ATI RN
ATI Practice Questions Mental Health Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which initial information gathered by the nurse is most important when assessing Erikson's stages of development?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B - The developmental age exhibited through behaviors. This is crucial because Erikson's stages of development focus on psychosocial milestones and individuals can exhibit behaviors that reflect their current stage, regardless of chronological age. Understanding the developmental age exhibited through behaviors provides insights into which stage the individual is in and helps tailor appropriate interventions. The other choices are incorrect because: A: The chronological age may not accurately reflect the individual's stage of development. C: The time frame needed to complete a successful outcome at a previous stage is not directly relevant to assessing Erikson's stages. D: The implementation of interventions based on developmental age is important but not as crucial as assessing the developmental age exhibited through behaviors in understanding Erikson's stages.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse wants to find information on current evidence-based research, programs, and practices regarding mental illness and addictions. Which resource should the nurse consult?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). SAMHSA is the best resource for evidence-based research, programs, and practices on mental illness and addictions as it is the leading agency in the U.S. for improving behavioral health. SAMHSA provides up-to-date information, guidelines, and resources based on scientific research and best practices. It focuses specifically on mental health and substance abuse issues, making it the most relevant and reliable source for the nurse's needs. A: The American Psychiatric Association focuses more on the professional organization for psychiatrists rather than providing specific resources on evidence-based research and programs. B: The American Psychological Association is more focused on psychology-related research and practices, not specifically on mental illness and addictions. C: The Clinician's Quick Guide to Interpersonal Psychotherapy is a specific resource on a therapy approach, which may not cover the broad range of information the nurse is seeking on mental illness and addictions.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse assesses an older adult patient brought to the emergency department by a family member. The patient was wandering outside saying, "I can't find my way home." The patient is confused and unable to answer questions. Select the nurse's best action.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Obtain important information from the family member. The rationale for this is that the patient is confused and unable to provide accurate information about themselves. By obtaining information from the family member, the nurse can gather important details about the patient's medical history, current medications, recent events, and any pre-existing conditions that may be contributing to the confusion. This information is crucial for the nurse to appropriately assess and provide care for the patient. Option A is incorrect as recording the patient's answers on the assessment form would not be reliable due to the patient's confusion. Option B is not necessary as the nurse can gather relevant information from the family member. Option C is not the best course of action as the patient's confusion does not necessarily indicate a need for a mental health advocate at this point.
Question 4 of 5
A patient tells a nurse, "My best friend is a perfect person. She is kind, considerate, good-looking, and successful with every task. I could have been like her if I had the opportunities, luck, and money she's ha" This patient is demonstrating
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: C: Rationalization is when a person justifies their behaviors or feelings by providing logical reasoning that may not be valid. In this case, the patient is rationalizing their shortcomings by attributing them to external factors like opportunities, luck, and money. This defense mechanism helps protect their self-esteem by avoiding taking responsibility for their own traits. Incorrect choices: A: Denial is refusing to accept reality, which is not evident in this scenario. B: Projection is attributing one's own unacceptable feelings or thoughts to others, which is not present here. D: Compensation is making up for a perceived weakness by emphasizing a strength, which is not demonstrated by the patient's statement.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is preparing a presentation for a local community group about mental disorders and plans to include how mental disorders are different from medical disorders. Which statement would be most appropriate for the nurse to include?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because mental disorders are typically diagnosed based on a cluster of observable behaviors, thoughts, and feelings, rather than a specific biological pathology or laboratory tests. This statement is appropriate as it aligns with the current understanding of mental disorders as complex conditions that involve a combination of psychological, behavioral, and emotional symptoms. Choice A is incorrect because while some mental disorders may have underlying biological components, not all are solely defined by biological pathology. Choice B is incorrect because laboratory tests are not the primary method for diagnosing mental disorders. Choice D is incorrect because manifestations of mental disorders often fall outside of normal, expected parameters, which is why they are considered disorders in the first place.