ATI RN
ATI Proctored Mental Health Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which assessment finding presents the greatest risk for violent behavior directed at others?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, history of spousal abuse, as it directly indicates a pattern of violent behavior towards others. This history suggests a higher likelihood of future violent actions. A: Severe agoraphobia does not inherently correlate with violence. C: Bizarre somatic delusions may lead to erratic behavior but not necessarily violence towards others. D: Verbalized hopelessness and powerlessness indicate a risk of self-harm rather than harm towards others.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is performing an admission assessment. The patient complains that it has been taking larger and larger amounts of medication to get the desired effect. Based on this information, the nurse interprets this as suggesting which of the following?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Tolerance. Tolerance refers to the body's reduced response to a drug over time, necessitating higher doses to achieve the same effect. In this scenario, the patient needing larger amounts of medication to achieve the desired effect indicates tolerance development. Desensitization (A) refers to reduced response due to receptor downregulation. Therapeutic index (C) is the ratio of a drug's effective dose to its toxic dose. Toxicity (D) is the harmful effects of a drug at excessive doses.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is using a genogram as an intervention strategy based on the understanding of which of the following?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because a genogram is a visual representation of a family's medical history and relationships over several generations. This tool helps the nurse and the family understand patterns of behavior, health issues, and dynamics across generations. Other choices are incorrect because genograms do not primarily focus on problem-solving methods (A), provide subjective yet factual perspectives (C), or identify family beliefs about mental illness (D).
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is assessing a group of patients on an inpatient psychiatric unit. The patient's history for which of the following would the nurse identify as the strongest indicator of risk for violence?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, violent behavior. This is the strongest indicator of risk for violence because past behavior is a significant predictor of future behavior. Patients with a history of violent behavior are more likely to exhibit violent tendencies in the future. Assessing for this history allows the nurse to implement appropriate interventions to prevent harm to self or others. Incorrect Choices: A: Panic disorder - Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent panic attacks and is not directly associated with an increased risk of violence. B: Problematic anxiety - While anxiety can contribute to agitation and irritability, it is not as strong of an indicator for violence compared to a history of violent behavior. C: Somatoform disorder - Somatoform disorder involves physical symptoms with no identifiable medical cause and is not typically associated with an increased risk of violence.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is working with a group of clients diagnosed with schizophrenia in a community setting. Which of the following would least likely be a priority?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Managing psychosis. In a community setting, the priority is typically to support clients in functioning well in their daily lives and improving their overall well-being. While managing psychosis is important, it may not be the immediate priority as the focus is on holistic care, quality of life, instilling hope, and preventing relapse. Managing psychosis can be addressed through medication and therapy, but the primary goal in a community setting is to help clients live fulfilling lives and maintain stability.