledge, not the principle of self-healing. - D prioritizes curing a specific illness, not the broader concept of the body's healing capacity.
Question 8 of 9
The client asks the nurse about the goal of treatment mental health programs. What would the nurse tell them?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because mental health programs aim to provide safe, structured, and supportive care for individuals with mental health symptoms who can benefit from frequent treatment monitoring. This goal emphasizes the importance of creating a therapeutic environment that offers necessary interventions and support to help individuals manage their symptoms and improve their well-being. Choice A is incorrect because the goal is not solely about transitioning individuals to complete independence quickly, but rather about providing ongoing support and care. Choice C is incorrect as mental health programs are not intended to serve as permanent homes, but rather as treatment settings aimed at improving individuals' mental health. Choice D is incorrect because while close monitoring may be necessary for some clients, it is not the sole goal of mental health programs, which also focus on providing support and treatment interventions.
Question 9 of 9
A nurse is observing a client diagnosed with borderline personality disorder on the inpatient unit. Which of the following would the nurse most likely note?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Participating in relationships in which the client has control. In borderline personality disorder, individuals often struggle with issues of control and impulsivity. They may seek relationships where they can exert control to manage intense emotions and fear of abandonment. This behavior is a common manifestation of the disorder. Choices A and B are less likely as individuals with borderline personality disorder may have difficulties with group participation and openly expressing feelings due to fear of rejection or abandonment. Choice D is incorrect as individuals with this disorder often struggle with personal boundaries and may violate them in relationships.