ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam 2019 70 Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
The nurse is engaged in crisis intervention with a patient reporting, 'I have no reason to keep on living.' What is the nurse's initial intervention?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Ask the patient, 'Do you have any plan to hurt yourself or anyone else?' This is the initial intervention because it assesses the patient's risk of harm. It is crucial to determine if the patient has any suicidal ideation or intent. This question helps gauge the level of risk and informs the appropriate level of intervention. Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect: A: Advising the patient about available services is important but not the initial step when assessing immediate risk. B: Asking about past experiences with depression is not as critical as assessing the current risk of harm. D: Assuring the patient of safety is important, but directly addressing the possibility of harm is more urgent in crisis intervention.
Question 2 of 9
Nurses caring for a client with congestive heart failure. Which of the following prescriptions for the provider should the nurse anticipate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: Choice C, giving the client enalapril 2.5 mg PO twice daily, is the correct answer as it is a common prescription for managing congestive heart failure by reducing workload on the heart. Enalapril is an ACE inhibitor that helps decrease blood pressure and improve heart function. It is crucial in managing symptoms and improving outcomes for clients with congestive heart failure. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not address the underlying issue of heart failure or follow evidence-based guidelines for treatment. Monitoring respiratory rate, giving IV bolus, or monitoring pulse rate are important but do not directly address the management of congestive heart failure as effectively as prescribing enalapril.
Question 3 of 9
After checking a patient's blood pressure, he asks the nurse what changes he should expect in himself as he grows older. Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct Answer: C - Usually, you can anticipate that you will begin to react to things more slowly. Rationale: 1. Aging is a natural process that affects everyone. 2. As people age, physiological changes occur, impacting reaction times. 3. Slower reactions are common due to changes in the nervous system. 4. This response is appropriate as it addresses a normal aging change. Summary: A - Incorrect: Overly reassuring, does not acknowledge normal aging changes. B - Incorrect: Personality may remain stable, intelligence does not necessarily lessen. D - Incorrect: Unrealistic, generalized statement about becoming childlike.
Question 4 of 9
Select the best outcome for a patient with the nursing diagnosis: Impaired social interaction related to sociocultural dissonance as evidenced by stating, "Although I'd like to, I don't participate because I don't speak the language very well." Patient will
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: select and participate in one group activity per day. This outcome directly addresses the nursing diagnosis of impaired social interaction and sociocultural dissonance by promoting engagement in social activities. By actively participating in a group activity, the patient can practice social skills and interact with others, thus improving social interaction. Choices A and B focus on individual skills rather than social interaction. Choice C relates to decision-making rather than social interaction. Therefore, choice D is the most appropriate outcome to address the patient's nursing diagnosis.
Question 5 of 9
Mrs. Green is a patient on a psychiatric unit. At the time of her admission, her dog was killed when a car accidentally ran over it; in addition to that, she just found out that her mother has been diagnosed with colon cancer. This information would be addressed in which DSM-IV axis?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Axis IV. Axis IV in DSM-IV is used to assess psychosocial and environmental stressors impacting the individual. Mrs. Green's recent experiences of her dog's death and her mother's cancer diagnosis are significant stressors that would be categorized under Axis IV. These stressors can contribute to her current mental health condition and treatment plan. Choice A (Axis I) refers to clinical disorders, which are not directly related to external stressors. Choice B (Axis II) pertains to personality disorders, which are not the focus here. Choice C (Axis III) involves general medical conditions, which are not the primary concern in this scenario. Hence, the correct choice is D as it specifically addresses the psychosocial stressors impacting Mrs. Green's mental health.
Question 6 of 9
What is an empathic response for the nurse to give to a client who recently lost their mother to a diagnosis of breast cancer?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it shows empathy and acknowledges the client's emotions. It validates the client's feelings without minimizing their pain. Option A is dismissive and implies the client should be relieved. Option B is insensitive and lacks empathy. Option C is premature and focuses on logistics rather than emotional support.
Question 7 of 9
A nurse assesses a patient with a tentative diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder. Which question would be most appropriate for the nurse to ask?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: "Do you find it difficult to control your worrying?" This question is most appropriate because it directly assesses one of the key symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, which is excessive and uncontrollable worrying. By asking this question, the nurse can gather crucial information to help confirm the diagnosis. A: "Have you been a victim of a crime or seen someone badly injured or killed?" - This question is more relevant to assessing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder rather than generalized anxiety disorder. B: "Do you feel especially uncomfortable in social situations involving people?" - This question is more indicative of social anxiety disorder rather than generalized anxiety disorder. C: "Do you repeatedly do certain things over and over again?" - This question is more aligned with symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder rather than generalized anxiety disorder.
Question 8 of 9
An adult says, 'Most of the time I'm happy and feel good about myself. I have learned that what I get out of something is proportional to the effort I put into it.' Which number on this mental health continuum should the nurse select?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D (4) on the mental health continuum. The statement indicates a high level of mental well-being, self-esteem, and understanding of the relationship between effort and outcomes, aligning with Level 4. This level signifies positive self-esteem, a sense of purpose, and the ability to cope effectively with life's challenges. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they represent lower levels of mental health with characteristics such as low self-esteem, negative emotions, and difficulty coping with stressors.
Question 9 of 9
A client asks the nurse if he needs to alter any of his activities because he is taking lithium carbonate. Which of the following responses would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increase your salt intake if an activity causes you to perspire heavily. Lithium carbonate can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances through increased sweating. By increasing salt intake during activities that lead to heavy perspiration, the client can help maintain electrolyte balance. Choice B is incorrect because wearing sunscreen does not directly relate to lithium carbonate use. Choice C is incorrect as drinking less fluid can exacerbate dehydration risks associated with lithium carbonate. Choice D is incorrect as strenuous activities may increase sweating and electrolyte loss, necessitating adjustments such as increasing salt intake.