ATI RN
ATI Psychiatric Exam 1 Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who has been brought into an emergency department of a large hospital. The client's family state that the client 'took some kind of drugs.' The client is dizzy, has recently vomited, and is experiencing paranoia, yelling, 'Stay away from me! You are going to kill me!' The client alternates yelling with mumbling and gesturing. Their eyes are darting back and forth as they are talking to the wall. The nurse should suspect the client has used which of the following substances?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The client’s symptoms, including paranoia, perceptual disturbances (talking to the wall), erratic behavior, and disorientation, are consistent with hallucinogen use, which alters perception and cognition. Anabolic steroids affect physical performance, opioids cause sedation and respiratory depression, and while stimulants can cause paranoia, they are less likely to produce the vivid perceptual changes described.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who reports a recent increase in stressors. Which of the following concepts should the nurse use to develop necessary context to both understand and deliver nursing care for this client?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The concept of adaptive versus maladaptive responses helps the nurse assess whether the client’s coping strategies are effective or harmful in managing stress. This framework guides tailored interventions to promote healthier coping mechanisms. Labeling stressors as justified, right, or good oversimplifies the client’s experience and is less relevant to nursing care planning.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who has been diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Promoting participation in structured activities can improve mood, provide routine, and enhance social engagement for clients with major depressive disorder. Isolation, limiting activity, or using stimulants are inappropriate and may worsen symptoms.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is planning care for clients who are members of vulnerable populations. Which of the following core function assurance actions should the nurse take first?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Reinforcing teaching about illness prevention and health promotion is the most immediate action the nurse can take, empowering vulnerable clients to make informed health decisions. Setting up clinics, supporting laws, or advising officials are important but less immediate, as they involve systemic changes that take time to implement.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is admitting a client who has dementia related to a traumatic brain injury. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the client's condition is worsening?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A shuffling gait, characterized by short steps with feet barely leaving the ground, is often associated with Parkinsonian symptoms, which can emerge in advanced stages of dementia related to traumatic brain injury, indicating disease progression. Visual field cuts, decreased CD4 counts, and chorea are not typically linked to worsening TBI-related dementia.