ATI RN
ATI Practice Questions Mental Health Questions
Question 1 of 9
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 9
A student nurse is learning about ASD. What statement to the clinical instructor demonstrates that the student understands the definition of this disorder?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: "The signs and symptoms of this disorder usually begin before age three." This statement demonstrates understanding of ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) because it aligns with the diagnostic criteria outlined in the DSM-5, where symptoms typically manifest in early childhood, often before age three. This early onset distinguishes ASD from other developmental disorders. Incorrect choices: A: The signs and symptoms of ASD do not go away at age eighteen. Symptoms persist into adulthood. C: ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, not primarily based on physical symptoms. D: Describing ASD as a developmental disorder is accurate, but it does not specifically address the typical onset before age three, which is crucial for understanding the disorder.
Question 3 of 9
A client with bipolar disorder is receiving divalproex sodium as part of the treatment plan. When monitoring the client's blood level for this drug, which level would alert the nurse to the need to change the dosage?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A (30 ng/mL). The therapeutic range for divalproex sodium is typically 50-100 ng/mL. A level of 30 ng/mL is below the therapeutic range, indicating that the client may not be receiving enough of the medication to manage their symptoms effectively. This would alert the nurse to consider adjusting the dosage to bring the blood level within the therapeutic range. Choices B, C, and D are all within or above the therapeutic range, indicating that the dosage is likely adequate or potentially too high, but not in need of an immediate change based on blood level monitoring.
Question 4 of 9
A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a patient who has attempted suicide. Which of the following would the nurse identify as relating to a psychological cause?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cluster B personality disorder. This is because personality disorders are deeply ingrained patterns of behavior that cause distress or impairment. Cluster B includes disorders characterized by dramatic, emotional, or erratic behavior, such as borderline, narcissistic, histrionic, and antisocial personality disorders. Individuals with Cluster B personality disorders may have underlying psychological issues that contribute to suicidal behavior. A: While a history of childhood trauma can certainly contribute to suicidal ideation, it is not specifically related to a psychological cause in the context of this question. C: Social isolation can be a risk factor for suicide, but it is not a direct psychological cause. D: Suicide contagion refers to the phenomenon where exposure to suicide or suicidal behavior influences others to attempt suicide. It is not a psychological cause but rather a social factor.
Question 5 of 9
In dealing therapeutically with a variety of psychiatric clients, the nurse knows that incorporating humor into the communication process should be used for which purpose?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: To maintain a balanced perspective. Humor can help clients see situations from a different angle, promoting a balanced outlook. It can also create a more relaxed atmosphere, aiding in therapeutic communication. Using humor solely to diminish anger (A) may not address the underlying issues. While humor can refocus attention (B), it should ultimately lead to a balanced perspective. Using humor to delay dealing with issues (D) is counterproductive to therapeutic goals.
Question 6 of 9
The nurse is preparing to discharge a client who has been hospitalized with anorexia nervosa. Which of the following would the nurse include in the teaching plan?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Setting realistic goals. This is crucial for clients with anorexia nervosa as they often have distorted perceptions of their bodies and unrealistic weight loss goals. Setting achievable and healthy goals is essential for recovery. A: Knowing the calorie content of numerous foods may reinforce obsessive behavior and further exacerbate the client's eating disorder. B: Learning strategies to control impulses may not address the underlying psychological issues contributing to anorexia nervosa. C: Describing physiologic consequences of anorexia nervosa may be important for understanding the severity of the condition, but it may not directly help the client in their recovery process.
Question 7 of 9
A nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia. Which of the following assessment findings should the nurse expect?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Poor problem-solving ability. This is expected in clients with schizophrenia due to cognitive deficits. Schizophrenia often impairs executive functions, leading to difficulties in problem-solving. Decreased level of consciousness (A) is not a typical finding in schizophrenia. Unable to identify common objects (B) is more characteristic of dementia. Preoccupation with somatic disturbance (D) is more common in somatic symptom disorders, not schizophrenia.
Question 8 of 9
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 9 of 9
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.