ATI RN
Mental Health ATI Proctored Exam Questions
Question 1 of 9
The patient says, "My marriage is just great. My spouse and I always agree." The nurse observes the patient's foot moving continuously as the patient twirls a shirt button. The conclusion the nurse can draw is that the patient's communication is
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: incongruous. The patient's verbal statement about the marriage being great contradicts the nonverbal behavior of foot movement and button twirling, indicating incongruity between the verbal and nonverbal communication. This inconsistency suggests that the patient may not be entirely truthful or may be experiencing internal conflict. A: Clear - This choice is incorrect because the patient's communication is not clear due to the conflicting verbal and nonverbal cues. B: Distorted - This choice is incorrect as there is no indication of intentional distortion in the patient's communication. D: Inadequate - This choice is incorrect as inadequate communication refers to a lack of information or detail, which is not evident in this scenario.
Question 2 of 9
A nursing student uses a client's full name on an interpersonal process recording submitted to the student's instructor. What is the instructor's priority intervention?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because maintaining client confidentiality is a fundamental principle in nursing ethics. By using the client's full name on a submitted record, the student has breached confidentiality. The instructor's priority intervention should be to correct this error and remind the student of the importance of safeguarding client information. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not address the primary issue of confidentiality breach. Reinforcing accurate documentation (A) is important but secondary to confidentiality. Choice C and D are incorrect as client incompetency or involuntary commitment does not automatically negate the need for confidentiality.
Question 3 of 9
An advanced practice psychiatric nurse is preparing to conduct a support group for psychiatric mental health nurses who have been assaulted by patients. Which of the following would the nurse need to keep in mind with this group?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because nurses in this situation may struggle with conflicting roles of being caregivers and victims, leading to feelings of guilt, self-blame, or inadequacy. This conflict can affect their ability to provide care effectively. Choice B is incorrect as nurses may not always choose to prosecute patients due to various reasons such as fear of retaliation or wanting to maintain a therapeutic relationship. Choice C is incorrect as not all nurses may feel comfortable or able to actively express their feelings about the assaults. Choice D is incorrect as nurses who have been assaulted by patients often experience guilt, shame, or self-blame due to societal stigma or internalized beliefs.
Question 4 of 9
As part of a follow-up home visit to an 80-year-old client who has had surgery, the nurse discusses the client's risk for delirium with his family members. Which of the following would the nurse NOT include as placing the client at increased risk?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hypertension. Hypertension is not a risk factor for delirium in the context of a follow-up home visit after surgery. Delirium is commonly associated with factors such as urinary tract infections (A), acute stress (C), and bone fractures (D) in elderly clients. Hypertension, although a serious condition, does not directly contribute to the development of delirium in this scenario. Delirium is often multifactorial, with underlying medical conditions, infections, and stress being key contributors. In this case, the nurse would focus on discussing the client's risk factors such as urinary tract infections, acute stress, and bone fractures with the family members to prevent delirium.
Question 5 of 9
As part of an interdisciplinary team, a nurse is assisting with a patient assessment to determine the most appropriate setting for treatment. The team decides that an acute ambulatory setting would be most appropriate. Which of the following would support the team's decision?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. This choice supports the decision for an acute ambulatory setting because it indicates that the patient is unable to contract for treatment beyond initial care, suggesting they require immediate and continuous support. A: This choice does not directly support the need for an acute ambulatory setting, as the severity of symptoms alone may not dictate the setting. B: Marked impairment in daily life is concerning but does not necessarily indicate the need for an acute ambulatory setting specifically. D: A limited ability to seek support is important but may not be the primary factor in determining the setting for treatment.
Question 6 of 9
What is one of the main challenges faced by workforce reentry programs?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: lack of consistent funding. Workforce reentry programs often struggle with securing consistent funding to support their operations and services. This challenge can hinder the program's ability to sustain long-term impact and effectively assist individuals in reentering the workforce. Without stable funding, programs may face difficulties in maintaining staff, resources, and program continuity. This can ultimately impact the program's success in helping clients achieve successful workforce reintegration. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because: A: an excess of employers who are eager to work with clients - While having a network of supportive employers is beneficial, the main challenge lies in securing funding to sustain the program's operations. B: a lack of evidence-based practice (EBP) demonstrating their effectiveness - While evidence-based practice is important, it is not the main challenge faced by workforce reentry programs. Funding is a more critical issue for program sustainability. D: too many resources that can cause confusion for clients - Having resources is generally
Question 7 of 9
A new patient acts out so aggressively that seclusion is required before the admission assessment is completed or orders written. Immediately after safely secluding the patient, which action is the nurse's priority?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Notify the health care provider to obtain a seclusion order. This is the priority because seclusion should not be continued without a proper order from the health care provider. It ensures legal and ethical compliance, promotes patient safety, and protects the nurse from liability. Completing the physical assessment (A) can wait until after the seclusion order is obtained. Documenting the incident (C) is important but not the immediate priority. Explaining to the patient (D) can be done after ensuring the legal aspects are addressed.
Question 8 of 9
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is going well when a 12-year-old patient in therapy reports to the nurse practitioner:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it demonstrates a cognitive restructuring process. The patient challenges a negative thought ("everyone at school hates me") with evidence to the contrary ("Most people like me and I have a friend named Todd"). This shows progress in identifying and changing maladaptive thought patterns. Choice A indicates aggression, choice C shows difficulty in implementing coping skills, and choice D suggests impulsivity without addressing underlying issues.
Question 9 of 9
The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with a delusional disorder. While assessing this client, which of the following would the nurse expect to find?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because individuals with delusional disorder typically live with one or more fixed delusions for an extended period. This is a key characteristic of the disorder. Choice A is incorrect as it describes a separate condition (major depression). Choice B is incorrect as disruptive behavior patterns are not a defining feature of delusional disorder. Choice C is incorrect as delusions in this disorder are typically not bizarre but rather fixed and plausible to the individual.