ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A nurse in a psychiatric unit is caring for a client who has obsessive-compulsive disorder. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Encourage the client to use thought-stopping techniques. This is the best approach as thought-stopping techniques can help the client interrupt obsessive thoughts and reduce anxiety associated with compulsions. It empowers the client to gain control over their thoughts and behaviors.
A: Allowing the client to perform compulsive rituals reinforces the behavior and does not address the underlying issue.
B: Discouraging discussion about the compulsions can make the client feel isolated and misunderstood.
D: Limiting the client's decision-making opportunities may worsen feelings of lack of control and increase anxiety.
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. This value should be reported to the provider because lithium can affect kidney function, leading to renal impairment. Creatinine is a marker of kidney function, and an elevated level could indicate potential kidney damage from lithium. The other choices (A, B,
D) are within normal ranges and not directly related to lithium therapy monitoring. Sodium and potassium levels may be affected by other factors such as diet or hydration status.
Therefore, the nurse should prioritize reporting the creatinine level to ensure the provider can assess the client's renal function in relation to lithium therapy.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is providing teaching to the caregiver of an older adult client who has Alzheimer’s disease and is being cared for at home. The client wanders at night and has a history of previous falls. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Position the mattress on the floor. Placing the mattress on the floor reduces the risk of injury in case the client falls out of bed while wandering at night. This instruction prioritizes safety and minimizes the potential harm from falls. Installing sensor devices on outside doors (
B) may help monitor the client's movements but does not directly address fall prevention. Encouraging physical activity prior to bedtime (
C) may increase restlessness and exacerbate wandering behavior. Putting locks at the top of doors (
D) may pose a safety risk in case of emergencies and hinder the client's ability to freely move within the home.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who has a new diagnosis of bulimia nervosa. Which of the following diagnosis procedures should the nurse anticipate the provider should describe during the medical evaluation?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: ECG. When evaluating a client with bulimia nervosa, an ECG is crucial to assess for potential cardiac complications due to electrolyte imbalances from purging behaviors. This test helps to detect irregularities in heart rhythm or structure. Chest x-ray (
A) is not typically indicated for bulimia nervosa. Coagulation studies (
C) are more relevant for assessing clotting disorders, not commonly associated with bulimia nervosa. Liver function test (
D) is important for assessing liver health but not usually a priority in the initial evaluation of bulimia nervosa.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse in a psychiatric unit is planning care for a client who has paranoid personality disorder. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Avoid challenging the client's paranoid beliefs. This is important in working with clients with paranoid personality disorder to build trust and rapport. Challenging their beliefs can increase their defensiveness and exacerbate their paranoia. Encouraging group therapy (
A) may trigger feelings of being targeted or watched. Maintaining eye contact (
C) could be interpreted as threatening. Using humor (
D) may not be appropriate as it can be misinterpreted.