ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam 2019 70 Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
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 5
A patient was admitted to the psychiatric unit 3 days ago because of suicidal ideation. His suicidal risk has lessened considerably, and he currently denies having any desire to kill himself. In addition, he is able to identify reasons why he wants to be alive. Which nursing intervention would be most appropriate at this time?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Developing a personal plan for managing suicidal thoughts when they occur. This is the most appropriate intervention at this time because the patient's suicidal risk has lessened considerably and he is able to identify reasons for wanting to live. By creating a personalized plan, the patient can learn coping strategies and techniques to manage suicidal thoughts if they resurface in the future. This empowers the patient to take control of their mental health and provides them with tools to prevent future crises. Incorrect Choices: A: Assigning nursing staff to stay with him during his suicidal crisis - This is not necessary as the patient's suicidal risk has considerably lessened. C: Advising the patient that he should consider electroconvulsive therapy treatments - This is an extreme intervention that is not warranted based on the current improvement in the patient's condition. D: Administering psychotropic drugs that decrease the patient's serotonin levels - This intervention is not appropriate as the patient's current state does not indicate the need for immediate
Question 3 of 5
A nurse working in an emergency homeless shelter is interviewing a woman who has just arrived with her two small children. When assessing this client, the nurse would expect the woman to report which of the following as the reason for seeking shelter?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Domestic violence. In a situation where a woman arrives at an emergency homeless shelter with her children, domestic violence is the most likely reason for seeking shelter. Victims of domestic violence often flee their homes to escape abuse, seeking safety and shelter for themselves and their children. Substance abuse (A), unemployment (C), and imprisonment (D) are possible contributing factors to homelessness but are less likely to be the immediate reason for seeking emergency shelter in this scenario.
Question 4 of 5
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 5 of 5
The nurse is beginning an assessment interview with an 8-year-old girl who has been brought in for counseling by her parents. When beginning the interview, which question would be most appropriate for the nurse to ask first?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Has anyone told you about why you are here today? This question is the most appropriate as it helps establish the child's understanding of the situation and allows the nurse to assess the child's level of awareness and perception. By asking this question first, the nurse can ensure the child is informed and prepared for the counseling session. Choice A (How are you feeling?) is not the best first question as it jumps straight into emotions without setting the context. Choice B (How old are you?) is irrelevant and does not address the purpose of the counseling session. Choice D (Why do you think I'm talking to you alone without your parents here?) may make the child feel defensive or anxious, and it assumes the child has already formed opinions about the situation.