ATI RN
Mental Health Nursing Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which is a nursing intervention to assist a client to achieve Eriksons developmental task of ego integrity?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Erikson's developmental task of integrity in late adulthood involves reflecting on one's life and accepting both the successes and failures one has experienced. By encouraging a life review of triumphs and disappointments, a nurse helps the client to look back on their life experiences, find meaning in them, and work towards achieving a sense of wholeness and contentment. This process can help the client reconcile with past events, come to terms with any unresolved issues, and develop a sense of integrity and acceptance of themselves and their life story. It also allows for personal growth and emotional healing, which are essential aspects of achieving integrity according to Erikson's theory.
Question 2 of 5
An instructor is teaching nursing students about neurotransmitters. Which term best explains the process of how neurotransmitters released into the synaptic cleft may return to the presynaptic neuron?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Reuptake is the term that best explains the process of how neurotransmitters released into the synaptic cleft may return to the presynaptic neuron. After neurotransmitters are released into the synaptic cleft to transmit signals between neurons, they need to be removed from the cleft to allow for new signals to be transmitted. Reuptake is the process by which the presynaptic neuron reabsorbs the neurotransmitters that were released into the synaptic cleft, recycling them for later use. This process helps in regulating the levels of neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft, ensuring proper signaling between neurons. Regeneration, on the other hand, refers to the process of growing new neurons or nerve fibers. Recycling is a general term that may not specifically apply to the reabsorption of neurotransmitters, while retransmission is not a recognized term in this context.
Question 3 of 5
Which cerebral structure should a nursing instructor describe to students as the emotional brain?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The limbic system is often referred to as the "emotional brain" because it plays a major role in processing emotions and emotional responses. It is a complex system of brain structures that includes the amygdala, hippocampus, and hypothalamus, among others. These structures are involved in regulating emotions, memory, and certain instinctive behaviors such as fight-or-flight responses. Therefore, a nursing instructor should describe the limbic system as the emotional brain to students as it is essential in understanding emotional functioning and behavior.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse should expect that an increase in dopamine activity might play a significant role in the development of which mental illness?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a significant role in various mental illnesses, including schizophrenia. One of the leading theories about schizophrenia is the dopamine hypothesis, which suggests that excessive dopamine activity in certain areas of the brain contributes to the development of psychotic symptoms associated with the disorder. Medications that block dopamine receptors are often used to help manage symptoms of schizophrenia, further supporting the idea of dopamine dysregulation in this mental illness. Therefore, a nurse should expect that an increase in dopamine activity might play a significant role in the development of schizophrenia.
Question 5 of 5
Which of the following symptoms should a nurse associate with increased levels of thyroid- stimulating hormone (TSH) in a newly admitted client? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this question, the correct symptom associated with increased levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in a newly admitted client is depression (Option A). Here's a detailed rationale: Increased TSH levels are indicative of hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland is underactive. Depression is a common symptom of hypothyroidism due to the impact of inadequate thyroid hormone levels on brain function and neurotransmitter regulation. This hormonal imbalance can lead to mood disturbances, including feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and low energy levels. Option B, fatigue, is also a symptom of hypothyroidism. The underactive thyroid affects metabolism, leading to feelings of tiredness and lethargy. However, in this scenario, depression is a more specific symptom associated with increased TSH levels. Increased libido (Option C) and mania (Option D) are more commonly associated with hyperthyroidism, where the thyroid gland is overactive and produces excess thyroid hormones. In hyperthyroidism, individuals may experience heightened libido or manic symptoms due to the effects of excess thyroid hormones on the body's metabolic processes and neurotransmitter regulation. In an educational context, understanding the relationship between thyroid function and mental health is crucial for nurses working in mental health settings. Recognizing the potential psychiatric symptoms associated with thyroid disorders allows nurses to provide holistic care to clients, including appropriate referrals for further evaluation and treatment by healthcare providers specializing in endocrinology or psychiatry. This knowledge enables nurses to advocate for comprehensive assessments and individualized care plans to address both the mental health and endocrine needs of clients.