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 thoughts of self-harm, the nurse can assess the risk of suicide and provide appropriate interventions if necessary. Contacting the parents (choice
A) can be important but not the priority in this situation. Suggesting support groups (choice
B) and determining when the behavior changes began (choice
D) are important steps but not as urgent as assessing for suicidal ideation.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is assessing a client who is withdrawing from heroin. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Hyperthermia. Heroin withdrawal can lead to hyperthermia due to increased metabolic activity, dehydration, and dysregulation of the body's temperature control mechanisms. Slurred speech (
A) is not a typical manifestation of heroin withdrawal. Hypotension (
B) and bradycardia (
C) are more commonly associated with opioid overdose rather than withdrawal. In withdrawal, the client may actually experience hypertension and tachycardia due to increased sympathetic activity.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is assessing a client who has histrionic personality disorder. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Attention seeking. In histrionic personality disorder, individuals often seek attention by being overly dramatic, seductive, or provocative. This behavior is a key characteristic of the disorder. Lack of remorse (
A) is more indicative of antisocial personality disorder. Splitting of staff (
C) is more commonly associated with borderline personality disorder. Identity disturbance (
D) is a feature of borderline personality disorder as well. In summary, attention seeking behavior is a hallmark trait of histrionic personality disorder, making choice B the correct answer in this scenario.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is providing teaching to the daughter of an older client who has obsessive-compulsive disorder. Which of the following statements by the daughter indicates an understanding of the disorder?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: "I will provide my mother with detailed instructions about how to perform self-care." This statement indicates an understanding of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OC
D) because individuals with OCD often struggle with performing daily tasks due to their obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. By providing detailed instructions, the daughter is acknowledging the need for structured routines to help her mother manage her symptoms.
A: Limiting clothing choices does not address the underlying issues of OCD and may exacerbate anxiety.
C: Waking the mother up to check on her reinforces compulsions, which is counterproductive in treating OCD.
D: Discouraging the mother from talking about physical complaints does not address the core symptoms of OCD.
By choosing option B, the daughter shows insight into the importance of providing support and guidance in managing the challenges associated with OCD.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse in a mental health facility is caring for a client who has borderline personality disorder. Which of the following should the nurse expect?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Self-mutilation. Individuals with borderline personality disorder often engage in self-harming behaviors as a way to cope with intense emotions or distress. This behavior is a common manifestation of the disorder and requires careful monitoring and intervention by the nurse.
Incorrect
Choices:
B: Pacing back and forth - This behavior is more commonly associated with anxiety or agitation rather than specifically with borderline personality disorder.
C: Preoccupation with details - While individuals with borderline personality disorder may display perfectionistic tendencies, preoccupation with details is not a defining characteristic of the disorder.
D: Disorganized speech - Disorganized speech is more commonly seen in conditions such as schizophrenia, rather than borderline personality disorder.