ATI RN
Mental Health Nursing ATI Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
What is a cause of pseudodementia?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: severe depression. Pseudodementia refers to cognitive symptoms that mimic dementia but are actually caused by a psychiatric disorder like severe depression. This condition can be reversed with appropriate treatment for the underlying depression. Medication reaction (choice A) can cause cognitive impairment but is not specific to pseudodementia. Old age (choice C) is not a direct cause of pseudodementia. Genetics (choice D) may play a role in some forms of dementia but not in pseudodementia caused by severe depression.
Question 2 of 5
A nursing student new to psychiatric-mental health nursing asks a peer what resources he can use to figure out which symptoms are present in a specific psychiatric disorder. The best answer would be:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: DSM-5. The DSM-5 is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which is the standard classification of mental disorders used by mental health professionals. It provides criteria for diagnosing specific psychiatric disorders based on symptoms, behaviors, and other clinical features. By using the DSM-5, the nursing student can accurately identify which symptoms are present in a specific psychiatric disorder. A: Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC) and B: Nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC) are not specifically designed to identify symptoms of psychiatric disorders. NIC focuses on nursing interventions, while NOC focuses on nursing outcomes. C: NANDA-I nursing diagnoses provide a framework for identifying nursing problems and developing care plans but do not provide specific information on symptoms of psychiatric disorders. In summary, the DSM-5 is the most appropriate resource for identifying symptoms of psychiatric disorders, while the other choices are not specifically designed for this purpose.
Question 3 of 5
During assessment, a patient tells the nurse that he follows Buddhist beliefs. The nurse would integrate understanding of which of the following when developing the patient's plan of care?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Buddhism teaches that desire is the root cause of suffering (dukkha). Step 2: By understanding this core belief, the nurse can tailor the care plan to address the patient's desires and potential sources of suffering. Step 3: Integrating this understanding will help the nurse support the patient in reducing attachments and finding inner peace. Step 4: Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with Buddhist beliefs and principles, which emphasize the cessation of desires and ego rather than self-indulgence, present unhappiness, or salvation through faith and humility.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is reviewing the drawing that a patient completed as a self-portrait. The nurse observes that the drawing lacks arms and feet. The nurse interprets this as indicating which of the following? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Inadequacy. The patient's drawing lacking arms and feet suggests feelings of inadequacy, as these missing body parts symbolize a lack of capability and completeness. The absence of arms and feet can be interpreted as the patient feeling incapable or incomplete in some aspect of their life. This interpretation aligns with the concept of inadequacy, where the individual may perceive themselves as not measuring up to standards or feeling insufficient. In contrast, choices A, B, and C do not directly relate to the specific symbolism of the missing body parts and are not supported by the information provided in the question.
Question 5 of 5
A female client has been admitted to the inpatient psychiatric facility with a diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder after a history of violence by her boyfriend. During the initial assessment interview, which assessment would be the priority?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Suicide risk. This is the priority assessment because individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder, especially those who have experienced violence, are at increased risk for suicidal ideation and behaviors. Assessing suicide risk is crucial for ensuring the client's safety and implementing appropriate interventions. Nutritional status (A), hydration status (B), and sleep patterns (C) are also important assessments, but in this case, addressing the immediate risk of suicide takes precedence in order to prevent harm to the client.