ATI RN
Virtual ATI Mental Health Assessment Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient with chronic stress for the past month because of job loss and financial difficulties. When evaluating the patient's assessment findings, the nurse would anticipate finding an elevated antibody titer to which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Herpes simplex viruses. Chronic stress can weaken the immune system, leading to increased susceptibility to viral infections. Elevated antibody titers to herpes simplex viruses would be expected due to the reactivation of latent infections during periods of stress. The other choices (B: Herpes zoster viruses, C: Acquired immune deficiency viruses, D: Influenza viruses) are less likely to be affected by chronic stress in the same way as herpes simplex viruses. Herpes zoster viruses typically reactivates due to decreased immunity in older age, acquired immune deficiency viruses are related to HIV infection, and influenza viruses are more commonly associated with acute infections rather than chronic stress.
Question 2 of 5
A female client is diagnosed with panic disorder. The client tells the nurse that she hasn't left her house in more than a month because she was afraid of another attack. She visited the mental health clinic today only because her son brought her. Which nursing diagnosis would be a priority for this client?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Social Isolation related to fear of recurrence of anxiety symptoms. This is the priority nursing diagnosis for the client because her inability to leave the house due to fear of another panic attack has led to significant social isolation. This isolation can exacerbate her anxiety and impact her overall well-being. By addressing social isolation, the nurse can help the client reconnect with the community and support systems, which is crucial for managing panic disorder. Choice A (Powerlessness related to symptoms of anxiety) is incorrect because while the client may feel powerless, the immediate concern is the social isolation impacting her daily functioning. Choice B (Decisional Conflict related to fear of leaving the house) is incorrect as the client's issue is more about the consequences of not leaving the house rather than a decisional conflict. Choice C (Ineffective Family Coping related to symptoms of anxiety) is also incorrect as the focus should be on the client's own coping mechanisms and isolation rather than the family's coping strategies.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client with complex somatic symptom disorder. When assessing this client, the nurse would be especially alert for symptoms of which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Depression. In complex somatic symptom disorder, individuals experience persistent, distressing physical symptoms without an underlying medical cause. Depression commonly coexists with this disorder due to the significant emotional distress and impact on daily functioning. The nurse would be alert for symptoms of depression such as persistent sadness, lack of interest in activities, changes in appetite or sleep, and feelings of worthlessness. Summary: - A: Depression is correct as it commonly coexists with complex somatic symptom disorder due to emotional distress. - B: Avoidant personality disorder is incorrect as it is a separate personality disorder characterized by avoidance of social interactions and feelings of inadequacy. - C: Delirium is incorrect as it is an acute confusional state with altered consciousness and attention. - D: Bipolar disorder is incorrect as it is a mood disorder characterized by episodes of mania and depression.
Question 4 of 5
The school nurse is caring for a 7-year-old child who has demonstrated a significantly lower-than-average score for mental age on standardized tests in reading. However, the child's IQ scores were within the average range. The nurse interprets this information as suggesting which of the following?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Dyslexia. Dyslexia is a learning disorder that affects reading ability despite average intelligence. In this case, the child's significantly lower-than-average mental age in reading but average IQ scores indicate a specific difficulty with reading and language processing, which aligns with dyslexia. A: Communication disorder does not specifically address the reading difficulties. B: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder does not directly relate to the child's reading challenges. C: Asperger syndrome is a developmental disorder primarily affecting social interaction and communication, not reading skills.
Question 5 of 5
A group of nursing students are reviewing information about co-occurring disorders and risks for substance abuse. The students demonstrate understanding of the information when they identify which psychiatric disorder as being associated with the highest risk for substance abuse?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Antisocial personality disorder. Individuals with antisocial personality disorder have a higher risk for substance abuse due to impulsivity, sensation-seeking behavior, and disregard for societal norms. This disorder is characterized by a lack of empathy and concern for others, leading to risky behaviors such as substance abuse. Mania, panic disorder, and phobias are not typically associated with as high a risk for substance abuse as antisocial personality disorder due to different underlying mechanisms. Mania is associated with impulsive behavior but may not always involve substance abuse. Panic disorder and phobias are anxiety disorders that are more focused on specific fears and avoidance behaviors rather than substance abuse tendencies.