ATI RN
ATI Practice Questions Mental Health Questions
Question 1 of 9
While providing care to a patient with a mental disorder, the patient asks the nurse, 'Does mental illness run in your family?' Which response by the nurse would be most inappropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct response is C because it discloses personal information about the nurse's family member, which is unprofessional and breaches patient confidentiality. The nurse should maintain professional boundaries and focus on the patient's needs, not their own personal experiences. Choices A, B, and D maintain appropriate boundaries and redirect the conversation back to the patient's concerns, demonstrating empathy and respect for the patient's privacy.
Question 2 of 9
While providing care to a patient with a mental disorder, the patient asks the nurse, 'Does mental illness run in your family?' Which response by the nurse would be most inappropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct response is C because it discloses personal information about the nurse's family member, which is unprofessional and breaches patient confidentiality. The nurse should maintain professional boundaries and focus on the patient's needs, not their own personal experiences. Choices A, B, and D maintain appropriate boundaries and redirect the conversation back to the patient's concerns, demonstrating empathy and respect for the patient's privacy.
Question 3 of 9
A pregnant woman is in a relationship with a male who routinely abuses her. Her unborn child may engage in high-risk behavior as a teen as a result of:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Maternal stress. Maternal stress during pregnancy can have long-term effects on the child's behavior, including an increased likelihood of engaging in high-risk behavior as a teen. Stress hormones released by the mother can impact the developing fetus, leading to changes in the child's brain development and stress response systems. This can contribute to behavioral issues later in life. Summary: - A: Maternal stress affects the unborn child's behavior. - B: Parental nurturing is not related to the impact of maternal stress. - C: Appropriate stress responses in the brain do not address the negative impact of maternal stress on the child. - D: Memories of the abuse would not directly influence the unborn child's behavior.
Question 4 of 9
A student nurse is learning about ASD. What statement to the clinical instructor demonstrates that the student understands the definition of this disorder?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: "The signs and symptoms of this disorder usually begin before age three." This statement demonstrates understanding of ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) because it aligns with the diagnostic criteria outlined in the DSM-5, where symptoms typically manifest in early childhood, often before age three. This early onset distinguishes ASD from other developmental disorders. Incorrect choices: A: The signs and symptoms of ASD do not go away at age eighteen. Symptoms persist into adulthood. C: ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, not primarily based on physical symptoms. D: Describing ASD as a developmental disorder is accurate, but it does not specifically address the typical onset before age three, which is crucial for understanding the disorder.
Question 5 of 9
A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a patient who has attempted suicide. Which of the following would the nurse identify as relating to a psychological cause?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cluster B personality disorder. This is because personality disorders are deeply ingrained patterns of behavior that cause distress or impairment. Cluster B includes disorders characterized by dramatic, emotional, or erratic behavior, such as borderline, narcissistic, histrionic, and antisocial personality disorders. Individuals with Cluster B personality disorders may have underlying psychological issues that contribute to suicidal behavior. A: While a history of childhood trauma can certainly contribute to suicidal ideation, it is not specifically related to a psychological cause in the context of this question. C: Social isolation can be a risk factor for suicide, but it is not a direct psychological cause. D: Suicide contagion refers to the phenomenon where exposure to suicide or suicidal behavior influences others to attempt suicide. It is not a psychological cause but rather a social factor.
Question 6 of 9
What is one difference between family therapy and group therapy?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because family therapy focuses on addressing issues within the family unit, including managing co-occurring problems within the home environment. This type of therapy aims to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen relationships among family members. Group therapy, on the other hand, involves individuals coming together to address common issues but does not specifically target problems within the family system. Choices A and D are incorrect because the speed of problem-solving and the setting where therapy is provided do not necessarily differentiate family therapy from group therapy. Choice B is incorrect because group therapy involves interactions among individuals who may or may not be strangers, not specifically those with common problems.
Question 7 of 9
The nurse is planning a presentation for a group of mental health care providers on the topic of co-occurring disorders. The nurse plans to include information about health care providers and their response to these clients. Which of the following would the nurse include as a major reason for these clients being often underserved and undertreated?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Step 1: Individuals with co-occurring disorders have complex needs, requiring providers to prioritize which issue to address first. Step 2: Difficulty in determining which problem is in most immediate need can lead to undertreatment of one or both disorders. Step 3: This can result in clients being underserved and not receiving the comprehensive care they require. Step 4: Option A is incorrect because not all providers focus solely on 12-step programs; Option B is incorrect as underdiagnosing personality disorders is not the main reason for underserving co-occurring clients; Option C is incorrect as providers are aware of concurrent mental health disorders but may struggle with prioritization. Step 5: Therefore, the correct answer is D as it highlights the critical issue of determining immediate treatment needs for clients with co-occurring disorders.
Question 8 of 9
Which belief would be least helpful for a nurse working in crisis intervention?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because believing that a person in crisis is incapable of responding to instruction is detrimental for a nurse in crisis intervention. Nurses should believe in the patient's ability to respond and engage in the counseling process. Choice B is incorrect as crisis counseling is a professional-client relationship. Choice C is incorrect as crisis counseling aims to help patients see their situation more clearly, not just refocus. Choice D is incorrect as anxiety-reduction techniques are used to help patients manage their emotions, not necessarily to access inner resources.
Question 9 of 9
A nurse is preparing a presentation for a local community group about mental disorders and plans to include how mental disorders are different from medical disorders. Which statement would be most appropriate for the nurse to include?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because mental disorders are typically diagnosed based on a cluster of observable behaviors, thoughts, and feelings, rather than a specific biological pathology or laboratory tests. This statement is appropriate as it aligns with the current understanding of mental disorders as complex conditions that involve a combination of psychological, behavioral, and emotional symptoms. Choice A is incorrect because while some mental disorders may have underlying biological components, not all are solely defined by biological pathology. Choice B is incorrect because laboratory tests are not the primary method for diagnosing mental disorders. Choice D is incorrect because manifestations of mental disorders often fall outside of normal, expected parameters, which is why they are considered disorders in the first place.