ATI RN
Mental Health Nursing ATI Exam Questions
Question 1 of 9
The nurse is preparing to initiate a behavioral treatment program for a child with encopresis. Which of the following would the nurse most likely implement first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Bowel cleansing. This would most likely be implemented first because it helps to clear the colon of retained stool, which is essential in managing encopresis. By cleansing the bowel, it can help reset the child's bowel habits and reduce the likelihood of accidents. Administering mineral oil (choice A) may be used as a lubricant, but it does not address the underlying issue of fecal impaction. A low-fiber diet (choice C) is not recommended as it can exacerbate constipation. Toilet sitting after each meal (choice D) is important but may not be as effective if the colon is impacted with stool.
Question 2 of 9
What personality disorder is most likely to be associated with illegal activity?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: antisocial personality disorder is most likely to be associated with illegal activity. Individuals with this disorder often exhibit a disregard for the rights of others, impulsivity, and a lack of remorse, making them prone to engaging in criminal behavior. Borderline personality disorder (B) is characterized by unstable relationships and emotions, but not necessarily criminal behavior. Dependent personality disorder (C) involves an excessive need to be taken care of, and schizoid personality disorder (D) is characterized by social detachment, both of which are not typically associated with illegal activity.
Question 3 of 9
A client is admitted to the mental health unit because she was found trying to inject diluted feces into her hospitalized child's intravenous line. The client has a history of similar attempts of harming the child. The nurse would most likely suspect which of the following?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Munchausen's syndrome by proxy. This is a form of abuse where the caregiver fabricates or induces illness in someone under their care to gain attention or sympathy. In this scenario, the client's repeated attempts to harm the child for attention align with this syndrome. The other options do not fit the situation: A (Schizoid personality traits) doesn't involve intentional harm, C (Functional neurologic symptoms) is not related to fabricating illness in another, and D (Borderline personality disorder) doesn't typically involve this specific type of behavior.
Question 4 of 9
After teaching a class about the biochemical theories associated with panic disorder, the instructor determines a need for additional teaching when the students identify which neurotransmitter as being implicated?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Dopamine. In the context of panic disorder, serotonin and norepinephrine are typically implicated due to their roles in regulating mood and anxiety. GABA is involved in inhibiting neurotransmission, thus helping to reduce anxiety. Dopamine, however, is not directly associated with panic disorder and its dysregulation is more commonly linked to disorders like schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease. Therefore, if students identify dopamine as being implicated in panic disorder, it indicates a need for additional teaching to correct this misconception and emphasize the roles of serotonin, norepinephrine, and GABA instead.
Question 5 of 9
A female client has been admitted to the inpatient psychiatric facility with a diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder after a history of violence by her boyfriend. During the initial assessment interview, which assessment would be the priority?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Suicide risk. This is the priority assessment because individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder, especially those who have experienced violence, are at increased risk for suicidal ideation and behaviors. Assessing suicide risk is crucial for ensuring the client's safety and implementing appropriate interventions. Nutritional status (A), hydration status (B), and sleep patterns (C) are also important assessments, but in this case, addressing the immediate risk of suicide takes precedence in order to prevent harm to the client.
Question 6 of 9
The nurse is reviewing the drawing that a patient completed as a self-portrait. The nurse observes that the drawing lacks arms and feet. The nurse interprets this as indicating which of the following? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Inadequacy. The patient's drawing lacking arms and feet suggests feelings of inadequacy, as these missing body parts symbolize a lack of capability and completeness. The absence of arms and feet can be interpreted as the patient feeling incapable or incomplete in some aspect of their life. This interpretation aligns with the concept of inadequacy, where the individual may perceive themselves as not measuring up to standards or feeling insufficient. In contrast, choices A, B, and C do not directly relate to the specific symbolism of the missing body parts and are not supported by the information provided in the question.
Question 7 of 9
During an interview with a patient, which question asked of an older adult is associated with the Patient Self-Determination Act?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because the Patient Self-Determination Act emphasizes the importance of discussing end-of-life choices with family or a designated surrogate. This question aligns with the act's goal of promoting patient autonomy and ensuring that patients have a say in their healthcare decisions. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not directly address the act's focus on end-of-life planning and decision-making with family or a designated surrogate. A focuses on access to medical information, C on informed decision-making about treatment, and D on helping the patient feel comfortable, which are important but not specifically related to the Patient Self-Determination Act.
Question 8 of 9
On an inpatient psychiatric unit, a client diagnosed with borderline personality disorder is challenging other clients and splitting staff. Which response by the nurse reflects the nurse's role of milieu manager?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A Rationale: Setting strict limits and communicating them to all staff members is the most appropriate response as a milieu manager. In an inpatient psychiatric unit, creating a structured and consistent environment is crucial for managing challenging behaviors, such as those exhibited by a client with borderline personality disorder. By setting clear boundaries and ensuring all staff members are aware of them, the nurse establishes a safe and therapeutic milieu for all clients. This approach helps maintain a stable and supportive setting, promoting positive interactions among clients and staff. Summary: - Choice B (Using role-play): While role-play can be a valuable therapeutic technique, it may not directly address the immediate need to manage challenging behaviors in the milieu. - Choice C (Seeking orders for forced medications): This is not the appropriate course of action as forcing medications should be a last resort and should only be considered in situations where the client is at imminent risk of harm. - Choice D (Holding a group session on relationship skills): While group sessions
Question 9 of 9
The nurse is preparing to initiate a behavioral treatment program for a child with encopresis. Which of the following would the nurse most likely implement first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Bowel cleansing. This would most likely be implemented first because it helps to clear the colon of retained stool, which is essential in managing encopresis. By cleansing the bowel, it can help reset the child's bowel habits and reduce the likelihood of accidents. Administering mineral oil (choice A) may be used as a lubricant, but it does not address the underlying issue of fecal impaction. A low-fiber diet (choice C) is not recommended as it can exacerbate constipation. Toilet sitting after each meal (choice D) is important but may not be as effective if the colon is impacted with stool.