ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Practice A 2023 Questions
Question 1 of 4
The nurse working with patients diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is aware of the need to intervene early in order to de-escalate a patient's increasing anxiety level. Which patient behavior is likely an early indication of escalating anxiety?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Talking rapidly. This behavior is likely an early indication of escalating anxiety because rapid speech can reflect heightened arousal and internal distress. When a person starts talking rapidly, it can indicate a sense of urgency or agitation, which are common signs of increasing anxiety levels. In contrast, pacing around the unit (B) may indicate restlessness or agitation but not necessarily escalating anxiety. Staring out the window (C) could suggest dissociation or introspection rather than escalating anxiety. Refusing to go to therapy (D) might indicate resistance or avoidance but does not directly correlate with escalating anxiety levels.
Question 2 of 4
An elderly client tells the nurse that she had been constipated for the last few days and decided to use an over-the-counter fiber laxative that is dissolved in water. When reviewing the use of this laxative with the client, which of the following would the nurse include as a possible side effect?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Flatus. When an elderly client uses a fiber laxative, it can increase the bulk of stool, leading to increased gas production and flatus. This is a common side effect of fiber laxatives due to the fermentation of fiber by gut bacteria. Diarrhea (A) is unlikely with fiber laxatives as they usually work by adding bulk to the stool. Nausea (B) is not a common side effect of fiber laxatives. Stomach pain (D) may occur if the client experiences bloating from increased gas but is less likely than flatus. Therefore, the most likely side effect of using a fiber laxative dissolved in water is increased flatus.
Question 3 of 4
A nurse is assessing a survivor of intimate partner violence. During the interview, the nurse determines that the survivor's partner is using power and control over the client through coercion and threats. Which client statement would lead the nurse to suspect this?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the statement indicates that the partner is using coercion and threats to control the survivor by threatening to report her to child services, which demonstrates an abuse of power and control. This behavior is a clear indication of domestic violence dynamics, where the abuser exerts authority over the survivor through manipulation and intimidation. Choice A is incorrect because denying the abuse is not necessarily an indicator of power and control. Choice B, while concerning, does not specifically demonstrate coercion or threats. Choice D, while also indicating a power dynamic, does not involve explicit threats or coercion like choice C. Thus, choice C is the most indicative of power and control tactics commonly seen in intimate partner violence situations.
Question 4 of 4
A nurse is caring for an infant who has a prescription for continuous pulse oximetry. The following is an appropriate action for the nurse to take?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Move the probe site every 3 hours. This is important to prevent skin breakdown and ensure accurate readings. Moving the probe site helps to redistribute pressure and prevent tissue damage. Placing the infant under a radiant warmer (A) is not necessary for pulse oximetry monitoring. Heating the skin (C) can cause burns or discomfort. Placing the sensor on the index finger (D) may not provide accurate readings for an infant. Moving the probe site every 3 hours is the best practice to maintain skin integrity and ensure accurate monitoring.