ATI RN
2019 ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is caring for an elderly client who has been taking an antipsychotic medication for 1 week. The nurse notifies the physician when he observes that the client has muscle rigidity that resembles Parkinson's disease. Which agent would the nurse expect the physician to prescribe?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Anticholinergic. Antipsychotic medications can cause extrapyramidal symptoms like muscle rigidity resembling Parkinson's disease. Anticholinergics are used to manage these symptoms by blocking the effects of acetylcholine, which helps alleviate muscle rigidity. Anxiolytics (B), benzodiazepines (C), and beta-blockers (D) are not typically used to treat extrapyramidal symptoms associated with antipsychotic medications. Anxiolytics are for anxiety, benzodiazepines are for sedation or anxiety, and beta-blockers are for conditions like hypertension or heart-related issues.
Question 2 of 5
A client has made multiple visits to the clinic. The nurse suspects that the client may be experiencing complex somatic symptom disorder based on which of the following?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Reports of the same symptoms repeatedly. In complex somatic symptom disorder, individuals often report persistent physical symptoms with no clear medical explanation. By repeatedly reporting the same symptoms, the client demonstrates a key characteristic of this disorder. Choices A, B, and D do not directly align with the diagnostic criteria for complex somatic symptom disorder. Expressions of concern about psychological problems (A) could indicate other mental health conditions. Indications that parents were always in 'good health' (B) and evidence of a need for social support from friends (D) are not specific to complex somatic symptom disorder.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is counseling a parent whose child has a communication disorder. Which of the following would the nurse emphasize when teaching the parent about this disorder?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Initiating conversations with the child frequently. This is important as it helps the child practice communication skills and improves their confidence. By engaging in regular conversations, the child gets more opportunities to develop their speech and language abilities. Option A is incorrect as solely focusing on nonverbal activities may neglect the child's speech development. Option C is incorrect as stopping the child's conversation when stuttering begins can lead to frustration and hinder progress. Option D is incorrect as medication is not typically the primary treatment for communication disorders in children.
Question 4 of 5
When describing the relapse cycle to a group of families of clients experiencing co-occurring disorders, which of the following would the nurse identify as occurring first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Decompensation. In the relapse cycle of co-occurring disorders, decompensation typically occurs first. Decompensation refers to a deterioration in mental health symptoms or functioning. This phase often precedes hospitalization, stabilization, and discharge. It signifies a worsening of symptoms and coping mechanisms, leading to a need for increased support and intervention. Hospitalization (choice A), stabilization (choice C), and discharge (choice D) usually occur after decompensation as steps in the treatment process to address the relapse.
Question 5 of 5
The parent of a 4-year-old rewards and praises the child for helping a sibling, being polite, and using good manners. These qualities are likely to be internalized and become part of which system of the personality?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Superego. The superego is responsible for internalizing societal norms, values, and moral standards. By rewarding and praising the child for positive behaviors such as helping a sibling and using good manners, the parent is reinforcing these moral values, which are then internalized by the child through the development of the superego. The superego acts as the conscience and strives for perfection based on societal expectations. Option A (Id) is incorrect because the Id is the instinctual and impulsive part of the personality driven by the pleasure principle. Option B (Ego) is incorrect as the Ego mediates between the Id and the external world, dealing with reality. Option D (Preconscious) is incorrect as it refers to the part of the mind that contains thoughts and memories that are not currently in awareness but can be easily accessed.