ATI RN
Mental Health Exam 1 Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
The nurse makes a home visit to a client who has dysthymic disorder. Which of the following would the nurse expect to assess?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Low energy. Dysthymic disorder is characterized by persistent low mood, which often leads to decreased energy levels. Individuals with dysthymic disorder may experience fatigue, lack of motivation, and difficulty engaging in activities. Intense concentration (B) is not typically associated with dysthymic disorder, as individuals may have difficulty focusing due to their low energy and mood. Agitation (C) is more commonly seen in conditions such as anxiety disorders, rather than dysthymic disorder. Normal appetite (D) may or may not be present in individuals with dysthymic disorder, as appetite changes can vary among individuals.
Question 2 of 9
A group of students are reviewing the goals identified by the New Freedom Commission on Mental Health. The students demonstrate understanding of this report when they identify which of the following as a goal?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. The New Freedom Commission emphasizes consumer and family empowerment in mental health care. 2. Involving consumers and families as driving forces ensures individualized and effective care. 3. This approach aligns with person-centered care principles. 4. Empowering consumers and families promotes collaboration and shared decision-making. 5. This goal enhances mental health outcomes and promotes recovery. Summary: Choice B is correct because it reflects the emphasis on consumer and family involvement in mental health care by the New Freedom Commission. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the key focus of consumer and family empowerment in the Commission's goals.
Question 3 of 9
A client visits the clinic and tells the nurse about experiencing chronic stress on the job for the past 3 months. When teaching the client about chronic stress, which of the following would the nurse include as a possible result?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Infections. Chronic stress can weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections. Stress hormones can suppress the immune response, making it harder for the body to fight off pathogens. Lung disorders (A), renal disorders (B), and thyroid disorders (D) are not directly linked to chronic stress in the same way as infections. Stress is more likely to impact the immune system and increase the risk of infections rather than causing specific organ disorders.
Question 4 of 9
The nurse makes a home visit to a client who has dysthymic disorder. Which of the following would the nurse expect to assess?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Low energy. Dysthymic disorder is characterized by persistent low mood, which often leads to decreased energy levels. Individuals with dysthymic disorder may experience fatigue, lack of motivation, and difficulty engaging in activities. Intense concentration (B) is not typically associated with dysthymic disorder, as individuals may have difficulty focusing due to their low energy and mood. Agitation (C) is more commonly seen in conditions such as anxiety disorders, rather than dysthymic disorder. Normal appetite (D) may or may not be present in individuals with dysthymic disorder, as appetite changes can vary among individuals.
Question 5 of 9
How can nurses use informatics and technology innovation in their practice?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because utilizing telehealth services allows nurses to provide care remotely, improving access and efficiency. Telehealth utilizes technology to deliver healthcare services, enhancing communication and monitoring. This option aligns with the use of informatics to improve patient outcomes. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as avoiding electronic health records limits efficiency, relying on paper records is outdated and inefficient, and ignoring technology trends hinders progress and innovation in healthcare practice.
Question 6 of 9
A nurse is developing a teaching plan for a client with an impulse-control disorder. The nurse is planning to explain the emotional aspects associated with the behavior as part of the plan. Which of the following would the nurse describe as occurring first before the individual commits the act?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Tension. In impulse-control disorders, the individual typically experiences increasing tension or anxiety before engaging in impulsive behavior. This tension builds up and leads to a sense of urgency to act, overriding rational decision-making. This initial tension is a key emotional aspect that precedes the impulsive act. Remorse (choice A) and regret (choice C) occur after the act, as the individual reflects on their actions. Pleasure (choice D) is experienced during or after the impulsive behavior, but it is not the first emotional aspect that occurs. Therefore, understanding and addressing the tension is crucial in managing impulse control disorders.
Question 7 of 9
The nurse tells group members that they will be working on expressing conflicts during the current group session. Which phase of group development is represented?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Working phase. During the working phase of group development, members engage in tasks and work towards achieving the group's goals. In this scenario, the nurse indicating that the group will be focusing on expressing conflicts aligns with the working phase, where members actively participate in discussions and address issues within the group dynamic. This phase is characterized by increased cohesion and collaboration among members. A: Planning (formation) phase - This phase involves the initial formation of the group and setting goals. It is focused on getting to know each other and establishing structure, not specifically addressing conflicts. B: Orientation phase - This phase involves introductions and setting norms. While conflicts may arise during this phase as members adjust, the primary focus is on establishing roles and expectations. D: Termination phase - This phase marks the end of the group, where members reflect on their experiences. It is not the phase for actively addressing conflicts within the group.
Question 8 of 9
Which assessment finding for a patient diagnosed with serious and persistent mental illness and living in the community merits priority intervention by the psychiatric nurse? The patient
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because missing Alcoholics Anonymous meetings can indicate a potential relapse for the patient, posing a significant risk to their mental health. Attending regular meetings is crucial for maintaining sobriety and managing mental illness. Option A is not a priority as the patient's financial situation is stable. Option C is not an immediate concern as living with other patients in partial hospitalization programs may provide support. Option D, while important for the patient's emotional well-being, does not present an immediate risk that requires priority intervention.
Question 9 of 9
A nursing instructor is preparing a presentation on the etiology of Alzheimer's disease. When discussing the role of neurotransmitters in the course of the disease, which of the following would the instructor most likely emphasize?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Acetylcholine. Alzheimer's disease is characterized by a decrease in acetylcholine levels in the brain, leading to cognitive decline. Acetylcholine plays a crucial role in memory and learning. Other neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine are not as directly linked to Alzheimer's pathology. Serotonin is more associated with mood regulation, dopamine with reward and movement, and norepinephrine with arousal and stress response. Therefore, the instructor would emphasize acetylcholine due to its specific involvement in the disease process.