ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 9
Which information from a patient's record would indicate marginal coping skills and the need for careful assessment of the risk for violence? A history of
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: substance abuse. Substance abuse can indicate poor coping skills and increased risk for violent behavior. Substance abuse impairs judgment and impulse control, leading to potential violent outbursts. It may also be used as a maladaptive coping mechanism. A: Academic problems do not necessarily indicate poor coping skills or violent tendencies. B: Family involvement may vary in its impact on coping skills and risk for violence, but it is not a direct indicator. C: Childhood trauma can contribute to poor coping skills and risk for violence, but it is not as direct of an indicator as substance abuse.
Question 2 of 9
Which statement demonstrates a well-structured attempt at limit setting?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it clearly states the behavior that is unacceptable (hitting when angry) and sets a clear boundary. It focuses on the specific action and its consequences, promoting accountability. Other choices lack specificity, clarity, or promote stereotypes. Choice B lacks clarity on expected behavior. Choice C lacks specificity and is a command rather than a clear limit. Choice D uses a generalization and promotes a stereotype rather than addressing the behavior directly.
Question 3 of 9
A nurse is observing a client diagnosed with borderline personality disorder on the inpatient unit. Which of the following would the nurse most likely note?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Participating in relationships in which the client has control. In borderline personality disorder, individuals often struggle with issues of control and impulsivity. They may seek relationships where they can exert control to manage intense emotions and fear of abandonment. This behavior is a common manifestation of the disorder. Choices A and B are less likely as individuals with borderline personality disorder may have difficulties with group participation and openly expressing feelings due to fear of rejection or abandonment. Choice D is incorrect as individuals with this disorder often struggle with personal boundaries and may violate them in relationships.
Question 4 of 9
While talking with a patient who has been experiencing aggression and intense anger, the nurse identifies that the patient feels isolation and anxious. Which statement by the nurse would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The most appropriate statement is "This must be scary for you" (A) because it acknowledges the patient's feelings of isolation and anxiety, showing empathy and validation. This helps build rapport and trust with the patient. Choice B is dismissive and minimizes the patient's feelings. Choice C implies the nurse fully understands, which may not be true. Choice D puts the responsibility on the patient to calm down before help is offered, which can escalate the situation.
Question 5 of 9
A client has been involuntarily committed to a psychiatric unit. During the delivery of the evening dinner trays, the client elopes from the unit, gets on a bus, and crosses into a neighboring state. Which nursing intervention is appropriate in this situation?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct Answer: B Rationale: 1. Notify the client's physician: It is crucial to inform the client's physician immediately about the elopement to ensure appropriate medical oversight. 2. Follow facility policy: Following established protocols is essential to manage the situation effectively and maintain the client's safety. 3. Document the incident: Detailed documentation is necessary for legal and clinical purposes to track the event's specifics and subsequent actions taken. 4. Review elopement precautions: By reviewing and potentially updating elopement prevention strategies, the facility can enhance security measures to prevent future incidents. Summary: A: Involuntarily admitting the client to another facility without proper evaluation and consent is not appropriate and may violate the client's rights. C: Sending a therapeutic assistant alone to retrieve the client can be unsafe and may not address the underlying reasons for elopement. D: Involving the police in another state could escalate the situation and may not prioritize the client's mental health needs.
Question 6 of 9
The nurse is caring for a client who was just admitted with a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder with depression. Which agent would the nurse anticipate as being prescribed for this client?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Clozapine. Clozapine is commonly prescribed for schizoaffective disorder with depression due to its effectiveness in managing both psychotic symptoms and mood disturbances. It is known for its unique ability to target both dopamine and serotonin receptors. A: Lithium is primarily used to treat bipolar disorder, not schizoaffective disorder with depression. B: Haloperidol is an antipsychotic medication more commonly used for treating schizophrenia. C: Chlorpromazine is an older antipsychotic medication that is not typically first-line for schizoaffective disorder with depression. In summary, Clozapine is the most suitable choice due to its dual action on psychotic symptoms and mood stabilization in schizoaffective disorder with depression, making it the most appropriate option among the choices provided.
Question 7 of 9
A nurse is caring for a group of clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse assign to an AP?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because a client who had a cerebrovascular accident two days ago and needs help toileting can be safely assigned to an AP. This task does not require specialized nursing knowledge or assessment skills. The AP can assist with toileting safely under the supervision of the nurse. Choices A, B, and C require nursing assessment, intervention, or evaluation of the client's condition, which should be done by a nurse. Assigning these tasks to an AP could compromise client safety and proper care.
Question 8 of 9
A nurse is preparing a presentation on sleep disorders for a community group. Which of the following would the nurse include when explaining the differences between narcolepsy and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step 1: Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden episodes of sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Step 2: People with narcolepsy awaken from sleep feeling unrefreshed, not rested and replenished as mentioned in choice B. Step 3: On the other hand, individuals with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome often wake up feeling tired due to disrupted sleep from breathing pauses. Step 4: Therefore, the statement in choice B correctly contrasts the post-nap feelings of individuals with narcolepsy and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Step 5: Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately differentiate between the two disorders and may mislead the audience.
Question 9 of 9
A patient says to the nurse, "I dreamed I was stone When I woke up, I felt emotionally drained, as though I hadn't rested well." Which response should the nurse use to clarify the patient's comment?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct response is D because it directly addresses the ambiguity in the patient's statement by seeking clarification on the term "stoned." By asking for an example, the nurse can better understand the specific content of the dream and its emotional impact on the patient. This open-ended question encourages the patient to elaborate and express their feelings, leading to a more meaningful conversation and a deeper understanding of the patient's concerns. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not directly address the ambiguity in the patient's statement or seek clarification on the term "stoned." Choice A assumes the patient was uncomfortable with the dream content, choice B only relates the nurse's experience without addressing the patient's specific situation, and choice C focuses on the quality of sleep rather than the content of the dream.