ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Assessment Exam Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who has posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after being physically assaulted. The client is unable to recall any details of the event. Which of the following defense mechanisms should the nurse recognize that the client is displaying?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Dissociation involves a disconnection from traumatic memories, common in PTSD, where the mind separates from the distressing experience. Rationalization, undoing, and reaction formation involve different cognitive processes.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is caring for a client who tells the nurse about their intentions to harm an ex-partner. Which of the following actions is a legal duty of the nurse?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The nurse has a legal and ethical duty to warn individuals at risk of harm, ensuring the ex-partner is notified to protect them. Hospitalization, monitoring by family, or transfer may be considered but are not the primary legal duty.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who has undergone electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following adverse effects of ECT?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Memory deficits, especially short-term memory loss, are a well-documented adverse effect of ECT. Voice alteration and neck pain are not common, and headaches are less critical than memory issues.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is creating a plan of care for a newly admitted client who has obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A structured schedule helps reduce anxiety and manage OCD symptoms by providing predictability. Detailed explanations may overwhelm, stimulating environments increase anxiety, and strict ritual limits may initially heighten distress.
Question 5 of 5
A charge nurse in a community mental health clinic is discussing ethical concepts of client care with a newly licensed nurse. The charge nurse should use which of the following situations as an example of fidelity?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Fidelity involves respecting client autonomy and decisions, such as refusing group therapy. Equal time is justice, explaining adverse effects is veracity, and attending conferences is professional development.