ATI RN
ATI Capstone Mental Health Questions
Question 1 of 5
When engaged in therapeutic communication in a therapeutic relationship with a patient with a mental health problem, which of the following would be most important for the nurse to keep in mind?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because in a therapeutic relationship, the patient should be the primary focus to address their needs effectively. Self-disclosure (A) may shift the focus from the patient to the nurse, affecting the therapeutic process. Empathy (C) is important but not the most crucial aspect; the patient's needs should come first. Recording conversations (D) violates patient confidentiality and trust, hindering the therapeutic relationship. Thus, maintaining the patient as the primary focus ensures effective communication and support.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is preparing to assess a 78-year-old patient who has been diagnosed with major depression. Which of the following would the nurse expect to assess as a normal finding?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Dulled taste sensation. Major depression can affect taste perception causing dulled taste sensation. This is a normal finding in older adults with depression due to changes in neurotransmitters. A: Decrease in body fat and B: Increased muscle mass are not typical findings in major depression, as it can lead to changes in appetite and weight loss. D: Enhanced visual acuity is not a normal finding in major depression; it is more likely a symptom of another condition or unrelated to the depressive disorder.
Question 3 of 5
A family member of an adolescent who has expressed a desire to commit suicide asks the nurse, 'What might predict the possibility of future suicide attempts?' Which of the following would the nurse include in the response?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Previous suicide attempt. This is a critical risk factor for future suicide attempts as individuals who have previously attempted suicide are at a higher risk of attempting it again. It indicates underlying mental health issues and distress. Unemployment (A), Death of a spouse (B), and Polydrug use (D) are also risk factors for suicide, but not as strong predictors as a previous suicide attempt. Unemployment and loss of a loved one can contribute to feelings of hopelessness, while polydrug use can impair judgment, but they do not directly indicate a previous suicide attempt like choice C does.
Question 4 of 5
A client comes to the emergency department complaining of a severe pounding headache in the temples and a stiff neck. The client is flushed and diaphoretic, and his pulse is racing. The client states that he is being treated for depression with selegiline. Which question by the nurse would be most important to ask at this time?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: "What have you had to eat or drink today?" This question is important because the client is taking selegiline, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), which has dietary restrictions. Foods high in tyramine can lead to a hypertensive crisis when combined with MAOIs. The client's symptoms of severe headache, flushing, and diaphoresis are indicative of a potential hypertensive crisis. By asking about the client's recent dietary intake, the nurse can assess for potential tyramine-containing foods that may have triggered the symptoms. Choice A: "When did you last have blood drawn to check your drug level?" is not as important at this time because the client's symptoms suggest an acute issue that requires immediate intervention, rather than monitoring drug levels. Choice C: "Are you having any chest pain?" is important for assessing cardiac involvement but is not the most crucial question in this scenario. Choice D: "Do you use any herbal remedies
Question 5 of 5
A client with a history of alcohol abuse is participating in a 12-step Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) program. The nurse determines that the client is at step two when he states which of the following?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Step 2 in AA involves believing in a higher power's ability to help overcome alcoholism. 2. The client stating "I realize that there is a higher power that can help me" aligns with step 2. 3. This step acknowledges the need for external support beyond oneself in the recovery process. 4. Choice A refers to step 9, making amends. Choice C refers to step 1, admitting powerlessness. Choice D refers to step 8, making amends.