ATI RN
Mental Health ATI Proctored 2023 Questions
Question 1 of 5
You realize that your patient who is being treated for a major depressive disorder requires more teaching when she makes the following statement:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: B is the correct answer because the patient's statement indicates a dangerous decision to switch from an SSRI (Prozac) to a MAOI without consulting a healthcare provider. MAOIs have significant interactions with certain foods and other medications that can lead to serious side effects such as hypertensive crisis. This decision shows a lack of understanding of the importance of proper medication management and the potential risks involved. Choices A, C, and D all demonstrate a reasonable understanding of antidepressant therapy and do not indicate immediate safety concerns.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is caring for a 76-year-old patient with a hearing deficit caused by presbycusis. Which of the following would be most appropriate for the nurse to do when communicating with the patient?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Use lower pitched tones. Presbycusis causes difficulty in hearing high-frequency sounds, so using lower pitched tones can help the patient hear better. Higher volume (choice A) may distort the sound and not necessarily improve understanding. Addressing family members (choice B) does not directly address the patient's hearing deficit. Asking about sign language (choice C) assumes the patient knows sign language, which may not be the case. Thus, using lower pitched tones is the most appropriate approach for effective communication with a patient with presbycusis.
Question 3 of 5
Tommy, a 12-year-old boy admitted to the pediatric psychiatric unit, has recently been diagnosed with conduct disorder. In the activity room, the games he wanted to play were already in use. He responded by threatening to throw furniture and to hurt his peers who had the game he wanted. Nancy, a registered nurse, recognizes that Tommy's therapy must include:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Consistency in implementing the consequences of breaking rules. This is essential in managing conduct disorder as it helps establish clear boundaries and expectations for behavior. By consistently applying consequences when rules are broken, Tommy will learn that his actions have repercussions, promoting accountability and potentially reducing future outbursts. Choice B is incorrect because while empathy is important in understanding Tommy's emotions, it alone is not sufficient to address the underlying behavior. Choice C is incorrect as simply teaching the benefits of socializing does not directly address Tommy's behavior and the root causes of his conduct disorder. Choice D is incorrect as solitary time may not effectively address the need for structure, consequences, and social skill development that Tommy requires in his therapy.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse providing discharge teaching to the client who has schizophrenia and is starting therapy with clozapine. Which of the following is the highest priority for the client to report to the provider?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Fever. This is the highest priority for the client to report because fever can indicate a serious side effect called agranulocytosis, a potentially life-threatening condition associated with clozapine therapy. Agranulocytosis can lead to severe infections due to low white blood cell count. It is crucial to monitor for fever as an early sign of this condition to prevent complications. A: Constipation - While constipation can be a side effect of clozapine, it is not as urgent as fever in this context. B: Blurred vision - Blurred vision is a common side effect of clozapine but is not typically considered a medical emergency. D: Dry mouth - Dry mouth is a common side effect of many medications, including clozapine, and is not as concerning as fever in this scenario.
Question 5 of 5
A group of nursing students is reviewing the various theories related to the etiology of schizophrenia. The students demonstrate understanding of the information when they identify which neurotransmitter as being responsible for hallucinations and delusions?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why A (Dopamine) is the correct answer: 1. Dopamine hypothesis: Excess dopamine activity is linked to schizophrenia symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions. 2. Studies show antipsychotic drugs targeting dopamine receptors effectively alleviate these symptoms. 3. Dopamine dysregulation theory: Suggests abnormalities in dopamine transmission contribute to schizophrenia. 4. Serotonin, norepinephrine, and GABA are not directly implicated in hallucinations and delusions in schizophrenia.