ATI RN
ATI 2019 Mental Health Proctored Exam Questions
Question 1 of 9
What behavior is a client with a diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder demonstrating when they engage in binge drinking?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: maladaptive behavior. Clients with antisocial personality disorder often engage in maladaptive behaviors, such as binge drinking, to cope with their emotions and impulsivity. Binge drinking is a harmful coping mechanism that can lead to negative consequences, reflecting maladaptive behavior. Choice A (defiant personality) is incorrect as it does not directly relate to the behavior of binge drinking. Emotional regulation (Choice B) is also incorrect as individuals with antisocial personality disorder typically struggle with regulating their emotions, leading to impulsive behaviors like binge drinking. Self-determination (Choice D) is not the most appropriate answer as it does not directly address the maladaptive nature of binge drinking in individuals with antisocial personality disorder.
Question 2 of 9
A nurse who has worked with a client diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) when he was an inpatient on the psychiatric unit sees the client in the waiting room of the outpatient psychiatric clinic. The client motions to the nurse to come over so he can tell the nurse how things have been going since he was discharged. While talking with the client, the nurse determines that the client's therapy has been effective when the client states which of the following?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because the client's behavior of going to the workshop to work on projects when his mother-in-law visits indicates a healthy coping mechanism to manage stress. This shows that the therapy has been effective in helping the client find a constructive way to deal with his anxiety triggers. Choice A indicates ongoing stress, which suggests therapy may not be effective. Choice C shows a habit that has not changed, indicating little progress. Choice D suggests the use of alcohol as a coping mechanism, which is not a healthy or sustainable way to manage anxiety.
Question 3 of 9
A nurse is reviewing common themes or social determinants among populations preventing clients' achievement of health care"“related goals. The nurse wants to include interventions into the clients' plan of care to help overcome effects of the identified social determinants. What would the nurse use to base conclusions?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Healthy People 2030. This is a comprehensive set of national health objectives designed to identify and address the most significant health issues facing the population. The nurse would use Healthy People 2030 to base conclusions because it provides evidence-based goals and strategies to improve health outcomes and address social determinants of health. Explanation: 1. Healthy People 2030 is a national initiative that focuses on improving the health and well-being of individuals and communities. 2. It includes specific objectives related to social determinants of health, such as poverty, education, and access to healthcare. 3. By using Healthy People 2030, the nurse can identify relevant interventions and strategies to address the identified social determinants and improve clients' health outcomes. Summary: B: Community-based outcomes may be relevant for specific interventions but do not provide the comprehensive national perspective needed to address social determinants. C: Culturally competent therapy is important but focuses on individualized care rather than addressing broader social determin
Question 4 of 9
A psychiatric-mental health nurse is teaching a class about social factors associated with mental illness at a community health center. When describing the influence of poverty and effects of the downward economic spiral on mental health, which population would the nurse identify as being the most at risk?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Homeless individuals. Homeless individuals are the most at risk due to the severe impact of poverty and the downward economic spiral on their mental health. Homelessness often results from poverty, leading to chronic stress, lack of access to basic needs, social isolation, and increased vulnerability to mental health issues. Homeless individuals face multiple stressors that can exacerbate existing mental health conditions or lead to the development of new ones. Older adults (A) may face financial challenges but are not necessarily homeless. Individuals with physical disabilities (B) may encounter economic difficulties but are not automatically homeless. Single-parent families (C) may struggle financially, but homelessness is not exclusive to this group.
Question 5 of 9
A client with a long history of alcohol use disorder has been diagnosed with Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. With which member of the mental health-care team would the nurse collaborate to meet this client's described need?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: The dietitian to help the client increase consumption of thiamine-rich foods. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is caused by thiamine deficiency, commonly seen in individuals with alcohol use disorder. Thiamine supplementation is essential in managing this condition. Collaborating with a dietitian can ensure the client receives proper education and guidance on increasing thiamine intake through diet. Incorrect choices: A: The psychiatrist for neurocognitive disorder medications - While medications may be prescribed for symptoms, addressing the underlying thiamine deficiency is crucial. B: The psychologist for counseling sessions - Counseling can be beneficial, but addressing the nutritional deficiency is a priority. D: The social worker for transportation to AA - Important for ongoing support, but addressing the nutritional needs comes first to manage Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.
Question 6 of 9
A hospitalized client with schizophrenia is receiving antipsychotic medications. While assessing the client, the nurse identifies signs and symptoms of a dystonic reaction. Which agent would the nurse expect to administer?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Dystonic reactions are extrapyramidal side effects commonly seen with antipsychotic medications. Diphenhydramine is a first-line treatment for dystonic reactions due to its anticholinergic properties. It helps block the excessive dopamine activity in the brain that causes these reactions. Propranolol (B) is a beta-blocker and not typically used for dystonic reactions. Risperidone (C) and Aripiprazole (D) are antipsychotic medications themselves and would not be used to treat dystonic reactions caused by antipsychotic medications.
Question 7 of 9
The history of a child newly diagnosed with ADHD reveals that the child is experiencing sleeping difficulties. Which agent would the nurse most likely use?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Atomoxetine. Atomoxetine is the preferred agent for ADHD in children with sleeping difficulties as it does not typically affect sleep patterns. Methylphenidate (A) may worsen sleep issues due to its stimulant properties. Bupropion (C) can also cause insomnia. Clonidine (D) may help with sleep but is not the first-line choice for ADHD without comorbid conditions like tics or aggression.
Question 8 of 9
A client with signs and symptoms of double pneumonia states,"I will not agree to hospital admission unless my shaman is allowed to continue helping me." Which would be an appropriate nursing intervention?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Having the shaman meet the attending physician at the hospital is the most appropriate nursing intervention because it allows for collaboration between traditional beliefs and modern medical care. This approach respects the client's cultural and spiritual preferences while ensuring the client receives necessary medical treatment. It also helps establish a supportive and holistic care environment. Choice A is incorrect because denying the shaman access may lead to resistance from the client and hinder effective communication and trust-building. Choice C is inappropriate as it disregards the client's autonomy and may create conflict within the family. Choice D is incorrect as blaming the shaman for the client's condition is disrespectful and unprofessional.
Question 9 of 9
While caring for a family, the nurse determines that first-order changes have occurred with which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because first-order changes refer to small, incremental adjustments within the system. In this scenario, the parent returning to work while the children are all in school signifies a gradual shift in the family dynamic. The other choices involve significant and more disruptive changes like a daughter leaving for college, a son getting married and moving out, and the death of a family member, which are considered second-order changes that lead to more substantial shifts in the family system.