ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which is an example of the nontherapeutic block to communication of"requesting an explanation"?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it encourages the speaker to express their feelings and allows for open communication. It shows empathy and a willingness to understand the other person's perspective. A: A is an example of a leading question that assumes the speaker is angry due to someone else. B: B is an example of a judgmental question that implies the speaker's idea may be invalid. C: C is an example of a contradictory statement that may confuse the speaker and hinder communication.
Question 2 of 5
A patient presents to the emergency department with mixed psychiatric symptoms. The admission nurse suspects the symptoms may be the result of a medical problem. Lab results show elevated BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and creatinine. What is the nurse's next best action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assess the patient for a history of renal problems. Elevated BUN and creatinine levels indicate possible renal dysfunction, which can manifest as psychiatric symptoms. By assessing the patient for a history of renal problems, the nurse can gather important information to help determine the underlying cause of the symptoms. This step is crucial in identifying and addressing any potential medical issues contributing to the psychiatric presentation. Incorrect choices: A: Reporting the findings to the health care provider is important, but assessing the patient for a history of renal problems should be done first. C: Assessing the patient's family history for cardiac problems is not relevant to the elevated BUN and creatinine levels. D: Hospitalization on the psychiatric unit may not address the underlying medical issue causing the symptoms; assessing for renal problems is more appropriate.
Question 3 of 5
A patient preparing for surgery has moderate anxiety and is unable to understand preoperative information. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because presenting information in a calm manner using simple language helps the patient with moderate anxiety better understand preoperative information. This approach acknowledges the patient's anxiety and promotes effective communication. Choice A is incorrect because it addresses postoperative care rather than preoperative information. Choice C is incorrect as it focuses on recovery rather than addressing the patient's anxiety and understanding of preoperative information. Choice D is incorrect because it encourages expression of feelings rather than directly addressing the patient's understanding of preoperative information.
Question 4 of 5
A group of students are reviewing the multiaxial diagnostic system of the DSM-IV-TR. The students demonstrate understanding of the axes when they identify that each axis represents which of the following?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: A domain of information. In the multiaxial diagnostic system of the DSM-IV-TR, each axis represents a specific domain of information for assessing an individual's mental health. Axis I represents clinical disorders, Axis II represents personality disorders and mental retardation, Axis III represents general medical conditions, Axis IV represents psychosocial and environmental stressors, and Axis V represents global assessment of functioning. The other choices are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the purpose of the axes in the multiaxial diagnostic system. A does not align with the purpose of the axes being domains of information, B is not relevant as the axes are not experimental designs, and D is incorrect as the axes do not represent laboratory test findings.
Question 5 of 5
A patient is talking to the nurse about the recent death of her grandmother. She is obviously very sad, and a tear rolls down her cheek as she talks. The nurse remembers how she felt when her own grandmother died the previous summer. The nurse puts her hand on the patient's shoulder and says, 'This must be very difficult for you.' The nurse is demonstrating empathy based on which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the nurse's response reflects an attempt to communicate understanding of the patient's feelings, showing empathy. The nurse acknowledges the patient's sadness and difficulty, indicating she is trying to connect with the patient emotionally. This response validates the patient's emotions and demonstrates active listening. Choice B is incorrect because it focuses on the nurse's actions rather than the empathetic communication. Choice C is incorrect because the nurse's own experience is not the basis for empathy; it is the ability to understand and share the patient's emotions. Choice D is incorrect because while compassion and kindness are important, they do not directly relate to empathy in this scenario.