ATI RN
ATI Psychiatric Exam 1 Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who regularly uses methamphetamine and is experiencing blood vessel constriction and spasming. The nurse should identify that the client is at high risk for developing which of the following conditions?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Methamphetamine’s vasoconstrictive effects increase blood pressure and strain the cardiovascular system, elevating the risk for heart disease and stroke. It does not directly cause bone loss, brain trauma, or liver/pancreatic disease, though chronic use may have other systemic effects.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is assessing a 10-year-old child who has an autism spectrum disorder. Which of the following findings are expected?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Continuous rocking of the body, a repetitive or self-stimulatory behavior (stereotypy), is commonly observed in children with autism spectrum disorder (AS
D) as a self-soothing mechanism. Difficulties with reading, spelling, or memory may occur but are not universal or defining features of ASD, unlike repetitive behaviors.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who is diagnosed with schizophrenia. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse identify as a negative symptom?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Lack of emotions, or flat affect, is a negative symptom of schizophrenia, characterized by reduced emotional expression. Paranoia and distorted beliefs (delusions) are positive symptoms, involving added behaviors or beliefs, while confusion is not a specific negative symptom and may result from other factors.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has borderline personality disorder. The client reports being a single parent caring for two toddlers. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Offering information about support groups for parents provides the client with peer support, education, and resources to manage parenting challenges while addressing their mental health condition. This strengths-based approach promotes resilience and autonomy. Suggesting alternative living arrangements, notifying child protective services, or encouraging unit visits are not appropriate without evidence of neglect or specific clinical justification.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is caring for an adolescent who has an anxiety disorder. Which of the following statements by the adolescent indicates a protective factor in the form of a positive childhood experience?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A supportive relationship with a teacher who listens well is a positive childhood experience and protective factor, fostering resilience against anxiety. Family stress, young parenthood, or frequent moves may exacerbate anxiety, acting as risk factors rather than protective ones.