ATI RN
ATI Proctored Mental Health Questions
Question 1 of 5
What term refers to the pain that has a slower onset, is diffuse, radiates, and is marked by somatic pain from organs in any body activity?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Visceral pain refers to pain originating from internal organs. It has a slower onset, is diffuse, and often radiates. Somatic pain refers to pain originating from the skin, muscles, or bones, not internal organs. Acute pain is sudden and short-lived, not slow onset. Chronic pain is persistent and long-lasting, not necessarily marked by somatic pain from internal organs. Superficial pain is pain originating from the surface of the body, not internal organs. Therefore, the correct answer is D (visceral pain) as it aligns with the characteristics described in the question.
Question 2 of 5
Which assessment finding presents the greatest risk for violent behavior directed at others?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, history of spousal abuse, as it directly indicates a pattern of violent behavior towards others. This history suggests a higher likelihood of future violent actions. A: Severe agoraphobia does not inherently correlate with violence. C: Bizarre somatic delusions may lead to erratic behavior but not necessarily violence towards others. D: Verbalized hopelessness and powerlessness indicate a risk of self-harm rather than harm towards others.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse caring for a withdrawn, suspicious patient recognizes development of feelings of anger toward the patient. The nurse should
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because discussing the anger with a clinician during a supervisory session allows the nurse to process and understand their emotions in a professional setting. This approach promotes self-awareness, reflection, and potential strategies for managing emotions constructively. Choice A (suppressing anger) can lead to unresolved feelings impacting patient care. Choice B (expressing anger openly) can harm the therapeutic relationship. Choice C (asking to reassign the patient) avoids addressing the underlying issue and may not be feasible in all situations.
Question 4 of 5
A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia had an exacerbation related to medication non-adherence and was hospitalized for 5 days. The patient's thoughts are now more organized and discharge is planne The patient's family says, "It's too soon for discharge. We will just go through all this again." The nurse should
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: explain that the patient will continue to improve if the medication is taken regularly. This is the best course of action because educating the family about the importance of medication adherence can help them understand the patient's need for ongoing treatment. This approach promotes shared decision-making and empowers the family to support the patient's recovery. Choice A is incorrect because transferring the patient to a long-term care facility is premature and may not be necessary if the patient's condition improves with medication adherence. Choice B is incorrect as involving hospital security and forcibly removing the family is not an appropriate or therapeutic response to their concerns. Choice D is also incorrect as contacting the health care provider to meet with the family may not address the underlying issue of medication adherence and may not effectively educate the family about the importance of continued treatment.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is assessing a group of patients on an inpatient psychiatric unit. The patient's history for which of the following would the nurse identify as the strongest indicator of risk for violence?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, violent behavior. This is the strongest indicator of risk for violence because past behavior is a significant predictor of future behavior. Patients with a history of violent behavior are more likely to exhibit violent tendencies in the future. Assessing for this history allows the nurse to implement appropriate interventions to prevent harm to self or others. Incorrect Choices: A: Panic disorder - Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent panic attacks and is not directly associated with an increased risk of violence. B: Problematic anxiety - While anxiety can contribute to agitation and irritability, it is not as strong of an indicator for violence compared to a history of violent behavior. C: Somatoform disorder - Somatoform disorder involves physical symptoms with no identifiable medical cause and is not typically associated with an increased risk of violence.