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. Borderline personality disorder is characterized by unstable emotions, leading to frequent and intense mood swings. This is a hallmark feature of the disorder. Hypersomnia (choice
B) is not typically associated with borderline personality disorder. Avoidance of eye contact (choice
C) is more commonly seen in conditions like social anxiety disorder. Ritualistic behaviors (choice
D) are more characteristic of obsessive-compulsive disorder, not borderline personality disorder. In summary, persistent mood swings are a key feature of borderline personality disorder, distinguishing it from the other options provided.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who is taking lithium. Which of the following values should the nurse report to the provider?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Creatinine 1.5 mg/dL. Elevated creatinine levels indicate potential kidney damage from lithium toxicity. The nurse should report this value to the provider for further evaluation.
Choices A, B, and D are within normal ranges and not directly related to lithium toxicity.
Therefore, they do not require immediate attention.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse in a community clinic is planning an educational session for a group of clients. Which of the following strategies should the nurse use when teaching about stress management?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Encourage discussion and practice of coping skills. This strategy is effective because it actively engages clients in learning and applying coping mechanisms, promoting better retention and skill development. By encouraging discussion, clients can share experiences and support each other, enhancing their understanding and motivation. Practicing coping skills helps clients to internalize and apply them in real-life situations.
Incorrect choices:
A: Providing lengthy lectures is less effective as it can be overwhelming and may not actively involve clients in learning.
C: Discouraging clients from expressing emotions hinders the therapeutic process and can lead to bottling up emotions, increasing stress.
D: Teaching all clients the same technique may not address individual needs and preferences, limiting the effectiveness of stress management strategies.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has bipolar disorder and a new prescription for lithium. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Drink 2-3 liters of water daily. Lithium is a mood stabilizer that can cause dehydration. Drinking an adequate amount of water helps prevent lithium toxicity and maintain proper kidney function.
Choice A is incorrect because lithium should be taken with food to reduce gastrointestinal side effects.
Choice B is incorrect because limiting sodium intake is not directly related to lithium therapy.
Choice D is incorrect as increasing caffeine intake can lead to dehydration and worsen lithium side effects.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has panic disorder and is receiving alprazolam. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Avoid activities that require alertness. This is important because alprazolam is a benzodiazepine that can cause drowsiness and impair cognitive function. By avoiding activities that require alertness, the client can prevent accidents or injuries.
A: Taking the medication on an empty stomach is not necessary for alprazolam.
C: Stopping the medication if dizziness occurs is not recommended without consulting a healthcare provider.
D: Taking an additional dose if anxiety increases can lead to overdose and is not safe.
Therefore, choice B is the most appropriate instruction to include in teaching the client with panic disorder taking alprazolam.