ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A nurse in an inpatient mental health facility is assessing a client who has schizophrenia and is taking haloperidol. Which of the following clinical findings is the nurse’s priority?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: High fever. This is the priority finding because it may indicate a potentially life-threatening condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a rare but serious side effect of haloperidol. NMS is characterized by fever, altered mental status, muscle rigidity, and autonomic dysfunction. Prompt recognition and treatment are crucial to prevent complications.
B: Insomnia is a common side effect of haloperidol but is not an immediate concern compared to a high fever indicating NMS.
C: Urinary hesitancy is not directly related to haloperidol use and does not pose an immediate threat.
D: Headache is a common side effect of haloperidol but is less urgent compared to a high fever suggesting NMS.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse in a mental facility is assessing a client for suicide risk factors using the SAD PERSONS scale. Which of the following findings indicates a risk for suicide?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: The client is 50 years of age. This indicates a risk for suicide because being in the age group of 45-54 years is a significant risk factor according to the SAD PERSONS scale. This age group has a higher likelihood of experiencing life stressors and psychiatric disorders, increasing their vulnerability to suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Option A (The client is married) does not directly correlate with suicide risk according to the SAD PERSONS scale. Option B (The client is female) is a general demographic factor and not specific to suicide risk assessment. Option D (The client has diabetes mellitus) is a medical condition that may contribute to overall health but is not a direct risk factor for suicide according to the scale.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is planning care for a client who has bipolar disorder and is experiencing mania. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Provide frequent rest periods. During manic episodes, clients with bipolar disorder often exhibit high energy levels. By providing frequent rest periods, the nurse can help the client conserve energy and prevent exhaustion. It also promotes relaxation and reduces stimulation, which can help in managing manic symptoms.
Choice B: Discouraging social interaction is incorrect because social support is important for clients with bipolar disorder. Isolating the client may worsen their symptoms.
Choice C: Allowing unlimited physical activity is incorrect as it may exacerbate manic behaviors and increase the risk of injury.
Choice D: Limiting the client's choices is incorrect because it may lead to feelings of frustration and agitation, which can escalate manic symptoms.
Therefore, providing frequent rest periods is the most appropriate intervention to help manage mania in a client with bipolar disorder.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who exhibits excessive compliance, passivity, and self-denial. The nurse should recognize that these findings are associated with which of the following personality disorders?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Borderline personality disorder. The client's behaviors of excessive compliance, passivity, and self-denial are characteristic of individuals with borderline personality disorder. People with borderline personality disorder often struggle with a fear of abandonment, unstable self-image, and intense emotions, leading to behaviors such as self-denial and compliance to avoid rejection.
Choice A (Dependent) is incorrect because dependent personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive need to be taken care of, rather than self-denial and excessive compliance.
Choice B (Paranoid) is incorrect as paranoid personality disorder involves distrust and suspicion of others, not self-denial and passivity.
Choice D (Histrionic) is incorrect because histrionic personality disorder is characterized by attention-seeking behavior and emotional dramatics, which do not align with the client's presentation of excessive compliance and self-denial.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is providing teaching for a school-age child and his parents regarding a new prescription for risperidone. Which of the following statements by the parent indicates an understanding of the teaching?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: "I will make sure my son takes the last dose of the day by 4 PM." This statement indicates an understanding of the teaching because risperidone is typically recommended to be taken in the evening due to its sedative effects, which can help minimize daytime drowsiness. Administering the last dose by 4 PM ensures that the sedative effects are most effective during nighttime hours, promoting better sleep and reducing daytime sedation.
The other choices are incorrect because:
A: Low sodium diet is not directly related to risperidone use.
C: Hand tremors are not a common side effect of risperidone.
D: Excessive urination is not a common side effect of risperidone and would not be a reason to contact the doctor in this case.