ATI RN
ATI RN Mental Health Asn Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is conducting a group therapy session for several clients. The group is laughing at a joke one of the clients told, when a client who is schizophrenic jumps up and runs out of the room yelling, "You are all making fun of me!" The nurse should identify this behavior as which of the following characteristics of schizophrenia?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Ideas of reference. This behavior is indicative of ideas of reference, a common symptom of schizophrenia where individuals believe that neutral events or comments are directed at them personally. In this case, the client's perception of laughter at a joke led them to believe it was directed towards them, triggering a paranoid reaction. This is different from magical thinking (
A) which involves belief in unrealistic events, delusions of grandeur (
B) which involves exaggerated beliefs in one's importance, and looseness of association (
D) which is characterized by disconnected thoughts. The other choices are not relevant to the scenario provided.
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: Explain that antidepressants often take several weeks to be fully effective. Citalopram, an SSRI, typically takes 2-4 weeks to show significant improvement in depressive symptoms. It is important for the nurse to educate the client about this delayed onset of action to manage expectations and encourage adherence to the medication regimen. Adding an MAOI (
A) is not indicated and can lead to dangerous interactions. Changing the medication (
C) prematurely may not be necessary before allowing sufficient time for citalopram to work. A sleep study (
D) is not warranted at this stage as the primary issue is depression, not solely related to sleep disturbances.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is providing a community health education class about suicide prevention. Which of the following should the nurse identify as risk factors for suicide? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A, B, E
Rationale: The correct answers are A, B, and E. Substance use disorder is a known risk factor for suicide as it can lead to increased impulsivity and impaired decision-making. Age greater than 45 years old is a risk factor due to factors such as isolation, health issues, and life changes. Schizophrenia is associated with a higher risk of suicide due to the symptoms of the disorder and the impact on one's mental well-being.
Choices C and D are incorrect as being female or currently married are not universal risk factors for suicide. The absence of choices F and G also indicates that they are not relevant risk factors for suicide.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is teaching a newly-admitted client about the possible physical effects of alcohol withdrawal. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse include in the teaching? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A, B, C
Rationale:
Answer: A, B, C are correct.
Rationale:
A: Seizures can occur during alcohol withdrawal due to CNS hyperexcitability.
B: Illusions are common manifestations due to altered sensory perception.
C: Tremors are a classic sign of alcohol withdrawal due to CNS hyperactivity.
Summary:
D: Polyphagia (excessive hunger) is not a typical physical effect of alcohol withdrawal.
E: Nystagmus (involuntary eye movements) is not commonly associated with alcohol withdrawal.
Question 5 of 5
A client who is about to undergo abdominal surgery states that he is very anxious about the operation. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct response is A: Ask him to describe what he is feeling. This option encourages the client to express his emotions, which can help alleviate anxiety by providing an outlet for his concerns. By actively listening and acknowledging his feelings, the nurse can establish trust and rapport, leading to better emotional support.
Choice B may provide a temporary distraction but does not address the underlying anxiety.
Choice C may be physically beneficial but does not address the client's emotional state.
Choice D may be helpful for spiritual support but does not directly address the client's anxiety.