ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who has depression following a recent job loss. Which of the following questions should the nurse ask to assess the client’s personal coping skills?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: How have you dealt with similar situations in the past? This question assesses the client's personal coping skills by inquiring about their past experiences with similar challenges. By understanding their previous coping mechanisms, the nurse can better tailor interventions to support the client effectively.
Choices A, B, and C focus more on the client's current emotions and perceptions, which are important but do not directly assess coping skills.
Choices E, F, and G are not provided but would likely be irrelevant to assessing coping skills.
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: Use symbols to assist the client in locating rooms. Individuals with Alzheimer's disease often experience confusion and disorientation. Using symbols, such as pictures or color-coded signs, can help the client navigate and locate rooms easily. This promotes independence and reduces the client's anxiety.
Choice A is incorrect because seating the client at a dining table with six or more residents may overwhelm them and increase confusion.
Choice B is incorrect as providing several meal choices can be overwhelming for individuals with Alzheimer's.
Choice C is incorrect because giving complete directions before starting client care may not be effective due to the client's memory impairment.
Question 3 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 4 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 5 of 5
A nurse is assessing a child in the emergency department. Which of the following findings places the child at the greatest risk for physical abuse?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. A 10-year-old child is at the greatest risk for physical abuse because children around this age are more likely to be physically abused due to the challenges associated with behavioral issues and caregiver expectations. Children who are home-schooled (choice
B) are not necessarily at higher risk for abuse, as abuse can occur in any educational setting. Having no siblings (choice
C) does not directly correlate with an increased risk of abuse. While having a medical condition like cystic fibrosis (choice
D) can make a child more vulnerable, the age of the child is a stronger indicator of risk.