ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Exam II Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who has major depressive disorder and attempted suicide. The client tells the nurse, 'I should have died because I am totally worthless.' Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Correct
Answer: A
Rationale: Option A validates the client's feelings without judgment, showing empathy and understanding. It acknowledges the client's emotions without trying to diminish them or imposing false positivity. This response opens the door for further exploration of the client's feelings and thoughts, fostering trust and therapeutic communication.
Incorrect
Choices:
B: This response dismisses the client's feelings and can come across as invalidating. It does not address the core issue of worthlessness.
C: While this response normalizes the client's feelings, it may not provide the client with the support and validation needed at that moment.
D: This response puts the client on the spot and may come across as confrontational, potentially shutting down further communication.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who has major depressive disorder and was prescribed citalopram 2 weeks ago with a planned dosage increase 1 week ago. The client reports having an improved appetite, but still feels very depressed and is still having trouble sleeping. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. The nurse should explain that antidepressants often take several weeks to be fully effective. This is because it takes time for the medication to reach therapeutic levels in the body and for the brain chemistry to adjust. It is common for patients to experience some improvement in certain symptoms like appetite before seeing a significant improvement in mood and sleep. Adding an MAOI (choice
A) is not recommended due to the risk of serotonin syndrome when combined with SSRIs like citalopram. Changing the medication (choice
C) should only be considered if there is no improvement after a sufficient trial period. Recommending a sleep study (choice
D) is premature as the client's sleep issue may improve with the current medication over time.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about appropriate actions to take when a client threatens to harm a specific individual. Which of the following statements by the newly licensed nurse indicates understanding?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Correct
Answer: A
Rationale: The correct action is to ensure the safety of the potential victim by warning them. This is essential in preventing harm. Discussing threats with the potential victim can allow them to take necessary precautions. This choice demonstrates understanding of prioritizing safety.
Summary:
B: Keeping information confidential is important, but in this case, the safety of the potential victim takes precedence.
C: Waiting for a court order may delay necessary action to prevent harm. It's important to act promptly to ensure safety.
D: Verbally reporting to the psychiatrist is not the most immediate or direct way to protect the potential victim. Warning the victim directly is more effective.
Question 4 of 5
A client becomes very dejected and states, 'No one really cares what happens to me. Life isn't worth living anymore.' Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it acknowledges the client's feelings, expresses care, and shows concern, which can help the client feel supported and understood. By stating "I care about you" and expressing concern for the client's sadness, the nurse validates the client's emotions and offers reassurance. This response shows empathy and builds a therapeutic relationship.
Choice A focuses on identifying specific individuals who may not care, which may not be helpful at this moment.
Choice B minimizes the client's feelings by dismissing them.
Choice C is a closed-ended question that may not encourage the client to open up further.
Question 5 of 5
An acute mental health unit is admitting a client who has bipolar disorder. Which of the following findings supports the admitting diagnosis of acute mania?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because disorganized speech is a common symptom of acute mania in bipolar disorder. It reflects racing thoughts and pressured speech, which are characteristic of manic episodes.
Choice B suggests hallucinations, which can occur in mania but are not specific to it.
Choice C indicates weight gain, which is more associated with depressive episodes.
Choice D is irrelevant to the diagnosis of acute mania.