ATI RN
Mental Health Practice Test Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse's lack of verbal communication for therapeutic reasons is to"silence" as the nurse's ability to process information and examine reactions to the messages received is to:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: "Listening." Listening in therapeutic communication involves not just hearing what the patient is saying, but also understanding the message, interpreting non-verbal cues, and providing appropriate responses. It is essential for building trust, showing empathy, and facilitating a therapeutic relationship. "Focusing" (A) is about directing the conversation to important topics, "Offering self" (B) involves sharing personal experiences or emotions, and "Restating" (C) is repeating what the patient has said, all of which are important communication techniques but not directly related to processing information and examining reactions like active listening.
Question 2 of 5
A newly admitted patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder has gained 20 pounds over a few months and has suicidal ideation. The patient has taken antidepressant medication for 1 week without remission of symptoms. Select the priority nursing diagnosis.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The priority nursing diagnosis in this scenario is C: Risk for suicide. This is because the patient's suicidal ideation poses an immediate threat to their safety and needs to be addressed urgently to ensure their well-being. The patient's weight gain and lack of symptom improvement with antidepressants are important factors but do not take precedence over the risk of suicide. Imbalanced nutrition and chronic low self-esteem are not the priority as they are not immediately life-threatening. Hopelessness is also important but addressing the risk for suicide takes precedence in this critical situation.
Question 3 of 5
A patient experiencing moderate anxiety says, "I feel undone." An appropriate response for the nurse would be:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: Choice C is correct as it demonstrates active listening and encourages the patient to elaborate on their feelings, promoting therapeutic communication. It acknowledges the patient's emotions and seeks clarification to better understand their experience. This response shows empathy and validates the patient's feelings, fostering trust and rapport. Choices A and D lack empathy and may come off as dismissive or directive. Choice B focuses on the cause of anxiety rather than addressing the immediate emotional distress.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is providing care to a patient with a mental disorder classified by the DSM-IV-TR. The nurse understands that although the first three axes appear to contain all the diagnostic information about a patient, a truly accurate picture of the client is incomplete without considering other factors such as an estimate of current functioning and:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Life stressors. Understanding the patient's life stressors is crucial in assessing their current functioning and overall well-being. Stressors can exacerbate symptoms, impact treatment outcomes, and affect daily functioning. Considering life stressors helps the nurse develop a comprehensive care plan. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because while cultural background, marital status, and genetic history are important factors to consider, they do not directly provide insight into the patient's current functioning and how stressors may be influencing their mental health.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is developing a plan of care integrating Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Which of the following would the nurse identify as the priority?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Activity level. According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, physiological needs like food, water, and rest are the most basic and essential for survival. Activity level falls under the physiological needs category and takes precedence over other needs like social acceptance or self-image. Without meeting the basic physiological needs, an individual's health and well-being would be compromised. Choices B, C, and D are related to higher-level needs such as social belonging and self-esteem, which become important once the lower-level physiological needs are satisfied.