ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is assessing a client who requires bupropion for smoking cessation. Which of the following findings in the client’s history should the nurse recognize as a contraindication for taking this medication?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Seizures. Bupropion is contraindicated in individuals with a history of seizures due to the potential to lower the seizure threshold. This can increase the risk of seizures occurring. Anemia (
B), migraines (
C), and asthma (
D) are not contraindications for taking bupropion. Anemia and migraines are not directly related to the use of bupropion, and in some cases, bupropion may even help with migraines. Asthma, while a consideration, is not a contraindication for taking bupropion.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client with Alzheimer’s disease. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Using symbols to assist the client in locating rooms is beneficial for a client with Alzheimer's as they may have difficulty remembering locations. Symbols can serve as visual cues to help them navigate and reduce confusion. A: Seating the client at a dining table with multiple residents may be overwhelming and lead to agitation. B: Providing several meal choices can be confusing and increase indecision for someone with Alzheimer's. C: Giving complete directions all at once may be too much information for the client to process. Instead, simple and clear instructions are more effective.
Question 3 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 known to cause extrapyramidal side effects such as dystonia, which can manifest as contractions of the jaw. Anhedonia (
A) is the inability to experience pleasure, not a side effect of thioridazine. Waxy flexibility (
B) is a symptom of catatonia, not a side effect of thioridazine. Incongruent affect (
D) refers to a mismatch between expression and emotion, not a side effect of thioridazine.
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. The priority finding is high fever because it could indicate a potentially serious adverse reaction called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) associated with haloperidol use. NMS is a life-threatening condition characterized by fever, altered mental status, muscle rigidity, and autonomic dysfunction. Prompt recognition and treatment of NMS are crucial to prevent complications. Insomnia (
B), urinary hesitancy (
C), and headache (
D) are common side effects of haloperidol but are not as urgent as high fever, which could signify a medical emergency.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is speaking with a client. Which of the following responses by the nurse demonstrates the communication technique of reflection?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it demonstrates the communication technique of reflection. By saying "You feel upset when this happens?", the nurse is reflecting the client's feelings back to them, showing empathy and understanding. This technique helps the client feel heard and validated.
Choice A is empathetic but does not reflect the client's feelings.
Choice C focuses on problem-solving.
Choice D is open-ended but does not reflect the client's emotions.