ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Assessment Exam Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A home health nurse is caring for a client who reports feeling tired and being unable to grocery shop. Which of the following responses by the nurse is an example of therapeutic communication?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: This response shows empathy, acknowledges the client's feelings, and focuses on finding solutions, encouraging collaboration. Suggesting medication, dismissing fatigue, or assuming family help are less therapeutic.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is preparing to teach a client who has major depressive disorder and is scheduled to undergo electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: ECT is delivered through electrodes attached to the head to induce a brief seizure, which can alleviate severe depressive symptoms. ECT is not contraindicated for psychotic symptoms or suicidal ideation and is performed under general, not regional, anesthesia.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who has just learned that their partner has died by suicide. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Assessing the client's understanding and emotional response to the suicide is the first priority to provide tailored support. Referrals, contacting family, or discussing guilt come after this initial assessment.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is admitting a client who has borderline personality disorder and is at risk for self-mutilation. Which of the following interventions should the nurse incorporate in the plan of care?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A verbal no-harm contract engages the client in their safety plan, reducing self-mutilation risk. Excessive attention may reinforce behaviors, restraints are a last resort, and limiting staff ensures consistency but is secondary.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is administering an antidepressant medication to a client. The nurse should understand that which of the following is the major difference between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: TCAs can be lethal in overdose due to cardiotoxic effects, unlike SSRIs, which have a lower toxicity risk. SSRIs are not necessarily more effective, are less sedating, and TCAs have more cardiovascular effects.