ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam Questions
Extract:
Question 1 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 2 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who has bipolar disorder and is experiencing a manic episode. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take is to encourage the client to participate in physical activities (
Choice
C). This is because engaging in physical activities can help the client release excess energy and reduce agitation often seen in manic episodes of bipolar disorder. Physical activities can also promote a sense of well-being and improve mood. Group therapy (
Choice
A) may not be suitable during a manic episode as the client may have difficulty focusing and may disrupt the session. Rotating staff members (
Choice
B) may lead to inconsistency in care and disrupt the therapeutic relationship. Distracting the client with increased environmental stimuli (
Choice
D) may exacerbate the manic symptoms rather than help manage them.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who has post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Provide a structured routine. Structured routines help individuals with PTSD feel safe and in control, reducing anxiety and triggers. Encouraging the client to discuss past trauma (
A) can be retraumatizing. Discouraging emotional expression (
C) may hinder healing. Limiting social interactions (
D) can increase feelings of isolation, worsening symptoms.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is caring for a school-aged child who has conduct disorder and is being physically aggressive toward other children in the unit. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Place the child in seclusion. This action should be taken first to ensure the safety of the other children in the unit and prevent further physical aggression. Seclusion can help calm the child down and prevent harm to others. Using a therapeutic hold technique (
B) or applying wrist restraints (
C) may escalate the situation and pose a risk of injury to the child and others. Administering risperidone (
D) is a medication used for behavioral disorders, but it is not the first step in managing immediate physical aggression. It is crucial to prioritize safety and de-escalation strategies in such situations.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is creating a plan of care for a client who has anorexia nervosa. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Set a weight gain goal of 2.2kg (5lbs) per week. This intervention is important in the care plan for a client with anorexia nervosa to promote gradual and sustainable weight restoration. Rapid weight gain can lead to medical complications like refeeding syndrome. Weighing the client twice per day (
A) can increase anxiety and reinforce unhealthy behaviors. Electroconvulsive therapy (
B) is not a standard treatment for anorexia nervosa. Encouraging family therapy (
D) is beneficial for addressing underlying issues but is not a direct intervention for weight restoration.