ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam 2024 Questions
Question 1 of 9
What assessment question will provide the nurse with information regarding the effects of a woman's circadian rhythms on her quality of life?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: "How much sleep do you usually get each night?" This question directly relates to circadian rhythms, which regulate the sleep-wake cycle and impact overall quality of life. Sleep patterns are influenced by circadian rhythms, and inadequate sleep can have negative effects on health. Choices B, C, and D do not directly address circadian rhythms or their impact on quality of life. B is related to cardiac issues, C to infections, and D to urinary problems. Therefore, A is the most relevant question to assess the effects of circadian rhythms on quality of life.
Question 2 of 9
A group of students is reviewing information about the etiology of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The students demonstrate understanding of this information when they identify which of the following as representing the psychoanalytic theory for this disorder?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Unresolved unconscious conflicts. According to the psychoanalytic theory, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) stems from unresolved unconscious conflicts that manifest as excessive worry and anxiety. Sigmund Freud proposed that anxiety is a result of repressed emotions and unresolved conflicts from childhood. Individuals with GAD may be experiencing inner conflicts or unresolved issues that are causing them to feel anxious. The other choices are incorrect because they do not align with the psychoanalytic perspective, which focuses on internal conflicts rather than external stressors or neurological explanations like kindling.
Question 3 of 9
The school nurse is aware that a student has requested aspirin three times during the past week because his back hurts. The nurse has noticed that he often wears long-sleeved sweaters and sweatshirts even in warm weather. The nurse suspects that the student may be the victim of physical abuse. The nurse is preparing to ask the child about his ongoing backache. Which of the following would the nurse anticipate being reported by the child if he was being abused?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because a victim of physical abuse may give a far-fetched explanation not logically connected to their injuries to protect their abuser or out of fear. In this scenario, the student requesting aspirin for back pain could potentially provide a vague or unrelated reason to explain the injuries if he is being abused. Choice A is incorrect because most victims of abuse are hesitant to report their abusers directly. Choice C is incorrect because it assumes the sister would give a similar explanation, which may not be the case. Choice D is incorrect because it presents a rationalization for abuse rather than a potential indicator of abuse. In summary, the correct answer, B, aligns with the behavior of abuse victims who may give inconsistent or illogical explanations to conceal the abuse.
Question 4 of 9
The parents of a child with ADHD bring the child for a follow-up visit. During the visit, they tell the nurse that the child receives his first dose of methylphenidate (Ritalin) at about 7:30 AM every morning before leaving for school. The teacher and school nurse have noticed a return in the child's overactivity and distractibility just before lunch. The child's second dose is scheduled for about 12 noon. Which of the following might the nurse suggest as a possible solution to control the child's symptoms a bit more effectively?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Switching to a longer acting preparation. By switching to a longer-acting preparation of methylphenidate, the child will receive a sustained release of the medication throughout the day, which can help control symptoms more effectively. This would prevent the dip in medication effectiveness before lunch. A: Giving the second dose at 1 PM or later may not be as effective in maintaining symptom control throughout the school day. C: Splitting the early morning dose in half may not provide consistent symptom control throughout the day. D: Switching to another class of medication is not necessary if the child is responding well to methylphenidate, and a longer-acting preparation of the same medication can be a more appropriate solution.
Question 5 of 9
A nurse is assisting a patient in using simple relaxation techniques. Which of the following would the nurse do first?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Ensure a quiet, nondisrupting environment. This is the first step because creating a peaceful setting is essential for relaxation techniques to be effective. It helps the patient focus and unwind. - Choice A is incorrect as assuming a relaxed position comes after setting the environment. - Choice B is incorrect as advising the patient to let sensations happen is a later step in the process. - Choice D is incorrect as instructing the patient to take a deep breath is also a subsequent step once the environment is conducive to relaxation.
Question 6 of 9
A nurse is providing care to a client just recently diagnosed with schizophrenia during an inpatient hospital stay. Throughout the day, the nurse observes the client drinking from the water fountain quite frequently as well as carrying cans of soda and bottles of water with him wherever he goes. Upon entering the client's room, the nurse sees numerous empty cups that had been filled with fluids on his table and in the trash can. The room has an odor of urine. The nurse suspects which of the following?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Disordered water balance. The client's excessive fluid intake, frequent use of the water fountain, carrying cans of soda and bottles of water, and presence of numerous empty cups suggest polydipsia, a common symptom in schizophrenia due to disordered water balance. This can lead to dilutional hyponatremia and subsequent urinary incontinence, explaining the odor of urine in the room. A: Diabetes mellitus is unlikely as there are no symptoms of hyperglycemia mentioned. C: Tardive dyskinesia is a movement disorder associated with long-term antipsychotic use, not related to excessive fluid intake. D: Orthostatic hypotension is characterized by a drop in blood pressure upon standing, not related to the client's symptoms. In summary, the client's behavior and symptoms point towards disordered water balance, specifically polydipsia, as the likely cause.
Question 7 of 9
The older patient is discussing chronic pain and asks the primary care provider for a prescription. Which medication should the nurse anticipate being ordered rather than an opioid?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Gabapentin. Gabapentin is a medication commonly used to treat neuropathic pain, which is often associated with chronic pain in older patients. It is considered a safer alternative to opioids due to its lower risk of addiction and overdose. Acetaminophen (B) is an over-the-counter pain reliever but may not be sufficient for chronic pain. Morphine (C) and Fentanyl (D) are opioids, which have a higher risk of side effects, addiction, and overdose compared to Gabapentin. Therefore, Gabapentin is the most suitable choice for managing chronic pain in older patients.
Question 8 of 9
A client with a long history of alcohol use disorder comes to the out-patient clinic after losing a job and driver's license because of a driving under the influence infraction. With which member of the mental health-care team would the nurse collaborate to meet this client's described need?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, collaborating with the social worker. The client's immediate needs involve addressing the loss of job and driver's license, which impacts their housing situation. The social worker can assist in planning housing arrangements, connecting the client with resources for stable housing, and addressing any social determinants of health contributing to the client's situation. This collaboration will provide a holistic approach to addressing the client's needs beyond just the alcohol use disorder. The other choices are incorrect because: A: In this scenario, the client's primary need is not related to anxiety but rather to the practical consequences of losing their job and driver's license due to alcohol use disorder. B: While counseling sessions to explore stressors may be beneficial in the long term, the client's immediate need is more urgent, focusing on practical solutions. C: Retraining and job placement may be important in the future, but at this time, the client's priority is addressing the housing situation and other immediate needs.
Question 9 of 9
The husband of a client diagnosed with complex somatic symptom disorder asks the nurse, 'What causes this condition?' Which response by the nurse would be most accurate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale for correct answer (C): The nurse should explain that the symptoms of complex somatic symptom disorder can be manifestations of emotions that the client is unable to express verbally. This response addresses the psychological aspect of the disorder, which is a key component of somatic symptom disorders. Summary of incorrect choices: A: Genetic link is not the primary cause of complex somatic symptom disorder. B: Chronic stress leading to hypoarousal is not the typical explanation for this disorder. D: Internal preoccupation with events may be a feature of the disorder but does not explain the underlying cause related to emotional expression.