ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A school nurse is caring for an adolescent client whose teacher reports changes in school performance and withdrawal from interaction with classmates. Which of the following interventions is the nurse’s priority at this time?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Ask the adolescent if he is considering hurting himself. This is the priority intervention because it addresses the immediate safety and well-being of the adolescent. By directly asking about self-harm or suicide ideation, the nurse can assess the level of risk and intervene appropriately if necessary. Contacting the parents (
A) can be important but not the priority in ensuring the adolescent’s immediate safety. Joining support groups (
B) may be beneficial in the long term but does not address the current risk. Determining when the behavior change began (
D) is relevant but not as urgent as assessing for suicidal ideation.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is planning care for a client who has schizophrenia and is experiencing auditory hallucinations. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ask the client directly about the content of the hallucinations. This intervention is crucial in understanding the nature and severity of the hallucinations, which helps in tailoring appropriate treatment and support. It also fosters trust between the nurse and the client, promoting open communication. Encouraging the client to listen to loud music (
A) may exacerbate the hallucinations. Instructing the client to ignore the voices (
C) may not be effective and could lead to increased distress. Avoiding discussing the hallucinations (
D) may hinder the therapeutic relationship and prevent necessary interventions.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse in a community mental health clinic is caring for a group of clients. The nurse should encourage participation in cognitive behavioral family therapy in response to which of the following client statements?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because cognitive behavioral family therapy focuses on changing unhealthy thought patterns and behaviors. By expressing a desire to learn how to change reactions to family problems, the client is indicating readiness to work on cognitive and behavioral strategies.
Choice B focuses on understanding past experiences, not actively changing current behaviors.
Choice C emphasizes improving family understanding of boundaries, not individual reactions.
Choice D focuses on increasing awareness of feelings but lacks a direct focus on changing reactions.
Therefore, A is the most appropriate choice for cognitive behavioral family therapy.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is reviewing the medical records for clients. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a risk factor for violent behavior?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Alcohol intoxication. Alcohol intoxication can impair judgment, lower inhibitions, and lead to aggressive behavior, increasing the risk for violence. It is a well-known risk factor for violent behavior due to its effects on the brain and behavior. Schizoid personality disorder (
A) is characterized by social detachment, not necessarily violence. Dysthymic disorder (
C) is a chronic low mood condition, not directly linked to violent behavior. Long-term isolation (
D) may contribute to mental health issues but does not directly indicate a risk for violent behavior in the same way as alcohol intoxication.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse in a mental facility is assessing a client for suicide risk factors using the SAD PERSONS scale. Which of the following findings indicates a risk for suicide?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: The client is 50 years of age. This indicates a risk for suicide because being in the age group of 45-54 years is a significant risk factor according to the SAD PERSONS scale. This age group has a higher likelihood of experiencing life stressors and psychiatric disorders, increasing their vulnerability to suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Option A (The client is married) does not directly correlate with suicide risk according to the SAD PERSONS scale. Option B (The client is female) is a general demographic factor and not specific to suicide risk assessment. Option D (The client has diabetes mellitus) is a medical condition that may contribute to overall health but is not a direct risk factor for suicide according to the scale.