ATI RN
Proctored ATI Mental Health Questions
Question 1 of 4
The nurse is preparing to assess a client with a paranoid personality trait. The nurse integrates knowledge of this condition, anticipating that the client's affect and behavior will most likely be which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Angry and hostile. Individuals with paranoid personality traits often exhibit suspiciousness, mistrust, and a tendency to interpret others' actions as hostile or malevolent. This can lead to feelings of anger and hostility towards others. This affect and behavior align with the characteristics commonly seen in individuals with paranoid personality traits. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because paranoid individuals are not typically flirtatious, seductive, fearful, anxious, friendly, or open in their interactions due to their underlying suspicious and mistrustful nature.
Question 2 of 4
The nurse makes a home visit to a family caring for a client with Alzheimer's disease. The client's wife tells the nurse that she hasn't been out of the house for more than 2 weeks because her sister has been unable to help her care for the client. Which nursing diagnosis would the nurse identify as the priority?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Caregiver Role Strain related to social isolation. The priority nursing diagnosis addresses the wife's current state of distress due to social isolation, which can impact her ability to provide care for the client. This diagnosis directly addresses her feelings of being overwhelmed and unable to fulfill her caregiving role effectively. In contrast, option A focuses on family coping, which is secondary to the wife's immediate need for support. Option B is not as relevant since it does not address the wife's emotional and psychological stress. Option D refers to the client's emotional state rather than the wife's, making it less of a priority in this scenario.
Question 3 of 4
A nurse is working with a forensic client on de-escalation techniques. Which activity would be most appropriate as a grounding physical activity?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Grounding physical activities help individuals focus and stay present. Aerobic exercise, such as jogging or jumping jacks, can help regulate emotions and reduce stress by increasing endorphins. It also promotes mindfulness through rhythmic movements. Drumming (A), while rhythmic, may not provide the same level of physical activity. Rocking in a rocking chair (B) may not be stimulating enough for grounding. Yoga (D) focuses more on relaxation and mindfulness rather than the energizing effect needed for de-escalation.
Question 4 of 4
A nurse is assessing a client brought to the hospital psychiatric emergency services by a law enforcement officer. The client has disorganized, incoherent speech with loose associations and religious content. You should recognize the signs and symptoms as being consistent with which of the following?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Schizophrenia. The client's symptoms of disorganized, incoherent speech with loose associations and religious content are classic features of schizophrenia, specifically the positive symptoms. Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder characterized by disturbances in thinking, emotions, and behavior. It typically presents in late adolescence or early adulthood. On the other hand, the other choices are incorrect because Alzheimer's disease primarily affects memory and cognitive function, substance intoxication would manifest with different symptoms depending on the substance, and depression typically presents with persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in daily activities.