ATI RN
Mental Health 6 Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
When a new patient is hospitalized, a nurse takes the patient on a tour, explains rules of the unit, and discusses the daily schedule. The nurse is engaged in
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: milieu management. Milieu management involves creating a therapeutic environment that promotes the patient's well-being. In this scenario, the nurse is establishing the rules and daily schedule of the unit to help the patient feel safe and understand what to expect during their hospitalization. This process aims to create a supportive and structured environment for the patient. Explanation of why the other choices are incorrect: A: Counseling typically involves providing emotional support, guidance, and advice to help the patient cope with their situation. The nurse in this scenario is not primarily providing counseling. B: Health teaching involves educating the patient about their health condition, treatment, and self-care practices. While some health teaching may occur during the tour, the primary focus is on establishing the unit rules and schedule. D: Psychobiological intervention refers to interventions that address the interaction between psychological and biological factors. The nurse's actions in this scenario are more focused on environmental factors and establishing a therapeutic milieu rather than psychobiological interventions.
Question 2 of 9
A nurse is performing an assessment interview with a patient. The patient tells the nurse that he has a type A personality. Based on the nurse's interpretation, the nurse would expect which behavior by the patient?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because individuals with type A personalities are typically characterized by impatience, time urgency, and a desire for efficiency. Wanting the interview to be over as quickly as possible aligns with these traits. Choice A is incorrect as type A personalities are often characterized by being competitive and high-strung rather than relaxed. Choice C is incorrect as type A personalities tend to be impatient and may not be pleased with the pace of the interview. Choice D is incorrect as type A personalities are known for being quick to respond rather than speaking slowly.
Question 3 of 9
A client has a co-occurring diagnosis of alcoholism and bipolar disorder. He was brought to the emergency department by two policemen who had broken up a fight that the client had gotten into in a neighborhood bar. The client is intrusive and verbose about having diplomatic immunity and his pressing need to tour the bistate area to promote his bid for the presidency. The client has had multiple admissions to the hospital's psychiatric unit, and he has almost always experienced alcohol withdrawal syndrome immediately after his previous admissions. Which of the following would be a priority for this client?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because monitoring the client's vital signs is crucial in assessing for early signs of alcohol withdrawal, which is a life-threatening condition. This is a priority as the client has a history of experiencing alcohol withdrawal after previous admissions. Administering mood-stabilizing medications (A) may be necessary but not the immediate priority. Asking the client to refrain from being intrusive (C) is not addressing the underlying issue of alcohol withdrawal and bipolar disorder. Referring the client to a substance abuse treatment center (D) is important but not the priority when the client is exhibiting signs of potential alcohol withdrawal.
Question 4 of 9
After teaching a group of students about the various concepts involving suicide, the instructor determines that the teaching was successful when the students describe parasuicide as which of the following?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Nonfatal act with the intent to die. Parasuicide refers to self-harming behaviors that are not fatal but are carried out with the intention of causing harm or death to oneself. This differs from a voluntary act of killing oneself (Option A), as parasuicide does not result in death. It also differs from all suicide-related behaviors and thoughts (Option B), as parasuicide specifically involves nonfatal actions. Finally, it is distinct from a voluntary attempt without death as the aim (Option D), as parasuicide is characterized by the intent to die, even though death may not occur.
Question 5 of 9
The use of a patient-centered interview technique works well for gathering information about abusive situations. It is a good use of clinical time to sit near the patient and:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Establish trust and rapport. Patient-centered interview techniques focus on building a trusting relationship with the patient, which is crucial when discussing sensitive topics like abuse. Sitting near the patient helps create a sense of closeness and comfort, facilitating open communication. Trust and rapport are essential for the patient to feel safe enough to disclose abuse. Asking lots of questions (B) may feel intrusive and overwhelming for the patient. Interrupting the patient's story (C) can disrupt the flow and hinder the patient's ability to express themselves fully. Utilizing closed-ended questions (D) may limit the information shared and inhibit a deeper understanding of the patient's situation.
Question 6 of 9
A student says, "Before taking a test, I feel very alert and a little restless." The nurse can correctly assess the student's experience as
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: mild anxiety. Feeling alert and restless before a test indicates a state of arousal that is common in mild anxiety. This level of anxiety is normal and can even enhance performance. It is not culturally influenced (A), as anxiety responses can occur universally. It is not displacement (B), which is a defense mechanism involving redirecting emotions. It is also not trait anxiety (C), which refers to a stable personality characteristic of experiencing anxiety across various situations. In this case, the student's experience is temporary and specific to the test-taking situation.
Question 7 of 9
An instructor overhears the nursing student ask a client,"This is your third admission. Why did you stop taking your medications?" Which would be the most appropriate instructor response?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the instructor's response highlights the potential negative impact of the student's question on the client. By pointing out that the question implied criticism, the instructor is guiding the student to be more mindful of their language and approach with clients. This response promotes patient-centered care and emphasizes the importance of maintaining a non-judgmental and supportive environment for clients. Choice B is incorrect because it focuses on the positive aspect of the student's question without addressing its potential harm. Choice C is incorrect because it assumes the student's question was appropriate when it may have been insensitive. Choice D is incorrect because it only mentions the student's focus on the topic without addressing the underlying issue of possible criticism.
Question 8 of 9
A patient is suspicious and frequently manipulates others. To which psychosexual stage do these traits relate?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Oral. Suspicion and manipulation are traits associated with fixation at the oral stage, according to Freud's psychosexual development theory. At this stage, the primary focus is on oral activities such as sucking and biting. Fixation can lead to traits like suspicion and manipulation. The other choices are incorrect because they correspond to different stages: B) Anal relates to issues with control and orderliness, C) Phallic relates to Oedipus complex and gender identity, and D) Genital is the mature stage where healthy relationships are formed.
Question 9 of 9
Which of the following questions would be most helpful in beginning an initial assessment interview for a patient who has just been admitted to a psychiatric inpatient unit?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step 1: Asking "What brings you into the hospital today?" is most helpful as it allows the patient to express their immediate concerns and reasons for admission. Step 2: This question helps establish rapport, gather important information, and set the tone for the assessment. Step 3: Understanding the patient's presenting issues is crucial for providing appropriate care and intervention. Step 4: The other options are not as relevant for the initial assessment as they focus on past psychiatric history, suicidal ideation, or unrelated personal relationships. Summary: Option B is the correct choice as it focuses on the current situation, which is crucial for the initial assessment, while the other options are less relevant for gathering immediate, pertinent information.