ATI RN
Nursing Mental Health Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
The plan of care for a client diagnosed with depression includes cognitive interventions. The nurse would expect to assist with which of the following?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Thought stopping. Cognitive interventions for depression aim to challenge and change negative thought patterns. Thought stopping is a technique used to interrupt and replace negative thoughts with more positive or neutral ones. This helps the client break the cycle of negative thinking associated with depression. A: Social skills training focuses on improving interpersonal interactions, not directly addressing cognitive distortions. B: Activity scheduling involves planning and engaging in activities to increase positive experiences, but it does not directly target cognitive distortions. D: Interpersonal therapy focuses on improving relationships and communication skills, rather than directly addressing cognitive distortions.
Question 2 of 9
A nurse in a provider's office is interviewing a client who is requesting an oral contraceptive. Which of the following findings in the client's history is a contraindication to using combination oral contraceptives?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Impaired liver function. Impaired liver function is a contraindication to using combination oral contraceptives due to the liver's role in metabolizing the hormones in the contraceptives. Impaired liver function can affect the metabolism of these hormones, leading to potential complications. A: Thyroid disease is not a contraindication to using combination oral contraceptives as it does not directly impact the metabolism of the hormones. B: Allergy to penicillin is not relevant to the use of oral contraceptives as they do not contain penicillin. D: Abnormal blood glucose levels are not a direct contraindication to using combination oral contraceptives unless the levels are severely uncontrolled, which would be an indication for further evaluation but not an absolute contraindication.
Question 3 of 9
A patient begins a new program to assist with building social skills. In which part of the plan of care should a nurse record the item, "Encourage patient to attend one psychoeducational group daily"?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: 1. Implementation involves carrying out the plan of care. 2. Encouraging the patient to attend a group aligns with implementing the intervention. 3. Implementation focuses on executing specific interventions to achieve desired outcomes. 4. Assessment (A) is about gathering data, analysis (B) is about identifying problems, and evaluation (D) is about assessing the effectiveness of interventions.
Question 4 of 9
A patient who is hospitalized with depression tells the nurse, 'I don't want to take the medication because I'm afraid I'll become suicidal.' Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it demonstrates the nurse's understanding of the patient's concerns and addresses the issue of suicidal ideation directly. By asking about suicidal thoughts, the nurse can assess the patient's risk and provide appropriate interventions. Choice B is incorrect as it dismisses the patient's fear without addressing the underlying problem. Choice C is incorrect as it validates the patient's refusal without addressing the safety concern. Choice D is incorrect as it compares the patient to another individual and does not address the specific issue of suicidal thoughts.
Question 5 of 9
A group of nursing students is reviewing information about cognitive processes and the development of mental disorders. The students demonstrate a need for additional review when they identify which of the following as being involved?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Compliments. The other choices (A: Cognitive triad, B: Cognitive distortions, C: Schema) are all related to cognitive processes and the development of mental disorders, but compliments are not. Cognitive triad refers to negative thoughts about self, world, and future; cognitive distortions are irrational thought patterns; and schema are ingrained beliefs that influence perception. Compliments, in contrast, are positive statements that boost self-esteem and are not typically associated with cognitive processes leading to mental disorders. Therefore, the nursing students need additional review on this topic.
Question 6 of 9
The dying patient with a neurocognitive disorder such as Alzheimer's disease is especially challenging to provide care for. They may have symptoms or pain that they are unable to adequately describe or define. Reversible conditions that respond to treatment that may affect level of consciousness, anxiety, or agitation include:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Distended bladder, constipation, or nausea. These conditions can cause discomfort and affect the patient's level of consciousness, anxiety, or agitation. Addressing these reversible conditions can improve the patient's overall well-being. Other choices are incorrect because: A: Inability to communicate does not directly address the reversible physical conditions affecting the patient's symptoms. C: Reduced urinary output may be a symptom of underlying issues, but it does not directly address the reversible conditions mentioned in the question. D: Weakness due to the dying process is a natural progression and not a reversible condition that responds to treatment to improve the patient's symptoms.
Question 7 of 9
The plan of care for a client diagnosed with depression includes cognitive interventions. The nurse would expect to assist with which of the following?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Thought stopping. Cognitive interventions for depression aim to challenge and change negative thought patterns. Thought stopping is a technique used to interrupt and replace negative thoughts with more positive or neutral ones. This helps the client break the cycle of negative thinking associated with depression. A: Social skills training focuses on improving interpersonal interactions, not directly addressing cognitive distortions. B: Activity scheduling involves planning and engaging in activities to increase positive experiences, but it does not directly target cognitive distortions. D: Interpersonal therapy focuses on improving relationships and communication skills, rather than directly addressing cognitive distortions.
Question 8 of 9
Which finding best indicates that the goal 'Demonstrate mentally healthy behavior' was achieved for an adult patient?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because seeing oneself as capable of achieving ideals and meeting demands is a sign of positive self-esteem and mental health. This indicates a healthy level of self-awareness and confidence. Choice B is incorrect as it suggests impulsivity and lack of consideration for consequences, which are not indicative of mental health. Choice C is incorrect as it demonstrates selfish behavior and disregard for others, which are not characteristics of mentally healthy behavior. Choice D is incorrect as seeking help when needed is a positive trait, but it does not necessarily indicate mental health achievement as much as self-reliance and independence do.
Question 9 of 9
A child and the child's family visit a psychiatric outpatient setting because the parent is concerned about the child's behavior at school. The child scores 65 on the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale. The nurse interprets this finding as which of the following?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: The child can be treated effectively as an outpatient. A GAF score of 65 indicates mild symptoms and the child is able to function adequately in most areas. The child does not require inpatient therapy (choice A) as the symptoms are not severe. There is no indication of homicidal thoughts (choice B) based on the GAF score. While the child may be struggling in some areas, the score suggests that they are functioning relatively well overall and can benefit from outpatient treatment (choice D).