ATI RN
Nursing Mental Health Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
Which is the goal of the cognitive-behavioral theory model according to Beck and Ellis?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because the goal of the cognitive-behavioral theory model according to Beck and Ellis is to substitute rational beliefs for irrational ones and eliminate self-defeating behaviors. This approach focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and beliefs that contribute to emotional distress and maladaptive behaviors. By replacing irrational beliefs with rational ones, individuals can improve their mental health and overall well-being. A: Developing satisfactory relationships, maturity, and freedom from anxiety is more aligned with a humanistic or social learning theory perspective, not specifically cognitive-behavioral theory. C: Facing reality and developing standards for behaving responsibly is important but not the primary goal of cognitive-behavioral therapy. D: Reducing bodily tensions and managing stress through biofeedback and relaxation training is more related to relaxation techniques and stress management, not the core focus of cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Question 2 of 9
A client is brought into the emergency department because he was involved in an automobile accident. His blood alcohol level (BAL) is 0.10 mg %. Based on this finding, the nurse would expect to assess which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Difficulty with coordination. A BAL of 0.10 mg % indicates the client is legally intoxicated. Alcohol affects the cerebellum, impairing coordination and balance. Stupor (B) suggests a higher level of intoxication. Emotional lability (C) refers to rapid and exaggerated changes in mood, which is not directly related to BAL. Ataxia (D) is a lack of voluntary coordination of muscle movements, which is more severe than difficulty with coordination.
Question 3 of 9
The dying patient with a neurocognitive disorder such as Alzheimer's disease is especially challenging to provide care for. They may have symptoms or pain that they are unable to adequately describe or define. Reversible conditions that respond to treatment that may affect level of consciousness, anxiety, or agitation include:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Distended bladder, constipation, or nausea. These conditions can cause discomfort and affect the patient's level of consciousness, anxiety, or agitation. Addressing these reversible conditions can improve the patient's overall well-being. Other choices are incorrect because: A: Inability to communicate does not directly address the reversible physical conditions affecting the patient's symptoms. C: Reduced urinary output may be a symptom of underlying issues, but it does not directly address the reversible conditions mentioned in the question. D: Weakness due to the dying process is a natural progression and not a reversible condition that responds to treatment to improve the patient's symptoms.
Question 4 of 9
Which person is at the highest risk for suicide?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because this individual exhibits multiple risk factors for suicide: alcohol dependence, hopelessness, impulsivity, recent rejection, and access to a gun. These factors increase the immediate risk of suicide due to the combination of emotional distress and means to carry out the act. Choice A has a plan but lacks the impulsivity and immediate means. Choice B has a history of suicide attempts but lacks the current impulsivity and availability of means. Choice D expresses a desire for death but lacks the impulsivity and immediate access to means.
Question 5 of 9
A nurse is with an adolescent who tells the nurse that she has nothing to live for and she just wishes she was dead. Which nursing action would be the priority?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because staying with the patient to explore more of her thoughts about suicide is the priority. This allows the nurse to assess the severity of the situation, gather more information, provide immediate support, and establish rapport with the patient. It also helps in forming a safety plan and determining the level of risk. Choice A is incorrect because it does not address the immediate need for support and assessment. Choice C is incorrect as seclusion may escalate the situation and is not the best approach for someone expressing suicidal ideation. Choice D is incorrect as it is not the most immediate priority and does not directly address the patient's current emotional state.
Question 6 of 9
Which belief will best support a nurse's efforts to provide patient advocacy during a multidisciplinary patient care planning session?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Assessment findings in mental illness reflect a person's cultural patterns. This belief supports patient advocacy by recognizing the influence of culture on mental health. Step 1: Understanding cultural patterns helps nurses provide individualized care. Step 2: Cultural considerations impact assessment accuracy and treatment effectiveness. Step 3: Advocating for patients requires recognizing and respecting cultural differences in mental health. Other choices are incorrect because they oversimplify cultural influences on mental illness or make unsubstantiated claims about cross-cultural disorders.
Question 7 of 9
A patient who is hospitalized with depression tells the nurse, 'I don't want to take the medication because I'm afraid I'll become suicidal.' Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it demonstrates the nurse's understanding of the patient's concerns and addresses the issue of suicidal ideation directly. By asking about suicidal thoughts, the nurse can assess the patient's risk and provide appropriate interventions. Choice B is incorrect as it dismisses the patient's fear without addressing the underlying problem. Choice C is incorrect as it validates the patient's refusal without addressing the safety concern. Choice D is incorrect as it compares the patient to another individual and does not address the specific issue of suicidal thoughts.
Question 8 of 9
As part of a class activity, nursing students are engaged in a small group discussion about the epidemiology of mental illness. Which statement best explains the importance of epidemiology in understanding the impact of mental disorders?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because epidemiology focuses on studying the patterns of occurrence and distribution of health-related events, including mental disorders. By analyzing factors such as prevalence, incidence, and risk factors, epidemiology helps identify trends and patterns in the occurrence of mental illnesses within populations. Understanding these patterns can lead to the development of effective prevention strategies and interventions. Choice B is incorrect because epidemiology primarily deals with population-level data and does not specifically explain neurophysiological mechanisms causing mental disorders. Choice C is incorrect as epidemiology is concerned with patterns and distribution of diseases, not theoretical explanations. Choice D is incorrect as epidemiology does not predict individual outcomes for specific clients.
Question 9 of 9
Which finding best indicates that the goal 'Demonstrate mentally healthy behavior' was achieved for an adult patient?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because seeing oneself as capable of achieving ideals and meeting demands is a sign of positive self-esteem and mental health. This indicates a healthy level of self-awareness and confidence. Choice B is incorrect as it suggests impulsivity and lack of consideration for consequences, which are not indicative of mental health. Choice C is incorrect as it demonstrates selfish behavior and disregard for others, which are not characteristics of mentally healthy behavior. Choice D is incorrect as seeking help when needed is a positive trait, but it does not necessarily indicate mental health achievement as much as self-reliance and independence do.