ATI RN
Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
When an individuals stress response is sustained over a long period of time, which physiological effect of the endocrine system should a nurse anticipate?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Decreased resistance to disease. Prolonged stress can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to illnesses. Chronic stress suppresses immune functions, leading to decreased resistance to diseases. The other choices are incorrect because increased libido (B) and decreased blood pressure (C) are not typical physiological effects of sustained stress. While stress can lead to increased inflammatory response (D), the primary concern with chronic stress is its negative impact on the immune system, making choice A the most appropriate answer in this context.
Question 2 of 5
At what point should the nurse determine that a client is at risk for developing a mental disorder?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. When maladaptive responses to stress are coupled with interference in daily functioning, the nurse should determine that a client is at risk for developing a mental disorder. This is because maladaptive responses to stress, such as excessive worry or avoidance behaviors, can be early signs of mental health issues. When these responses start impacting daily functioning, such as affecting work or relationships, it indicates a higher level of risk for a mental disorder. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not specifically address the combination of maladaptive responses to stress and interference in daily functioning, which are key indicators of potential mental health issues.
Question 3 of 5
During an intake assessment, a nurse asks both physiological and psychosocial questions. The client angrily responds, Im here for my heart, not my head problems. Which is the nurses best response?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it directly addresses the client's resistance by providing relevant information linking psychological factors to medical conditions. By explaining the impact of stress on health, the nurse demonstrates the importance of addressing psychosocial aspects during the assessment. Choice A is incorrect as it does not acknowledge the client's concerns and may come off as dismissive. Choice B is also incorrect as it focuses on the client's feelings rather than providing information to address the issue. Choice D is incorrect as it offers to skip the questions, which goes against the best practice of conducting a comprehensive assessment.
Question 4 of 5
An employee uses the defense mechanism of displacement when the boss openly disagrees with suggestions. What behavior would be expected from this employee?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Displacement is a defense mechanism where emotions are redirected from the original source to a substitute target. In this case, the employee is likely to displace their anger from the boss onto a coworker by criticizing them. This behavior allows the employee to express their feelings indirectly. A: Assertively confronting the boss does not align with displacement as it involves direct confrontation. B: Leaving the meeting to work out in the gym is a form of avoidance and does not involve displacing emotions onto another target. D: Taking the boss out to lunch is more of a conciliatory gesture and does not involve displacing negative emotions onto someone else.
Question 5 of 5
When under stress, a client routinely uses an excessive amount of alcohol. Finding her drunk, her husband yells at her about the chronic alcohol abuse. Which reaction should the nurse recognize as the use of the defense mechanism of denial?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the client is using denial as a defense mechanism to cope with the stress of being confronted about her alcohol abuse. By saying "I don't drink too much," she is refusing to acknowledge the reality of her excessive alcohol consumption. This denial allows her to avoid facing the uncomfortable truth and the need for change. A: Hiding liquor bottles in a closet is an example of a defense mechanism called displacement, not denial. B: Yelling at their son for slouching in his chair is an example of a defense mechanism called projection, not denial. C: Burning dinner on purpose is an example of a defense mechanism called passive-aggression, not denial.