ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has depression and a new prescription for amitriptyline. Which of the following statements should the nurse include?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Take this medication at bedtime. Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant known for causing drowsiness as a side effect. Instructing the client to take it at bedtime can help minimize the sedative effects and improve adherence.
Choice B is incorrect because antidepressants like amitriptyline can take several weeks to show significant improvement in symptoms, not within 24 hours.
Choice C is incorrect as tyramine restriction is typically associated with MAOIs, not tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline.
Choice D is incorrect because abruptly stopping amitriptyline can lead to withdrawal symptoms and potential relapse of depression symptoms.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is planning care for a client who has a history of alcohol use disorder and is experiencing withdrawal. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Monitor for seizures. During alcohol withdrawal, the client is at risk for seizures due to decreased levels of GABA and increased levels of glutamate in the brain. Monitoring for seizures allows for early detection and prompt intervention. Administering disulfiram (
A) is used for alcohol aversion therapy but is not appropriate during acute withdrawal. Restricting fluid intake (
C) can lead to dehydration, exacerbating withdrawal symptoms. Providing a high-protein diet (
D) is important for overall nutrition but does not specifically address the risk of seizures during withdrawal.
Question 3 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 4 of 5
A nurse is assessing a newly admitted client who has schizophrenia and takes thioridazine. Which of the following findings should the nurse document as an adverse effect of this medication?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Contractions of the jaw. Thioridazine is an antipsychotic medication that can cause extrapyramidal side effects, such as jaw contractions known as trismus or dystonia. This is a common adverse effect that the nurse should document. Anhedonia (
A) is a symptom of schizophrenia, not an adverse effect of thioridazine. Waxy flexibility (
B) is a symptom of catatonia, not a side effect of thioridazine. Incongruent affect (
D) is a symptom related to the client's emotional expression, not a side effect of the medication.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is assessing a client who requires bupropion for smoking cessation. Which of the following findings in the client’s history should the nurse recognize as a contraindication for taking this medication?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Seizures. Bupropion is contraindicated in clients with a history of seizures due to its potential to lower the seizure threshold. Seizures can be exacerbated by bupropion, increasing the risk of adverse effects. Anemia (
B), migraines (
C), and asthma (
D) are not contraindications for bupropion use. Anemia and migraines are not directly affected by bupropion, while asthma may even benefit from smoking cessation.