ATI RN
Mental Health ATI RN Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A client with end-stage alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver is hesitant to talk about the illness and the impending loss of life from their alcohol use disorder. Which action by the nurse can promote the client's ability to express their feelings?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Active listening and silence create a supportive environment for the client to express emotions at their pace. Confronting denial referring to a chaplain or suggesting acceptance may hinder open communication.
Question 2 of 5
A client is manipulative with staff and disruptive in the milieu. Although the client is not demonstrating behaviors that are a threat to self or others they are refusing all medications. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When dealing with a client who is manipulative and disruptive but not a threat it is essential for the nurse to set clear and consistent boundaries for behavior. This helps establish a therapeutic environment and maintains safety. Allowing the client to refuse medications respects their autonomy as long as they are not a risk. Involving family without consent may violate privacy discharging is premature and coercive statements are unethical.
Question 3 of 5
A client who has been physically aggressive arrives at the emergency department for a psychiatric assessment. Which approach would be best for the nurse to use?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Brief statements and questions keep communication clear and nonthreatening maintaining safety with an aggressive client. Close contact risks escalation humor may be misinterpreted and open-ended questions may overwhelm.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is working with an adolescent client that is argumentative with staff and peers on the behavioral health unit. Which therapeutic response will be most beneficial for the client to decrease acting out behavior?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: This response demonstrates the use of therapeutic communication specifically offering the client an opportunity to express their feelings and concerns in a non-confrontational manner. By suggesting a private and quiet area to talk to the nurse provides a safe and supportive environment for the client to explore and process their emotions. This approach can help the client feel heard validated and understood which may reduce their need to act out or engage in argumentative behaviors to express their feelings. Threats medication demands or dismissive comments may escalate behavior.
Question 5 of 5
After an angry outburst a client quickly appears calmer and receptive to input from the nurse. Which is the most helpful response to the client at this time?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When a client has an angry outburst and then quickly appears calmer and receptive to input from the nurse it is important for the nurse to address the underlying cause of the outburst and explore the client's feelings and emotions. By asking What happened that got you so upset? the nurse is inviting the client to express their feelings and share what triggered their anger. This can help the nurse understand the client's perspective provide appropriate support and potentially de-escalate any remaining tension. Dismissing focusing on the nurse’s feelings or judging the behavior hinders therapeutic communication.