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
On an inpatient psychiatric unit, a client diagnosed with borderline personality disorder is challenging other clients and splitting staff. Which response by the nurse reflects the nurse's role of milieu manager?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A Rationale: Setting strict limits and communicating them to all staff members is the most appropriate response as a milieu manager. In an inpatient psychiatric unit, creating a structured and consistent environment is crucial for managing challenging behaviors, such as those exhibited by a client with borderline personality disorder. By setting clear boundaries and ensuring all staff members are aware of them, the nurse establishes a safe and therapeutic milieu for all clients. This approach helps maintain a stable and supportive setting, promoting positive interactions among clients and staff. Summary: - Choice B (Using role-play): While role-play can be a valuable therapeutic technique, it may not directly address the immediate need to manage challenging behaviors in the milieu. - Choice C (Seeking orders for forced medications): This is not the appropriate course of action as forcing medications should be a last resort and should only be considered in situations where the client is at imminent risk of harm. - Choice D (Holding a group session on relationship skills): While group sessions
Question 3 of 5
A nurse, client, and family meet to discuss the client's discharge. During the meeting, the client speaks and makes eye contact only with family. From a cultural perspective, how might the nurse interpret this behavior?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: The client has respect for members of the health-care team. Rationale: 1. In some cultures, making direct eye contact with authority figures, like healthcare professionals, can be seen as a sign of respect. 2. By making eye contact only with the family, the client might be showing deference and respect towards the healthcare team. 3. This behavior suggests that the client values the input and presence of the healthcare team in the decision-making process. 4. Choices A, B, and C do not align with the behavior described and are not supported by the cultural perspective of respect and communication.
Question 4 of 5
A patient is fearful of riding on elevators. The therapist first rides an escalator with the patient. The therapist and patient then stand in an elevator with the door open for 5 minutes and later with the elevator door closed for 5 minutes. Which technique has the therapist used?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Systematic desensitization. This technique involves exposing the patient gradually to the feared stimulus (elevator) in a controlled manner to reduce fear response. By starting with riding an escalator and then gradually progressing to standing in an elevator with the door open and closed, the therapist is helping the patient build up tolerance and reduce fear through systematic exposure. A: Classic psychoanalytic therapy focuses on exploring unconscious conflicts and childhood experiences, not directly addressing phobias through systematic exposure. C: Rational emotive therapy involves challenging irrational beliefs and is not focused on exposure to feared stimuli. D: Biofeedback involves monitoring and controlling physiological responses, not directly addressing phobias through exposure.
Question 5 of 5
What is the desirable outcome for the orientation stage of a nurse–patient relationship? The patient will demonstrate behaviors that indicate
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is C because establishing rapport and trust with the nurse in the orientation stage is crucial for building a therapeutic relationship. This foundation sets the tone for effective communication, collaboration, and patient engagement throughout the care process. Options A and B focus more on the patient's individuality and personal growth, which are important but secondary to the primary goal of establishing trust. Option D, resolved transference, is not relevant at this early stage and pertains more to deeper stages of therapy. Therefore, option C is the most appropriate outcome for the orientation stage of a nurse-patient relationship.