ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Assessment I Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A nurse in an urgent-care clinic is caring for a school-age child who has several visible bruises. The child's parent states, 'My partner got fired today and came home angry. I don't think this will happen again.' Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Expressing a desire to learn more and talk allows the nurse to assess the situation thoroughly and provide support. Agreeing it won’t happen again dismisses risk. Suggesting charges or calling police prematurely escalates without full context.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is admitting a client who has borderline personality disorder and is at risk for self-mutilation. Which of the following interventions should the nurse incorporate in the plan of care?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A verbal contract, where the client agrees to communicate before self-harming, promotes safety and trust. Excessive attention may reinforce negative behaviors, restraints are unethical preemptively, and limiting staff is secondary.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who has a new diagnosis of major depressive disorder. Which of the following medications should the nurse expect the provider to prescribe to the client as a first-line treatment?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Fluoxetine, an SSRI, is a first-line treatment for depression, increasing serotonin levels. Midazolam is for sedation, cyclobenzaprine for muscle spasms, and valproic acid for mood stabilization, not depression.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is assessing a client who takes diazepam for anxiety and hydromorphone for severe pain. Which of the following is the priority finding that the nurse should report to the provider?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Bradypnea, or slow breathing, is a life-threatening side effect of diazepam and hydromorphone due to central nervous system depression. It requires immediate attention to prevent respiratory failure. Urinary retention, blurred vision, and headache, while concerning, are not as urgent.
Question 5 of 5
A home health nurse is caring for a client who reports feeling tired and being unable to grocery shop. Which of the following responses by the nurse is an example of therapeutic communication?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Therapeutic communication validates feelings and encourages dialogue. 'Let’s discuss how to get you the help you need' opens a supportive conversation. Suggesting a sleeping pill or dismissing fatigue is non-therapeutic. Asking about family assistance is practical but less engaging emotionally.