ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is assessing a client who has schizophrenia. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a negative symptom?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Social withdrawal. Negative symptoms in schizophrenia refer to the absence or reduction of normal behaviors or functions. Social withdrawal is a classic negative symptom, characterized by the client's lack of interest in social interactions or relationships. Delusions (
A) and hallucinations (
B) are positive symptoms involving distorted perceptions or beliefs. Agitation (
D) is a symptom of increased psychomotor activity, not a negative symptom. In summary, social withdrawal is the only choice that aligns with the definition of negative symptoms in schizophrenia.
Question 2 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 central nervous system hyperactivity. This is a common symptom known as alcohol withdrawal hallucinosis. Bradycardia (
A) and hypotension (
C) are unlikely as withdrawal typically leads to increased heart rate and blood pressure. Hyperactivity (
D) is less common and usually occurs in the early stages of withdrawal, not when hallucinations start. Visual hallucinations are a key sign of alcohol withdrawal and can range from mild distortions to vivid and frightening images.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is assessing a client who is withdrawing from heroin. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Hyperthermia. Heroin withdrawal can lead to increased body temperature due to dysregulation of the body's thermoregulatory system. This can result in sweating, hot flashes, and elevated core temperature. Slurred speech (
A) is more commonly associated with alcohol intoxication. Hypotension (
B) and bradycardia (
C) are not typical manifestations of heroin withdrawal, as opioids tend to cause hypertension and tachycardia. Hyperthermia (
D) is the most likely manifestation due to the body's response to withdrawal.
Question 4 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 5 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who has a new diagnosis of bulimia nervosa. Which of the following diagnosis procedures should the nurse anticipate the provider should describe during the medical evaluation?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: ECG. When evaluating a client with bulimia nervosa, an ECG is crucial to assess for potential cardiac complications due to electrolyte imbalances from purging behaviors. This test helps to detect irregularities in heart rhythm or structure. Chest x-ray (
A) is not typically indicated for bulimia nervosa. Coagulation studies (
C) are more relevant for assessing clotting disorders, not commonly associated with bulimia nervosa. Liver function test (
D) is important for assessing liver health but not usually a priority in the initial evaluation of bulimia nervosa.