ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A nurse in a mental health facility is caring for a client who has borderline personality disorder. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Persistent mood swings. Individuals with borderline personality disorder often experience intense and rapidly shifting emotions, leading to persistent mood swings. This is a hallmark feature of the disorder, characterized by feelings of emptiness, impulsivity, and unstable relationships. Hypersomnia (
B) is not typically associated with borderline personality disorder. Avoidance of eye contact (
C) may be seen in other conditions such as social anxiety disorder but is not specific to borderline personality disorder. Ritualistic behaviors (
D) are more commonly associated with conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder, not borderline personality disorder.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse in a mental health facility is assessing a client who has schizophrenia. The nurse should document which of the following as a positive symptom?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Delusions. Positive symptoms refer to added behaviors or experiences not typically present in individuals without schizophrenia. Delusions are false beliefs that are not based on reality, which are considered a positive symptom. Social withdrawal (
A) is a negative symptom, involving a reduction or absence of normal behaviors. Flat affect (
B) is also a negative symptom, characterized by a lack of emotional expression. Lack of motivation (
D) is another negative symptom, reflecting reduced ability to initiate and sustain goal-directed activities.
Therefore, delusions (
C) align with positive symptoms of schizophrenia, making it the correct choice.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is leading a grief support group for bereaved clients. Which of the following client statements should the nurse report to the provider as an indication of clinical depression?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Correct Answer: C - "I don’t feel anything but numbness anymore"
Rationale: This statement indicates a persistent emotional numbness, which is a common symptom of clinical depression. Numbness reflects a lack of emotional responsiveness and can be a sign of severe depression. Reporting this to the provider is crucial for further evaluation and intervention.
Incorrect
Choices:
A: "I don’t know how I could cope if I didn’t have my family’s support" - While expressing dependency on family support is understandable during grief, it does not necessarily indicate clinical depression.
B: "It’ll be a long time before I’m happy again" - This statement reflects a realistic view of the grieving process and does not specifically point towards clinical depression.
D: "I feel like I’m angry at the whole world right now" - Anger is a common emotion experienced during grief and does not solely indicate clinical depression.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is planning care for a client who has experienced intimate partner abuse. The nurse should identify which of the following outcomes as the priority?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: The client develops a safety plan. This is the priority outcome because ensuring the client's safety is crucial in cases of intimate partner abuse. A safety plan helps the client to prepare for potential danger and protect themselves from harm. Joining a support group (
A), identifying techniques to reduce stress (
B), and identifying support systems (
D) are all important aspects of care but ensuring the client's immediate safety takes precedence. It is essential to address safety concerns first before focusing on other aspects of healing and recovery.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is planning care for a client who has bipolar disorder and is experiencing a depressive episode. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Provide frequent rest periods. During a depressive episode in bipolar disorder, the client may experience fatigue and low energy levels. Providing frequent rest periods helps the client conserve energy and promotes relaxation, which can alleviate feelings of exhaustion and support overall mental well-being. Encouraging excessive physical activity (choice
A) can be harmful as it may exacerbate feelings of fatigue and overwhelm the client. Discouraging interaction with others (choice
C) can further isolate the client and worsen feelings of loneliness. Implementing a rigid daily routine (choice
D) may increase stress and anxiety for the client, which is counterproductive during a depressive episode.