ATI RN
2019 ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which nurse would qualify as a fact witness in a case dealing with a physically abused young child?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, an emergency room nurse. In cases of physical abuse, an emergency room nurse who directly treated the child and observed the injuries qualifies as a fact witness. They can provide firsthand accounts of the child's condition and the circumstances surrounding the incident. A psychiatric nurse (A) may not have direct knowledge of the physical abuse, focusing on mental health aspects. A sexual assault nurse examiner (B) specializes in sexual assault cases, not physical abuse. A pediatric intensive care unit nurse (D) may have limited interaction with the child and lack direct knowledge of the abuse.
Question 2 of 5
Johnny is twelve-year-old boy who has had an increase in aggressive behaviors, picking fights with other students at his school. Johnny's mother calls his doctor's office to ask if there is medication to help decrease these behaviors. After gathering more information about the recent increase in Johnny's outbursts, what is the best response from the nurse?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Medication may not be indicated right away; there are other options. Rationale: 1. Medication should not be the first line of intervention for behavior issues in children. 2. It is important to explore other options such as therapy, counseling, behavior modification techniques. 3. Understanding the root cause of Johnny's behavior is crucial before considering medication. 4. Rushing into medication without exploring other avenues may not address the underlying issues. Summary: A: Allowing more freedom at home could potentially worsen Johnny's behavior by reinforcing the negative actions. C: Telling Johnny his behavior is unacceptable without addressing the underlying cause may not effectively reduce his aggression. D: Allowing Johnny to skip school is not a solution; addressing the behavior and providing appropriate support is essential.
Question 3 of 5
In the emergency department, the nurse assesses a client who is aggressive and experiencing auditory hallucinations. The client states,"The CIA is plotting to kill me." To which mental health setting would the nurse expect this client to be admitted?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Short-term, inpatient, locked unit. This setting is appropriate because the client is exhibiting acute symptoms of aggression and auditory hallucinations, indicating a need for close monitoring and safety precautions in a secure environment. Long-term inpatient facility (choice A) is not suitable for acute episodes. Day treatment (choice B) may not provide the level of supervision needed. Psychiatric case management (choice D) focuses on community-based care, not acute inpatient care. Therefore, choice C is the most appropriate for managing the client's current symptoms.
Question 4 of 5
A client on a psychiatric unit is telling the nurse about anger toward the airline after losing an only child in a plane crash. In which situation is the nurse demonstrating active listening?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because assuming a relaxed posture and leaning toward the client demonstrates active listening by showing empathy and interest in what the client is saying. This nonverbal behavior encourages the client to continue expressing their feelings. A: Agreeing with the client can shut down communication and invalidate the client's emotions. B: Repeating everything the client says may come across as robotic and not conducive to building rapport. D: Expressing sorrow and sadness, while empathetic, may shift the focus from the client to the nurse's emotions. In summary, actively listening involves nonverbal cues that show understanding and support without interjecting personal opinions or emotions.
Question 5 of 5
A psychotherapist works with an anxious, dependent patient. Which strategy is most consistent with psychoanalytic psychotherapy?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because focusing on the patient's feelings developed towards the therapist is consistent with psychoanalytic therapy. This approach allows the therapist to explore transference and countertransference dynamics, which are central in understanding the patient's inner conflicts and relational patterns. By addressing these feelings, the therapist can help the patient gain insight into unresolved issues from their past that are influencing their current behavior. Choice A is incorrect because while it can be beneficial in therapy, it is more aligned with a strengths-based or humanistic approach rather than psychoanalytic therapy. Choice B is also incorrect because praising the patient for describing feelings of isolation does not directly address the deeper unconscious processes that psychoanalytic therapy aims to explore. Choice D is incorrect because providing psychoeducation and emphasizing medication adherence are more commonly associated with cognitive-behavioral or medication-focused therapies, rather than psychoanalytic therapy.