ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Practice A 2023 Questions
Question 1 of 5
When describing the concept of allostatic load to a group of students, which of the following would the instructor identify as abnormalities of which of the following as indicative of the overall changes?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Laboratory test results. Allostatic load refers to the cumulative wear and tear on the body as a result of chronic stress. Laboratory test results, such as cortisol levels, inflammation markers, and lipid profiles, provide direct indicators of physiological changes associated with stress. These results offer insights into how the body is responding to stress at a biochemical level. Explanation for why other choices are incorrect: A: Nuclear imaging studies - While nuclear imaging studies can provide valuable information about organ function, they are not typically used to directly measure the impact of stress on the body. C: Bone radiographs - Bone radiographs are used to assess bone structure and density, not typically associated with measuring allostatic load or stress-related changes. D: Cardiac studies - Cardiac studies focus on heart function and cardiovascular health, which can be influenced by stress but may not directly reflect the overall changes associated with allostatic load as comprehensively as laboratory test results.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse working with patients diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is aware of the need to intervene early in order to de-escalate a patient's increasing anxiety level. Which patient behavior is likely an early indication of escalating anxiety?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Talking rapidly. This behavior is likely an early indication of escalating anxiety because rapid speech can reflect heightened arousal and internal distress. When a person starts talking rapidly, it can indicate a sense of urgency or agitation, which are common signs of increasing anxiety levels. In contrast, pacing around the unit (B) may indicate restlessness or agitation but not necessarily escalating anxiety. Staring out the window (C) could suggest dissociation or introspection rather than escalating anxiety. Refusing to go to therapy (D) might indicate resistance or avoidance but does not directly correlate with escalating anxiety levels.
Question 3 of 5
A client with body dysmorphic disorder is admitted to the inpatient unit. Based on the nurse's understanding about this disorder, the nurse would assess this client closely for which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Suicidal ideation. Clients with body dysmorphic disorder often experience severe distress and preoccupation with perceived flaws in their appearance, leading to significant emotional and psychological distress. This can increase the risk of suicidal ideation and self-harm. Assessing for suicidal ideation is crucial to ensure the client's safety and provide appropriate interventions. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: B: Escalating violence - While individuals with body dysmorphic disorder may experience distress and frustration, there is no direct correlation between the disorder and escalating violence. C: Anorexia - Body dysmorphic disorder and anorexia are separate disorders, although they may co-occur. Anorexia focuses on distorted body image related to weight and shape, while body dysmorphic disorder focuses on specific perceived flaws in appearance. D: Psychosis - Body dysmorphic disorder is not typically associated with psychosis, which involves a loss of touch with reality. Clients with body
Question 4 of 5
An elderly client tells the nurse that she had been constipated for the last few days and decided to use an over-the-counter fiber laxative that is dissolved in water. When reviewing the use of this laxative with the client, which of the following would the nurse include as a possible side effect?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Flatus. When an elderly client uses a fiber laxative, it can increase the bulk of stool, leading to increased gas production and flatus. This is a common side effect of fiber laxatives due to the fermentation of fiber by gut bacteria. Diarrhea (A) is unlikely with fiber laxatives as they usually work by adding bulk to the stool. Nausea (B) is not a common side effect of fiber laxatives. Stomach pain (D) may occur if the client experiences bloating from increased gas but is less likely than flatus. Therefore, the most likely side effect of using a fiber laxative dissolved in water is increased flatus.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is assessing a survivor of intimate partner violence. During the interview, the nurse determines that the survivor's partner is using power and control over the client through coercion and threats. Which client statement would lead the nurse to suspect this?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the statement indicates that the partner is using coercion and threats to control the survivor by threatening to report her to child services, which demonstrates an abuse of power and control. This behavior is a clear indication of domestic violence dynamics, where the abuser exerts authority over the survivor through manipulation and intimidation. Choice A is incorrect because denying the abuse is not necessarily an indicator of power and control. Choice B, while concerning, does not specifically demonstrate coercion or threats. Choice D, while also indicating a power dynamic, does not involve explicit threats or coercion like choice C. Thus, choice C is the most indicative of power and control tactics commonly seen in intimate partner violence situations.