ATI RN
Proctored ATI Mental Health Questions
Question 1 of 5
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 5
The nurse assigned to ACT should explain the program's treatment goal as
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it accurately describes the treatment goal of Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) programs. ACT aims to provide intensive treatment and support for mentally ill individuals to help them live successfully in the community. This involves a comprehensive approach that includes medication management, therapy, and other services tailored to each individual's needs. Choice A is incorrect because ACT is not solely focused on maintaining abstinence from alcohol and other substances of abuse. Choice B is incorrect as it describes a different type of program for mentally ill patients in need of stabilization, not necessarily those in the community. Choice C is incorrect as it specifically mentions incarcerated inmates, which is not a focus of ACT programs designed for community living.
Question 3 of 5
Walking down the aisle of a local grocery store, a nurse encounters a client the nurse has recently cared for on an inpatient psychiatric setting. Which is the appropriate reaction by the nurse?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because making eye contact and responding if the client engages maintains professionalism and acknowledges the client's presence without compromising confidentiality. It shows respect and empathy, which are important in nursing practice. A: Inquiring about the client's well-being can breach confidentiality and may not be appropriate in a public setting. B: Ignoring the client can be seen as rude and may harm the therapeutic relationship. C: Talking to the client without using names may still breach confidentiality and does not fully acknowledge the client's presence.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is working with a child for which an out-of-home placement has occurred. Which of the following would the nurse anticipate as the child's initial response?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Protest. When a child experiences an out-of-home placement, they typically respond with protest initially, displaying anger, resistance, and a sense of loss. This is a common reaction as the child may feel abandoned or confused. Despair (A) is usually a later response after protest. Withdrawal (B) involves isolating oneself, which is not an immediate response to out-of-home placement. Detachment (D) is a form of emotional disengagement, which is also not typically the initial response in this situation.
Question 5 of 5
April, a 10-year-old admitted to inpatient pediatric care, has been getting more and more wound up and is losing self-control in the day room. Time-out does not appear to be an effective tool for April to engage in self-reflection. April's mother admits to putting her in time-out up to 20 times a day. The nurse recognizes that:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because the scenario indicates that time-out is no longer effective for April. The fact that April's mother puts her in time-out up to 20 times a day suggests overuse, leading to desensitization. This renders time-out ineffective as a therapeutic tool. April's increasing agitation and lack of self-control despite time-outs indicate the need for a different approach. Choices A and C are incorrect because they assume time-out is still effective, which contradicts the scenario. Choice D is incorrect as seclusion and restraint should only be considered as a last resort due to ethical and safety concerns.