ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Assessment Exam Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A nurse in an acute care facility is assessing a client who has schizophrenia. The client states, 'Walk tall broom short dog bell.' The nurse should document the client's speech as which of the following speech patterns?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Word salad refers to a jumble of words and phrases that are incoherent and lack meaningful connections. The client's statement, 'Walk tall broom short dog bell,' is a nonsensical combination of words, fitting this description. Flight of ideas involves rapid topic shifts, neologisms are invented words, and clang associations involve sound-based word choices, none of which apply here.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who has just learned that their partner has died by suicide. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Assessing the client's understanding and emotional response to the suicide is the first priority to provide tailored support. Referrals, contacting family, or discussing guilt come after this initial assessment.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who has become violent and is threatening self-harm following a crisis. After ensuring enough staff are available, which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Acknowledging the client's emotions can de-escalate the situation, reducing immediate risks. Sedatives, debriefing, and restraints are secondary to verbal and emotional support.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is preparing to teach a client who has major depressive disorder and is scheduled to undergo electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: ECT is delivered through electrodes attached to the head to induce a brief seizure, which can alleviate severe depressive symptoms. ECT is not contraindicated for psychotic symptoms or suicidal ideation and is performed under general, not regional, anesthesia.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who has bipolar disorder. The client says to the nurse, 'Give me your pen to cut the pain out of my chest.' The nurse should identify that the client is at risk for which of the following?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The client's statement indicates a clear intent to harm themselves, suggesting a risk for self-mutilation. Delusions and hallucinations involve false beliefs or perceptions, and attention-seeking is less immediate than self-harm risk.