ATI RN
ATI RN Mental Health 2023 Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is assessing a client who has bipolar disorder. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication that the client is experiencing acute mania?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Reports a lack of sleep. In acute mania, individuals often experience decreased need for sleep or insomnia. This symptom is a hallmark of manic episodes in bipolar disorder. Lack of sleep can exacerbate manic symptoms and lead to increased impulsivity and risk-taking behaviors. Writing a detailed daily activity schedule (
A) is more indicative of organized behavior, not necessarily mania. Isolating oneself from others (
B) can be a sign of depression or social withdrawal, not mania. Refusing to engage in conversation (
D) may indicate other issues such as anxiety or communication difficulties.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is providing behavioral therapy for a client who has obsessive-compulsive disorder. The client repeatedly checks that the doors are locked at night. Which of the following instructions should the nurse give the client when using thought stopping technique?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Snap a rubber band on your wrist when you think about checking the locks. This technique is a form of aversion therapy, which helps the client interrupt the obsessive thought pattern by associating it with a negative physical sensation. By snapping the rubber band on the wrist, the client creates a negative consequence for the behavior, making it less desirable to continue the checking behavior. This helps in breaking the cycle of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder.
A: Asking a family member to check the locks enables avoidance rather than addressing the underlying issue.
B: Keeping a journal may help increase awareness but does not actively interrupt the thought pattern.
C: Focusing on abdominal breathing is a relaxation technique that may help manage anxiety but does not directly address the obsessive behavior.
E, F, G: These options are not provided in the question and are therefore irrelevant.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is planning care for a client who has borderline personality disorder. Which of the following interventions should the nurse plan to include to assist the client with impaired social interactions with others?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Assigning the same staff members daily can help establish a consistent and stable relationship, which is crucial for clients with borderline personality disorder who struggle with interpersonal relationships. This consistency can provide a sense of security and trust for the client.
Choice B is incorrect because exploring feelings of abandonment may trigger distress and exacerbate the client's symptoms.
Choice C is incorrect because discussing maladaptive behaviors is essential for therapy and growth.
Choice D is incorrect as encouraging dependent behaviors can perpetuate unhealthy patterns.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who has a new diagnosis of metastatic lung cancer. The client states, 'I can't think about that until after my first grandchild is born next week.' The nurse should identify the client's statement as indicating the maladaptive use of which of the following defense mechanisms?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Suppression. The client is consciously avoiding thinking about their cancer diagnosis by focusing on the upcoming birth of their grandchild. Suppression involves pushing unwanted thoughts or feelings out of one's consciousness. Compensation (
A) is making up for a perceived weakness by emphasizing a strength. Sublimation (
B) is channeling unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable activities. Regression (
C) is reverting to an earlier stage of development. In this scenario, the client is not displaying any of these defense mechanisms, but rather using suppression to temporarily avoid dealing with their diagnosis.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is assessing a client who has post-traumatic stress disorder. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: B, C, D
Rationale: The correct findings for a client with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTS
D) include difficulty concentrating (
B), difficulty sleeping (
C), and persistent negative beliefs about self (
D). Difficulty concentrating is common due to hypervigilance and intrusive thoughts. Sleep disturbances are typical in PTSD, as individuals may experience nightmares or insomnia. Persistent negative beliefs about self are a core symptom, often manifesting as feelings of guilt or worthlessness. Blaming others (
A) is not a typical symptom of PTSD. Excessive talking (E) may occur in some cases but is not a primary characteristic.