ATI LPN
ATI LPN Mental Health Exam Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A female client with severe depression is about to be discharged from an inpatient mental health unit. The client's highest level of education is seventh grade, and she reads at a fifth-grade level. The nurse is giving her discharge instructions. Which instruction is most appropriate for this client?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Given the client's educational background and reading level, it's important to provide instructions that are simple and straightforward. Telling the client when to take her medication in a clear, concise manner is most appropriate. Using medical terms like 'MAOI' (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor) could confuse the client, especially considering her educational background and reading level. Using abbreviations like 'q.d.' (which stands for 'quaque die', meaning 'once a day' in Latin) could also confuse the client. While this instruction is accurate, it might be too complex for the client to understand.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is providing care for a patient who states, 'I didn't take my medication because my partner forgot to remind me.' Which defense mechanism is the patient demonstrating?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Regression is a defense mechanism where an individual reverts to a previous stage of development in response to a stressful situation. This is not demonstrated in the patient's statement. Rationalization involves creating logical but untrue explanations to justify unacceptable behavior or feelings. In this scenario, the patient is rationalizing their failure to take their medication by blaming their partner's forgetfulness. Projection involves attributing one's own unacceptable thoughts or feelings to others. This is not demonstrated in the patient's statement. Repression involves unconsciously blocking out painful or uncomfortable thoughts or feelings. This is not demonstrated in the patient's statement.
Question 3 of 5
A female patient expresses anger about her recent divorce. What is the most appropriate response from the healthcare provider?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Expressing understanding and empathy is generally the most appropriate response when a patient is expressing anger or distress about a personal situation. It validates the patient's feelings and shows that the healthcare provider is listening and cares about their well-being. Telling the patient to 'look on the bright side' could be perceived as dismissive of her feelings. It's important to acknowledge her feelings of anger and allow her to express them. Saying 'I know exactly how you feel' can come across as presumptuous. Even if the healthcare provider has experienced a similar situation, everyone's experiences and feelings are unique. While it's true that many people experience strong feelings after a divorce, stating this might not be helpful to the patient in the moment. It's more important to acknowledge her individual feelings and experience.
Question 4 of 5
A male adolescent patient is admitted to a mental health facility due to repeated school fights, multiple instances of running away, and theft from family members. He has been diagnosed with a conduct disorder. What history might the nurse expect to find in this patient?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Parents who were very lenient disciplinarians may not necessarily lead to conduct disorder in their children. While lack of discipline can contribute to some behavioral issues, it is not specifically associated with conduct disorder. Harsh parental discipline and physical punishment can contribute to the development of conduct disorder. Children who experience harsh discipline may learn to use aggressive behavior as a way of dealing with conflict and may have difficulty developing pro-social behavior. This can lead to a pattern of violating the rights of others and societal norms, which is characteristic of conduct disorder. Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder characterized by distortions in thinking, perception, emotions, language, sense of self, and behavior. While some individuals with conduct disorder may also have schizophrenia, the presence of schizophrenia does not necessarily indicate that an individual will develop conduct disorder. Autism is a developmental disorder characterized by difficulties with social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior. It is not typically associated with the aggressive and rule-breaking behavior seen in conduct disorder.
Question 5 of 5
Which group is at the highest risk for suicide?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: According to various studies, white adolescent males who have expressed intentions to die are at the highest risk for suicide. This group has been found to have higher suicide rates compared to other racial and age groups. While African American males who have expressed intentions to die are also at risk for suicide, the rates are not as high as those for white adolescent males. Asian adolescent males who have expressed intentions to die also face a risk of suicide, but again, the rates are not as high as those for white adolescent males. Hispanic American males who have expressed intentions to die are at risk for suicide, but the rates are not as high as those for white adolescent males.