ATI RN
ATI Proctored Mental Health Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which nursing intervention would establish trust with a client who is experiencing concrete thinking?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because consistency in adhering to unit guidelines provides a structured environment that can help a client experiencing concrete thinking feel safe and secure. It establishes predictability, which is crucial for building trust. Calling the client by name (B) is a common courtesy but may not directly address the client's concrete thinking. Sharing what the client is feeling (C) may not be effective as the client may have difficulty understanding or processing emotions. Teaching the meaning of idioms (D) is irrelevant to establishing trust with a client experiencing concrete thinking.
Question 2 of 5
A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia had an exacerbation related to medication non-adherence and was hospitalized for 5 days. The patient's thoughts are now more organized and discharge is planne The patient's family says, "It's too soon for discharge. We will just go through all this again." The nurse should
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: explain that the patient will continue to improve if the medication is taken regularly. This is the best course of action because educating the family about the importance of medication adherence can help them understand the patient's need for ongoing treatment. This approach promotes shared decision-making and empowers the family to support the patient's recovery. Choice A is incorrect because transferring the patient to a long-term care facility is premature and may not be necessary if the patient's condition improves with medication adherence. Choice B is incorrect as involving hospital security and forcibly removing the family is not an appropriate or therapeutic response to their concerns. Choice D is also incorrect as contacting the health care provider to meet with the family may not address the underlying issue of medication adherence and may not effectively educate the family about the importance of continued treatment.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse caring for a withdrawn, suspicious patient recognizes development of feelings of anger toward the patient. The nurse should
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because discussing the anger with a clinician during a supervisory session allows the nurse to process and understand their emotions in a professional setting. This approach promotes self-awareness, reflection, and potential strategies for managing emotions constructively. Choice A (suppressing anger) can lead to unresolved feelings impacting patient care. Choice B (expressing anger openly) can harm the therapeutic relationship. Choice C (asking to reassign the patient) avoids addressing the underlying issue and may not be feasible in all situations.
Question 4 of 5
Which assessment finding presents the greatest risk for violent behavior directed at others?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, history of spousal abuse, as it directly indicates a pattern of violent behavior towards others. This history suggests a higher likelihood of future violent actions. A: Severe agoraphobia does not inherently correlate with violence. C: Bizarre somatic delusions may lead to erratic behavior but not necessarily violence towards others. D: Verbalized hopelessness and powerlessness indicate a risk of self-harm rather than harm towards others.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is reviewing information about the various types of outpatient mental health care programs. The nurse demonstrates understanding of these types when identifying which of the following as involved in providing the most intensive outpatient nursing care?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Partial hospitalization programs. Partial hospitalization programs provide the most intensive outpatient nursing care among the options listed. This is because these programs offer structured, comprehensive services during the day while allowing patients to return home at night, providing a higher level of care compared to traditional outpatient programs. The other choices - crisis intervention programs, outpatient detoxification programs, and rehabilitation programs - do not typically offer the same level of intensity and comprehensive care as partial hospitalization programs.