ATI RN
ATI Capstone Mental Health Assessment Questions
Question 1 of 9
When assessing a patient diagnosed with a borderline personality disorder, which statement by the patient warrants immediate attention?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because expressing a desire to hurt someone is a red flag for potential harm to self or others. This statement indicates a risk of violent behavior and immediate attention is needed to ensure safety. Statements A, B, and C are not immediate concerns as they do not suggest immediate harm or danger. A: Grief over a past event, B: Medication compliance, and C: Issues with parental relationships are important but do not pose an immediate threat.
Question 2 of 9
A nurse is developing the plan of care for a client with panic disorder that will include pharmacologic therapy. Which of the following would the nurse most likely expect to administer?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Panic disorder is typically treated with SSRIs due to their effectiveness in reducing anxiety symptoms. 2. SSRIs are considered first-line treatment for panic disorder. 3. SSRIs work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, helping to regulate mood and reduce anxiety. 4. Benzodiazepines are often used for acute anxiety relief but are not recommended for long-term use due to the risk of dependence. 5. MAOIs and TCAs are less commonly used for panic disorder due to their potential side effects and interactions with other medications. Summary: The correct answer is B (SSRI) because it is the most effective and safe choice for treating panic disorder long-term. Choices A, C, and D are less preferred due to their limitations and potential risks in the management of panic disorder.
Question 3 of 9
What personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive and excessive need to be taken care of by others?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Dependent personality disorder (DPD). This disorder is characterized by a pervasive and excessive need to be taken care of by others, leading to submissive and clinging behavior. Individuals with DPD have difficulty making everyday decisions without reassurance from others. Rationale: 1. Dependent personality disorder aligns with the description of needing excessive care and being submissive. 2. Histrionic personality disorder is characterized by attention-seeking behavior, not a need for dependency. 3. Narcissistic personality disorder involves a grandiose sense of self-importance, not a need for dependency. 4. Avoidant personality disorder is marked by social inhibition and feelings of inadequacy, not a need for excessive care from others. In summary, the key characteristic of dependency and excessive need for care points to dependent personality disorder as the correct answer.
Question 4 of 9
A client who practices Orthodox Judaism is upset. The client's son has recently committed suicide. The client tearfully tells the nurse that the son may not be able to be buried with honors. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Sit with the client and allow expression of loss and sorrow. This intervention is appropriate as it demonstrates empathy, support, and active listening. By sitting with the client and allowing them to express their emotions, the nurse is providing a safe space for the client to grieve. This approach aligns with the principles of therapeutic communication and client-centered care. A: Asking the client why the son won't be buried with honors may come off as insensitive and could potentially make the client feel judged or misunderstood. B: Accepting that the client is upset and leaving them alone does not address the client's emotional distress or provide support during a difficult time. C: Calling the psychiatrist for antianxiety medication does not address the client's immediate emotional needs and may not be the most appropriate intervention in this situation.
Question 5 of 9
How can a nurse determine that a client is experiencing ineffective coping?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because ineffective coping is characterized by difficulty managing day-to-day stress. This can manifest as increased anxiety, irritability, or withdrawal. The other choices are incorrect because: A indicates the client is actively coping; B suggests motivation for behavioral change; and D implies symptoms of depression, not necessarily ineffective coping.
Question 6 of 9
Considering psychosocial role theory, which patient demonstrates healthy adjustment to aging?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the retiree volunteering at the library aligns with the psychosocial role theory, which emphasizes the importance of maintaining social roles and engagement in later life for healthy aging. Volunteering promotes social interaction, sense of purpose, and contribution to society, leading to better mental and emotional well-being. Choices A, B, and D focus on physical health or coping with illness, which are important aspects of aging but do not solely represent healthy adjustment to aging according to psychosocial role theory.
Question 7 of 9
During an interview, a patient states, 'God does not exist for me.' The nurse interprets this statement as reflecting which of the following?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Atheism. Atheism is the belief that there is no existence of any gods or deities. In this scenario, the patient explicitly states that "God does not exist for me," indicating a lack of belief in a higher power. Animism (A) is the belief that objects, places, and creatures possess a distinct spiritual essence. Agnosticism (B) is the belief that the existence of a higher power is unknown or unknowable. Polytheism (D) is the belief in multiple gods or deities, which is not reflected in the patient's statement.
Question 8 of 9
A group of nurses is reviewing medications used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The students demonstrate understanding of the information when they identify methylphenidate as which of the following?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Psychostimulant. Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant commonly used to treat ADHD. It works by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps improve focus and attention in individuals with ADHD. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (A) primarily target serotonin levels and are not used to treat ADHD. Noradrenergic reuptake inhibitors (C) target norepinephrine levels but are not the primary mechanism of action for methylphenidate. Alpha agonists (D) work on a different pathway and are not the correct classification for methylphenidate.
Question 9 of 9
A nurse is assessing a patient's spirituality. Which question would be most appropriate to ask?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: "What gives your life meaning?" because it directly relates to assessing the patient's spirituality by exploring their values, beliefs, and purpose in life. This question allows the nurse to understand the patient's spiritual perspective and connection to something greater than themselves. Choice A is incorrect because it focuses on mental health and suicide risk rather than spirituality. Choice B is also incorrect as it emphasizes the importance of family rather than exploring the patient's spiritual beliefs. Choice C is incorrect as it delves into moral philosophy rather than directly addressing the patient's spirituality. By asking about the meaning in life, the nurse can gain insight into the patient's spiritual well-being and provide appropriate support.