ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A nurse in a psychiatric unit is providing discharge teaching to a client who has major depressive disorder and a new prescription for fluoxetine. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Take the medication in the morning. This is because fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly prescribed for major depressive disorder. Taking it in the morning helps minimize the risk of insomnia, a common side effect.
Choice B is incorrect as improvement may take weeks, not hours.
Choice C is incorrect as discontinuing abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms; medication should be taken as prescribed.
Choice D is incorrect as the instruction is not relevant to fluoxetine but is more applicable to MAOIs.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse in an inpatient mental health facility is planning care for a client who has schizophrenia and is experiencing delusions. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Encourage the client to focus on reality-based topics. This intervention is important to help the client differentiate between delusions and reality, promoting insight and coping skills. By redirecting the client's focus to reality-based topics, the nurse can help decrease the intensity of delusions and foster a connection to the present moment.
Choices B and C would reinforce the delusions, exacerbating the client's symptoms.
Choice D may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying issue of delusions.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse in an alcohol treatment facility is caring for a client who states 'my job is so stressful that the only way I can cope is to drink.' The nurse should recognize that the client is displaying which of the following defense mechanisms?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Rationalization. Rationalization is a defense mechanism where an individual justifies or explains their behavior in a rational or logical manner to avoid the true reasons behind it. In this scenario, the client is attributing their excessive drinking to their stressful job, which is a rationalization to cope with their behavior. Repression involves unconsciously pushing thoughts or feelings out of awareness. Introjection is internalizing beliefs or attitudes of others. Intellectualization is focusing on facts and logic to distance oneself from emotions. In this case, rationalization best describes the client's behavior.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results on an adolescent who has anorexia nervosa. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Hgb 10 g/dL. In anorexia nervosa, there is severe malnutrition leading to decreased hemoglobin levels (anemia) due to inadequate iron intake. This can result in fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. Blood glucose levels (choice
A) are usually normal in anorexia nervosa as the body tries to maintain glucose levels for energy. T4 levels (choice
B) are typically low in anorexia nervosa due to a decrease in thyroid function. Potassium levels (choice
C) are usually low in anorexia nervosa due to malnutrition and purging behaviors.
Therefore, Hgb 10 g/dL is the most expected finding in an adolescent with anorexia nervosa.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is assisting with obtaining informed consent from a client who has been declared legally incompetent. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Request that the client’s guardian sign the consent. When a client is declared legally incompetent, their guardian is legally responsible for making decisions on their behalf, including providing consent for medical procedures. The guardian is appointed to act in the best interest of the client and has the authority to make decisions related to their care. Contacting the facility social worker (
A) may be necessary for support, but the guardian is the appropriate person to provide consent. Explaining implied consent to the client’s family (
B) is not sufficient as the guardian must sign the consent. Asking the charge nurse (
D) is not appropriate as the guardian has the legal authority. The other choices are left blank as they are not relevant to the situation.