ATI RN
ATI Capstone Mental Health Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is preparing to assess a 78-year-old patient who has been diagnosed with major depression. Which of the following would the nurse expect to assess as a normal finding?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Dulled taste sensation. Major depression can affect taste perception causing dulled taste sensation. This is a normal finding in older adults with depression due to changes in neurotransmitters. A: Decrease in body fat and B: Increased muscle mass are not typical findings in major depression, as it can lead to changes in appetite and weight loss. D: Enhanced visual acuity is not a normal finding in major depression; it is more likely a symptom of another condition or unrelated to the depressive disorder.
Question 2 of 5
Tammy, a 28-year-old with major depressive disorder and bulimia nervosa, is ready for discharge from the county hospital after 2 weeks of inpatient therapy. Tammy is taking citalopram (Celexa) and reports that it has made her feel more hopeful. With a secondary diagnosis of bulimia nervosa, what is an alternative antidepressant to consider?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Fluoxetine (Prozac). Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that is FDA-approved for both major depressive disorder and bulimia nervosa. It is commonly used in treating patients with co-occurring depression and eating disorders, like bulimia nervosa. Fluoxetine has shown efficacy in reducing binge eating and purging behaviors associated with bulimia nervosa. Now, let's analyze the other choices: B: Isocarboxazid (Marplan) is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) that is not commonly used as a first-line treatment for bulimia nervosa. MAOIs have more dietary and drug interaction concerns compared to SSRIs. C: Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) that is not typically preferred for bulimia nervosa due to its side effect profile and overdose risk. D: Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
Question 3 of 5
A female patient was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia, and in the course of her treatment, it was determined that she was experiencing alcohol dependence because she began experiencing alcohol withdrawal while she was in the hospital. When the psychiatrist who was called in as a consultant documented the patient's mental disorder, he identified her alcohol dependence on which axis?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Axis I. In the DSM-IV-TR, mental disorders, including substance-related disorders like alcohol dependence, are classified under Axis I. This axis is for clinical disorders and other conditions that may be a focus of clinical attention. Alcohol dependence is a primary psychiatric disorder that affects the patient's mental and behavioral functioning, which is why it is categorized under Axis I. Choice B: Axis II is incorrect because Axis II is for personality disorders and mental retardation, not for substance-related disorders like alcohol dependence. Choice C: Axis III is incorrect because Axis III is for general medical conditions that may be relevant to the individual's mental health, not for mental disorders like alcohol dependence. Choice D: Axis IV is incorrect because Axis IV is for psychosocial and environmental problems that may influence the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of mental disorders, not for the mental disorders themselves.
Question 4 of 5
To establish rapport with a 10-year-old child who is hospitalized in a psychiatric setting, which statement by the nurse would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: "Would you like to play a game of checkers with me?" This choice is most appropriate as it focuses on building a therapeutic relationship through a non-threatening and engaging activity. Playing a game of checkers can help establish rapport, foster trust, and create a sense of normalcy for the child in a psychiatric setting. It allows for social interaction, provides a distraction, and can help the child feel more comfortable and open up to the nurse. Explanation of why the other choices are incorrect: A: Comparing the child's situation to Cinderella's in a fairy tale may not be relatable or relevant to the child's experiences, potentially minimizing their feelings and concerns. B: Using a tool to measure self-control and initiative may come off as clinical and impersonal, possibly making the child feel like they are being evaluated rather than supported. C: Asking the child to draw a picture of themselves may be intimidating or invasive, as it delves into personal expression without
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is preparing to assess a 78-year-old patient who has been diagnosed with major depression. Which of the following would the nurse expect to assess as a normal finding?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Dulled taste sensation. Major depression can affect taste perception causing dulled taste sensation. This is a normal finding in older adults with depression due to changes in neurotransmitters. A: Decrease in body fat and B: Increased muscle mass are not typical findings in major depression, as it can lead to changes in appetite and weight loss. D: Enhanced visual acuity is not a normal finding in major depression; it is more likely a symptom of another condition or unrelated to the depressive disorder.