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
The nurse has instructed a client with panic disorder about how to use the technique of positive self-talk. The nurse determines that the client has understood the instructions when the client verbalizes which statement to use during an impending panic attack?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: "I can handle this anxiety; it will be over shortly." This statement reflects positive self-talk by acknowledging the anxiety but also affirming the client's ability to cope and that the situation is temporary. This empowers the client to manage the panic attack effectively. Incorrect Choices: A: "I am feeling very nervous right now." This choice focuses only on acknowledging the feeling without providing a positive coping strategy. C: "I am taking medication to eliminate these symptoms." This choice relies solely on medication and does not address the client's ability to cope with the panic attack. D: "Relax your muscles, relax your muscles." This choice provides a relaxation technique but lacks the empowering and affirming aspect of positive self-talk.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is assessing a child's cognitive ability to think logically. The nurse asks the child to count backward from 10 to 0, and the child complies. What cognitive stage is this child in?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The child counting backward from 10 to 0 demonstrates conservation of numbers and reversibility, characteristics of the concrete operational stage. In this stage, children can engage in logical thought processes, manipulate information mentally, and understand conservation. This ability is typically developed around ages 7 to 11. A: Sensorimotor stage focuses on sensory experiences and object permanence, typically occurring from birth to age 2. B: Formal operational stage involves abstract thinking and hypothetical reasoning, usually from age 12 and beyond. D: Preoperational stage includes egocentrism and lack of conservation, typical for children aged 2 to 7. Therefore, the child counting backward is in the concrete operational stage due to their ability to think logically and understand conservation.
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
A psychiatric-mental health nurse is working with a patient who is being treated for depression. Which patient statement would indicate that her spirituality is intact?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the patient's statement reflects a sense of acceptance and inner peace despite challenging circumstances, indicating a belief in a higher power or spirituality. This indicates that her spirituality is intact. Choice A implies social support but does not necessarily indicate spirituality. Choice B expresses hopelessness and suicidal ideation, which are not indicative of intact spirituality. Choice D reflects feelings of guilt and punishment, which do not align with a sense of spiritual well-being.