ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Questions
Question 1 of 9
Which of the following is not a common symptom of major depressive disorder?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Common symptoms of major depressive disorder include insomnia, feelings of hopelessness, difficulty concentrating, and appetite changes. Increased energy is not typically associated with major depressive disorder; instead, fatigue is more commonly observed. This symptom differentiation helps in diagnosing major depressive disorder accurately.
Question 2 of 9
A client prescribed sertraline for depression is receiving discharge instructions. Which statement by the client indicates an accurate understanding of the medication?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because sertraline, used for depression, typically takes several weeks to become effective. It is important for clients to understand this delayed onset of action to manage their expectations and continue taking the medication as prescribed despite not seeing immediate results.
Question 3 of 9
When assessing a client with bipolar disorder who is experiencing a depressive episode, which of the following findings should the nurse not expect?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In a client experiencing a depressive episode in bipolar disorder, common findings include low energy, feelings of hopelessness, insomnia or hypersomnia, and decreased appetite. Difficulty concentrating is more indicative of attention deficit disorders or cognitive impairment rather than a typical presentation of a depressive episode in bipolar disorder.
Question 4 of 9
Which of the following symptoms shouldn't a healthcare professional expect to assess in a client diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), common symptoms include excessive worry, muscle tension, restlessness, and irritability. Increased energy is not typically associated with GAD; instead, clients often experience fatigue due to the persistent anxiety and worry that characterize the disorder.
Question 5 of 9
Which of the following characteristics is not a feature of borderline personality disorder?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Borderline personality disorder is characterized by an intense fear of abandonment, unstable relationships, impulsivity, and chronic feelings of emptiness. Grandiosity, which involves an inflated sense of self-importance, is typically associated with narcissistic personality disorder rather than borderline personality disorder.
Question 6 of 9
When caring for a client with major depressive disorder, what is the most appropriate short-term goal for the client?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The most appropriate short-term goal for a client with major depressive disorder is for them to report a decrease in depressive symptoms. This goal is specific, measurable, and achievable, focusing on the primary symptoms of the disorder. By monitoring and assessing the client's self-reported improvement in depressive symptoms, the healthcare team can track progress and adjust interventions accordingly.
Question 7 of 9
A client with schizophrenia is experiencing auditory hallucinations. Which intervention should the nurse implement to address this symptom?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When a client with schizophrenia is experiencing auditory hallucinations, providing reality-based feedback is a therapeutic intervention. This helps the client differentiate between what is real and what is not, aiding in reducing the impact of hallucinations. Encouraging the client to discuss the voices may validate the hallucinations, telling the client that the voices are not real dismisses their experience, and distracting the client may not address the underlying issue of the hallucinations.
Question 8 of 9
A client has been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, and a nurse is providing care. Which intervention should the nurse implement to promote the client's safety?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Implementing a no-harm contract is a crucial intervention for clients with borderline personality disorder as it helps establish an agreement between the client and the healthcare provider to abstain from self-harming behaviors. This contract aims to promote the client's safety by enhancing awareness and providing a structured approach in managing impulses and emotions.
Question 9 of 9
Which of the following statements should a healthcare provider recognize as true about defense mechanisms? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Defense mechanisms are employed by the ego, not the id or superego, in response to threats to biological or psychological integrity. They aim to relieve anxiety, not increase it. By redirecting focus, they help manage mild to moderate anxiety and are often self-deceptive in nature.