ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam Questions
Extract:
Question 1 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 appropriate because it helps the client ground themselves in reality and potentially reduce the intensity of their delusions. By redirecting the client's focus to reality-based topics, the nurse can help them challenge and eventually overcome their delusions.
Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Agreeing with delusional beliefs can reinforce them, discussing delusions in detail may exacerbate them, and providing frequent reassurance about safety may not address the underlying issue of delusions.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is reviewing laboratory findings for a client who is taking valproic acid. Which of the following results should the nurse report to the provider?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: ALT 65 units/L. Elevated ALT levels indicate potential liver damage, a known side effect of valproic acid. The nurse should report this to the provider for further evaluation. Platelets, AST, and WBC levels are within normal ranges, so they do not require immediate reporting. In summary, the correct answer is focused on a potential serious side effect related to the medication, while the other choices are not directly linked to valproic acid or indicate normal laboratory values.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is planning care for a client who has bipolar disorder and is experiencing a depressive episode. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Provide frequent rest periods. During a depressive episode in bipolar disorder, the client may experience fatigue and lack of motivation. Providing frequent rest periods allows for adequate relaxation and helps to conserve energy. This intervention supports the client in managing their symptoms and promotes self-care.
A: Encouraging excessive physical activity may exacerbate fatigue and worsen symptoms during a depressive episode.
C: Discouraging interaction with others may increase feelings of isolation and worsen depressive symptoms.
D: Implementing a rigid daily routine may add pressure and stress to the client, which can be counterproductive during a depressive episode.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is assessing a client who is experiencing alcohol withdrawal. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Visual hallucinations. During alcohol withdrawal, the client may experience hallucinations due to the central nervous system's hyperexcitability. This symptom is typically seen within 12-24 hours of the last drink. Bradycardia (
A) and hypotension (
C) are less common in alcohol withdrawal; tachycardia and hypertension are more typical. Hyperactivity (
D) is not a common symptom and is more likely to be seen in stimulant withdrawal.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse in a mental health facility is assessing a client who has schizophrenia. The nurse should document which of the following as a positive symptom?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Delusions. Positive symptoms are behaviors or experiences that are added to a person's personality, such as hallucinations or delusions. Delusions are false beliefs that are not based on reality. In the context of schizophrenia, delusions are considered positive symptoms because they represent an addition to a person's usual behavior or mental state. Social withdrawal (
A), flat affect (
B), and lack of motivation (
D) are considered negative symptoms of schizophrenia, as they involve a decrease or absence of normal behaviors or emotions.
Therefore, the nurse should document delusions as a positive symptom in the assessment of the client with schizophrenia.