ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is assessing a client who has histrionic personality disorder. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Attention seeking. In histrionic personality disorder, individuals seek attention and approval excessively. This behavior is a key characteristic of the disorder. The other choices are incorrect because:
A) Lack of remorse is more associated with antisocial personality disorder;
C) Splitting of staff is a characteristic of borderline personality disorder;
D) Identity disturbance is commonly seen in borderline personality disorder as well.
Therefore, the most relevant finding for histrionic personality disorder is attention seeking.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is assessing a newly admitted client who has schizophrenia and takes thioridazine. Which of the following findings should the nurse document as an adverse effect of this medication?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Contractions of the jaw. Thioridazine is an antipsychotic medication that can cause extrapyramidal side effects, such as jaw contractions known as trismus or dystonia. This is a common adverse effect that the nurse should document. Anhedonia (
A) is a symptom of schizophrenia, not an adverse effect of thioridazine. Waxy flexibility (
B) is a symptom of catatonia, not a side effect of thioridazine. Incongruent affect (
D) is a symptom related to the client's emotional expression, not a side effect of the medication.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is assessing a client who has alcohol use disorder and is experiencing 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 central nervous system hyperexcitability. This is a result of decreased levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GAB
A) and increased levels of glutamate in the brain. Hypotension (
A), hyperactivity (
C), and increased appetite (
D) are not typical findings during alcohol withdrawal. Hypotension may occur in severe cases of alcohol intoxication, but not during withdrawal. Hyperactivity is more commonly seen in stimulant withdrawal. Increased appetite is not a characteristic symptom of alcohol withdrawal.
Question 4 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 important to help the client differentiate between delusions and reality, promoting insight and coping skills. By redirecting the client's focus to reality-based topics, the nurse can help decrease the intensity of delusions and foster a connection to the present moment.
Choices B and C would reinforce the delusions, exacerbating the client's symptoms.
Choice D may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying issue of delusions.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse in a psychiatric unit is planning care for a client who has paranoid personality disorder. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Avoid challenging the client's paranoid beliefs. This is important in working with clients with paranoid personality disorder to build trust and rapport. Challenging their beliefs can increase their defensiveness and exacerbate their paranoia. Encouraging group therapy (
A) may trigger feelings of being targeted or watched. Maintaining eye contact (
C) could be interpreted as threatening. Using humor (
D) may not be appropriate as it can be misinterpreted.