ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam 2023 PDF Questions
Question 1 of 5
The school nurse has been alerted to the fact that an 8-year-old boy routinely playacts as a police officer 'locking up' other children on the playground to the point where the children get scared. The nurse recognizes that this behavior is most likely an indication of:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: A potential symptom of traumatization. This behavior of playacting as a police officer and causing fear in other children can be a red flag for trauma. Trauma can manifest in various ways in children, including through aggressive or controlling behaviors. The boy may be reenacting a traumatic event he witnessed or experienced, using the role of a police officer to process his feelings of powerlessness or fear. It is important for the nurse to consider the possibility of trauma and address it appropriately. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not directly address the concerning behavior displayed by the child. The behavior is not simply about the need to dominate others, inventing traumatic events, or developing close relationships. Instead, it suggests deeper psychological distress that requires a trauma-informed approach for intervention.
Question 2 of 5
A citizen at a community health fair asks the nurse, 'What is the most prevalent mental disorder in the United States?' Select the nurse's correct response.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Alzheimer's disease. This is because Alzheimer's disease is the most prevalent mental disorder in the United States, affecting a large number of individuals, especially in older age groups. Schizophrenia (A) and bipolar disorder (B) are serious mental illnesses, but they are less common than Alzheimer's disease. Dissociative fugue (C) is a rare disorder characterized by amnesia and sudden travel away from home. While all these disorders are significant, Alzheimer's disease stands out as the most prevalent in the U.S. based on epidemiological data.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is caring for several hospitalized clients with anorexia nervosa. The nurse would be especially alert for which of the following if noted in the clients' histories?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Depression. Clients with anorexia nervosa often experience co-morbid conditions like depression due to the psychological and emotional impact of the disorder. Depression can exacerbate anorexic behaviors and hinder recovery. Paranoia (A), primary insomnia (B), and aggression (D) are not typically associated with anorexia nervosa. Paranoia is more commonly linked to conditions like schizophrenia, primary insomnia is a sleep disorder, and aggression may occur in various psychiatric disorders but is not a hallmark of anorexia nervosa.
Question 4 of 5
What therapy environment permits the nurse to assess the client while they are exposed to different relationships and behaviors?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Milieu therapy is the correct answer as it involves creating a therapeutic environment where clients interact with others, allowing nurses to observe their behaviors and relationships. This setting offers a holistic approach to assessment, considering how clients engage in various interactions. Electrical impulse therapy (B) is not focused on observing relationships and behaviors. Talk therapy (C) and individual therapy (D) primarily involve one-on-one interactions, limiting the nurse's ability to assess clients in diverse relationship contexts. Milieu therapy stands out for its comprehensive assessment opportunities within a dynamic social environment.
Question 5 of 5
A client with suicidal thoughts tells the nurse, 'It just does not seem worth it anymore. Why not end my misery?' Which of the following responses for the nurse is appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because asking about a specific plan to end their life assesses the client's level of risk for immediate harm. It helps determine the seriousness of their suicidal thoughts and the need for immediate intervention. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not directly address the client's suicidal ideation or assess their immediate risk. Option A focuses on the client's perception of life but does not assess their immediate safety. Option C seeks clarification but does not address the urgency of the situation. Option D emphasizes trust but does not assess the client's immediate risk.