ATI RN
Nursing Mental Health Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
When a nurse uses therapeutic communication with a withdrawn patient who has major depression, an effective method of managing the silence is to:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Use the technique of making observations. This is effective because it acknowledges the patient's silence and encourages them to open up without pressuring them to respond. By making observations, the nurse can reflect back what they see, hear, or sense, prompting the patient to share more. A: Meditating does not actively engage the patient or encourage communication. B: Asking questions may overwhelm the withdrawn patient and further discourage them from opening up. D: Simply sitting quietly and leaving when the patient falls asleep does not actively support the patient in engaging in therapeutic communication.
Question 2 of 9
The dying patient with a neurocognitive disorder such as Alzheimer's disease is especially challenging to provide care for. They may have symptoms or pain that they are unable to adequately describe or define. Reversible conditions that respond to treatment that may affect level of consciousness, anxiety, or agitation include:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Distended bladder, constipation, or nausea. These conditions can cause discomfort and affect the patient's level of consciousness, anxiety, or agitation. Addressing these reversible conditions can improve the patient's overall well-being. Other choices are incorrect because: A: Inability to communicate does not directly address the reversible physical conditions affecting the patient's symptoms. C: Reduced urinary output may be a symptom of underlying issues, but it does not directly address the reversible conditions mentioned in the question. D: Weakness due to the dying process is a natural progression and not a reversible condition that responds to treatment to improve the patient's symptoms.
Question 3 of 9
A patient undergoing diagnostic tests says, "Nothing is wrong with me except a stubborn chest col" The spouse reports the patient smokes, coughs daily, lost 15 pounds, and is easily fatigue Which defense mechanism is the patient using?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Denial. This defense mechanism involves refusing to acknowledge a stressful situation or reality. In this case, the patient is denying their serious health issues by attributing it to just a "stubborn chest cold." The patient's symptoms of smoking, daily coughing, weight loss, and fatigue indicate a more significant health concern that is being downplayed through denial. A: Displacement involves redirecting emotions from the original source to a less threatening target, not applicable here. B: Regression involves reverting to an earlier stage of development in the face of stress, not relevant to the scenario. C: Projection involves attributing one's own unacceptable thoughts or feelings to others, not demonstrated in this situation. In summary, denial is the most appropriate defense mechanism as it aligns with the patient's refusal to acknowledge the seriousness of their health issues.
Question 4 of 9
A patient who is hospitalized with depression tells the nurse, 'I don't want to take the medication because I'm afraid I'll become suicidal.' Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it demonstrates the nurse's understanding of the patient's concerns and addresses the issue of suicidal ideation directly. By asking about suicidal thoughts, the nurse can assess the patient's risk and provide appropriate interventions. Choice B is incorrect as it dismisses the patient's fear without addressing the underlying problem. Choice C is incorrect as it validates the patient's refusal without addressing the safety concern. Choice D is incorrect as it compares the patient to another individual and does not address the specific issue of suicidal thoughts.
Question 5 of 9
A child and the child's family visit a psychiatric outpatient setting because the parent is concerned about the child's behavior at school. The child scores 65 on the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale. The nurse interprets this finding as which of the following?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: The child can be treated effectively as an outpatient. A GAF score of 65 indicates mild symptoms and the child is able to function adequately in most areas. The child does not require inpatient therapy (choice A) as the symptoms are not severe. There is no indication of homicidal thoughts (choice B) based on the GAF score. While the child may be struggling in some areas, the score suggests that they are functioning relatively well overall and can benefit from outpatient treatment (choice D).
Question 6 of 9
As part of a class activity, nursing students are engaged in a small group discussion about the epidemiology of mental illness. Which statement best explains the importance of epidemiology in understanding the impact of mental disorders?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because epidemiology focuses on studying the patterns of occurrence and distribution of health-related events, including mental disorders. By analyzing factors such as prevalence, incidence, and risk factors, epidemiology helps identify trends and patterns in the occurrence of mental illnesses within populations. Understanding these patterns can lead to the development of effective prevention strategies and interventions. Choice B is incorrect because epidemiology primarily deals with population-level data and does not specifically explain neurophysiological mechanisms causing mental disorders. Choice C is incorrect as epidemiology is concerned with patterns and distribution of diseases, not theoretical explanations. Choice D is incorrect as epidemiology does not predict individual outcomes for specific clients.
Question 7 of 9
An older patient tells the nurse that she is becoming more forgetful. The nurse explains to the patient that this is most likely related to which of the following?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Medications. Older patients commonly experience medication side effects that can cause memory issues. Medications like sedatives, antihistamines, and benzodiazepines can impair memory. This is a logical explanation as the patient's forgetfulness could be a result of medication-induced cognitive impairment. Explanation for other choices: A: Anxiety - While anxiety can affect memory, it is less likely to be the primary cause of cognitive decline in an older patient. B: Organic brain syndrome - This term is broad and not specific enough to pinpoint the cause of the forgetfulness in this scenario. C: Plaques in the brain tissue - Plaques are commonly associated with conditions like Alzheimer's disease, but there is no indication in the question that this patient's forgetfulness is due to this specific pathology.
Question 8 of 9
The plan of care for a client diagnosed with depression includes cognitive interventions. The nurse would expect to assist with which of the following?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Thought stopping. Cognitive interventions for depression aim to challenge and change negative thought patterns. Thought stopping is a technique used to interrupt and replace negative thoughts with more positive or neutral ones. This helps the client break the cycle of negative thinking associated with depression. A: Social skills training focuses on improving interpersonal interactions, not directly addressing cognitive distortions. B: Activity scheduling involves planning and engaging in activities to increase positive experiences, but it does not directly target cognitive distortions. D: Interpersonal therapy focuses on improving relationships and communication skills, rather than directly addressing cognitive distortions.
Question 9 of 9
Which finding best indicates that the goal 'Demonstrate mentally healthy behavior' was achieved for an adult patient?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because seeing oneself as capable of achieving ideals and meeting demands is a sign of positive self-esteem and mental health. This indicates a healthy level of self-awareness and confidence. Choice B is incorrect as it suggests impulsivity and lack of consideration for consequences, which are not indicative of mental health. Choice C is incorrect as it demonstrates selfish behavior and disregard for others, which are not characteristics of mentally healthy behavior. Choice D is incorrect as seeking help when needed is a positive trait, but it does not necessarily indicate mental health achievement as much as self-reliance and independence do.