ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A nurse in a mental facility is assessing a client for suicide risk factors using the SAD PERSONS scale. Which of the following findings indicates a risk for suicide?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: The client is 50 years of age. This indicates a risk for suicide because being in the age group of 45-54 years is a significant risk factor according to the SAD PERSONS scale. This age group has a higher likelihood of experiencing life stressors and psychiatric disorders, increasing their vulnerability to suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Option A (The client is married) does not directly correlate with suicide risk according to the SAD PERSONS scale. Option B (The client is female) is a general demographic factor and not specific to suicide risk assessment. Option D (The client has diabetes mellitus) is a medical condition that may contribute to overall health but is not a direct risk factor for suicide according to the scale.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse in a psychiatric facility is planning care for a client who has depression and is at risk for suicide. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Assign the same staff to the client each shift. Consistency in staffing provides a stable and trusting relationship, crucial for clients at risk for suicide. This intervention promotes continuity of care and helps the client feel supported and understood. Other choices are incorrect: B may cause discomfort, C may lead to isolation, and D is dangerous.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who is involuntarily admitted for major depressive disorder and refuses to take prescribed antianxiety medication. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Implement consequences until the client takes the medication. In this scenario, the client's refusal to take prescribed medication could be detrimental to their health and well-being. By implementing consequences, the nurse is establishing boundaries and reinforcing the importance of following the treatment plan. This approach helps ensure the client's safety and promotes therapeutic compliance.
A: Informing the client that he does not have the right to refuse medication is not a therapeutic approach and could lead to a power struggle.
B: Administering the medication via IM injection without the client's consent violates their autonomy and could damage the nurse-client relationship.
C: Offering the medication at the next scheduled dose time may not address the client's refusal and could prolong the issue.
D: Implementing consequences is the most appropriate action to address the client's refusal and emphasize the importance of medication compliance.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is caring for a school-aged child who has conduct disorder and is being physically aggressive toward other children in the unit. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Place the child in seclusion. This action should be taken first to ensure the safety of the other children in the unit and prevent further physical aggression. Seclusion can help calm the child down and prevent harm to others. Using a therapeutic hold technique (
B) or applying wrist restraints (
C) may escalate the situation and pose a risk of injury to the child and others. Administering risperidone (
D) is a medication used for behavioral disorders, but it is not the first step in managing immediate physical aggression. It is crucial to prioritize safety and de-escalation strategies in such situations.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse in a psychiatric unit is providing discharge instructions to a client who has schizophrenia and a new prescription for clozapine. Which of the following statements should the nurse include?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Expect to have an increased risk of infection. Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic medication known to suppress the immune system, leading to an increased risk of infections such as pneumonia. This instruction is crucial for the client's safety to monitor for signs of infection and seek medical attention promptly.
Choice A is incorrect as getting up quickly can lead to orthostatic hypotension, a common side effect of clozapine.
Choice C is irrelevant to clozapine use.
Choice D is incorrect as adequate fluid intake is essential to prevent constipation, a common side effect of clozapine.