ATI RN
Mental Health Nursing ATI Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which clinical scenario predicts the highest risk for directing violent behavior toward others?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because paranoid delusions of being followed by alien monsters indicate severe psychosis and a distorted perception of reality, leading to potential violent behavior. Delusions involving external threats are associated with a higher risk of aggression. A: Major depressive disorder with delusions of worthlessness may lead to self-harm but not necessarily violence towards others. B: Obsessive-compulsive disorder with rituals is more about controlling anxiety and unlikely to result in violent behavior. D: Completed alcohol withdrawal and starting a rehabilitation program suggest the individual is seeking help and support, which reduces the risk of violence towards others.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse, client, and family meet to discuss the client's discharge. During the meeting, the client speaks and makes eye contact only with family. From a cultural perspective, how might the nurse interpret this behavior?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: The client has respect for members of the health-care team. Rationale: 1. In some cultures, making direct eye contact with authority figures, like healthcare professionals, can be seen as a sign of respect. 2. By making eye contact only with the family, the client might be showing deference and respect towards the healthcare team. 3. This behavior suggests that the client values the input and presence of the healthcare team in the decision-making process. 4. Choices A, B, and C do not align with the behavior described and are not supported by the cultural perspective of respect and communication.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is reviewing the drawing that a patient completed as a self-portrait. The nurse observes that the drawing lacks arms and feet. The nurse interprets this as indicating which of the following? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Inadequacy. The patient's drawing lacking arms and feet suggests feelings of inadequacy, as these missing body parts symbolize a lack of capability and completeness. The absence of arms and feet can be interpreted as the patient feeling incapable or incomplete in some aspect of their life. This interpretation aligns with the concept of inadequacy, where the individual may perceive themselves as not measuring up to standards or feeling insufficient. In contrast, choices A, B, and C do not directly relate to the specific symbolism of the missing body parts and are not supported by the information provided in the question.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is preparing to initiate a behavioral treatment program for a child with encopresis. Which of the following would the nurse most likely implement first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Bowel cleansing. This would most likely be implemented first because it helps to clear the colon of retained stool, which is essential in managing encopresis. By cleansing the bowel, it can help reset the child's bowel habits and reduce the likelihood of accidents. Administering mineral oil (choice A) may be used as a lubricant, but it does not address the underlying issue of fecal impaction. A low-fiber diet (choice C) is not recommended as it can exacerbate constipation. Toilet sitting after each meal (choice D) is important but may not be as effective if the colon is impacted with stool.
Question 5 of 5
A patient is fearful of riding on elevators. The therapist first rides an escalator with the patient. The therapist and patient then stand in an elevator with the door open for 5 minutes and later with the elevator door closed for 5 minutes. Which technique has the therapist used?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Systematic desensitization. This technique involves exposing the patient gradually to the feared stimulus (elevator) in a controlled manner to reduce fear response. By starting with riding an escalator and then gradually progressing to standing in an elevator with the door open and closed, the therapist is helping the patient build up tolerance and reduce fear through systematic exposure. A: Classic psychoanalytic therapy focuses on exploring unconscious conflicts and childhood experiences, not directly addressing phobias through systematic exposure. C: Rational emotive therapy involves challenging irrational beliefs and is not focused on exposure to feared stimuli. D: Biofeedback involves monitoring and controlling physiological responses, not directly addressing phobias through exposure.