ATI RN
Mental Health Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
The unit secretary receives a phone call from the health insurer for a hospitalized patient. The caller seeks information about the patient's projected length of stay. How should the nurse instruct the unit secretary to handle the request?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Refer the request for information to the patient's case manager. The case manager is responsible for coordinating the patient's care, including length of stay discussions with the health insurer. This ensures that the information is handled appropriately and in accordance with privacy regulations. Incorrect answers: A: Obtaining information from the medical record and relaying it to the caller may violate patient confidentiality and privacy laws. B: While patient information is confidential, it is important to address the health insurer's request through the appropriate channels. D: Referring the request to the health care provider may not be necessary as the case manager is typically the appropriate point of contact for length of stay discussions with the health insurer.
Question 2 of 5
A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia tells the nurse, "The Central Intelligence Agency is monitoring us through the fluorescent lights in this room. The CIA is everywhere, so be careful what you say." Which response by the nurse is most therapeutic?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it validates the patient's feelings without directly challenging their delusion. By acknowledging the patient's concern about privacy, the nurse shows empathy and maintains a therapeutic relationship. Choice A avoids addressing the patient's underlying fear and may be dismissive. Choice C provides factual information but does not address the patient's emotional needs. Choice D uses confrontational language and may increase the patient's distress by labeling their belief as a symptom of illness. Overall, option B demonstrates empathy and builds rapport with the patient, which is crucial in providing effective care for individuals with schizophrenia.
Question 3 of 5
A patient who was responding to auditory hallucinations earlier in the morning now approaches the nurse shaking a fist and shouts, 'Back off!' and then goes to the dayroom. While following the patient into the dayroom, the nurse should
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, as it prioritizes safety by ensuring physical space between the nurse and the patient, reducing the risk of potential harm. By creating distance, the nurse can prevent escalation and maintain a safe environment for both parties. This approach allows for de-escalation and assessment of the situation without provoking further agitation. Choice B is incorrect as it may trap the patient and limit their options, potentially increasing their distress. Choice C is incorrect as maintaining a fixed distance may not be sufficient if the patient becomes physically aggressive. Choice D is incorrect as immediately engaging in conversation may exacerbate the situation and lead to further agitation.
Question 4 of 5
Family members describe the patient as 'a difficult person who finds fault with others.' The patient verbally abuses nurses for their poor care. The most likely explanation lies in
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: a personality style that externalizes problems. This is likely the most accurate explanation because the patient's behavior of finding fault with others and verbally abusing nurses suggests a tendency to blame external factors for their own problems, rather than taking responsibility. This is characteristic of a personality style that externalizes problems, where individuals attribute their issues to others or external circumstances. Poor childrearing (choice A) may contribute, but it doesn't directly address the behavior described. Automatic thinking and cognitive distortions (choice B) are related to cognitive processes, not personality styles. Delusions of harm (choice D) are not mentioned in the scenario.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is assessing an Asian American patient. During the interview, the nurse determines that the patient likely follows Taoism based on which statement?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because Taoism emphasizes harmony with nature and living in balance. This statement reflects Taoist principles of aligning oneself with the natural order and finding contentment in living in harmony with the world. Explanation: - A: While purity and balance are important concepts in Taoism, this statement does not directly relate to Taoist beliefs about harmony with nature. - C: Respecting nature's powers is a general concept that may align with various belief systems, but it does not specifically indicate Taoism. - D: This statement about worshipping God out of love is more characteristic of monotheistic religions like Christianity or Islam, not Taoism which does not focus on a personal God.