ATI RN
2019 ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
When describing the relapse cycle to a group of families of clients experiencing co-occurring disorders, which of the following would the nurse identify as occurring first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Decompensation. In the relapse cycle of co-occurring disorders, decompensation typically occurs first. Decompensation refers to a deterioration in mental health symptoms or functioning. This phase often precedes hospitalization, stabilization, and discharge. It signifies a worsening of symptoms and coping mechanisms, leading to a need for increased support and intervention. Hospitalization (choice A), stabilization (choice C), and discharge (choice D) usually occur after decompensation as steps in the treatment process to address the relapse.
Question 2 of 5
A person who has been unable to leave home for more than a week because of severe anxiety says, "I know it does not make sense, but I just can't bring myself to leave my apartment alone." Which nursing intervention is appropriate?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, teaching the person to use positive self-talk techniques. This intervention is appropriate because it addresses the cognitive aspect of anxiety. By teaching the person to challenge negative thoughts and replace them with positive affirmations, they can gradually overcome their fear and build confidence in leaving the apartment. Online video calls (A) may provide temporary relief but do not address the root cause of the anxiety. Advising the person to use a companion (B) may enable avoidance of the problem rather than actively working on overcoming it. Asking the person to explain their fear (C) may not be helpful if they are already aware that it is irrational. Positive self-talk techniques empower the individual to change their mindset and behavior effectively.
Question 3 of 5
While leading a group, a nurse leader says to a patient, 'This is the fourth time that you've changed the subject when we have talked about child abuse. Is something going on?' The nurse is using which technique?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Confrontation. In this scenario, the nurse leader directly addresses the patient's behavior of changing the subject, which is a key aspect of confrontation technique. Confrontation is used to address discrepancies or inconsistencies in a nonjudgmental manner to promote self-awareness and insight. This technique encourages the patient to explore their thoughts and behaviors. Incorrect Choices: A: Support - Support involves providing empathy, understanding, and validation to the patient. The nurse in the scenario is not offering support, but rather challenging the patient's behavior. C: Summarizing - Summarizing involves restating key points to ensure understanding and facilitate communication. The nurse's statement does not summarize but rather confronts the patient's behavior. D: Clarification - Clarification is used to ensure mutual understanding by seeking clarification on unclear statements. The nurse's statement is not seeking clarification but rather addressing a specific behavior pattern.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse documents: "Patient is mute despite repeated efforts to elicit speech. Makes no eye contact. Inattentive to staff. Gazes off to the side or looks upward rather than at speaker." Which nursing diagnosis should be considered?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Impaired verbal communication. The patient's inability to speak, make eye contact, and focus on the speaker indicates a communication issue. Impaired verbal communication relates to difficulty expressing thoughts, feelings, or needs. The patient's behavior aligns with this diagnosis as they are mute, inattentive, and not making eye contact. Defensive coping (A) involves protecting oneself from emotional pain. Decisional conflict (B) pertains to uncertainty about choices. Risk for other-directed violence (C) involves potential harm to others, which is not evident in the scenario. Thus, D is the most appropriate nursing diagnosis.
Question 5 of 5
A staff nurse on a psychiatric unit knows that patients often have trouble sleeping because of their psychiatric conditions. Which of the following would reflect a psychiatric nursing intervention to appropriately address this problem?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A: Limiting amounts of evening snacks and beverages Rationale: 1. Limiting evening snacks and beverages can help regulate patients' sleep patterns by reducing stimulants that may interfere with sleep. 2. Nutrition plays a role in sleep quality, and avoiding heavy meals close to bedtime can promote better sleep. 3. This intervention addresses a common issue in psychiatric patients without imposing strict rules or physical activity. 4. It focuses on a holistic approach to improving sleep quality by considering dietary factors. Summary: B: Involving patients in a volleyball game immediately before bedtime - This choice is incorrect as vigorous physical activity before bedtime can be stimulating and may disrupt sleep. C: Enforcing the rule that all patients be in bed with lights out by 10:30 PM - This choice is incorrect as it is too rigid and may not address the underlying causes of sleep disturbances. D: Encouraging patients to take short naps in the afternoons - This choice is incorrect as daytime