LPN LPN
ATI Mental Health Questions
1. What assessment findings would indicate lithium toxicity in a patient hospitalized for an acute manic episode?
- A. Shortness of breath, gastrointestinal distress, chronic cough
- B. Ataxia, severe hypotension, large volume of dilute urine
- C. Gastrointestinal distress, thirst, nystagmus
- D. Electroencephalographic changes, chest pain, dizziness
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In a patient suspected of lithium toxicity, the presence of ataxia, severe hypotension, and a large volume of dilute urine are key assessment findings. Ataxia is a sign of central nervous system involvement, severe hypotension indicates cardiovascular effects, and a large volume of dilute urine suggests renal impairment, all of which are commonly seen in severe lithium toxicity. Options A, C, and D do not align with typical signs of lithium toxicity.
2. A 33-year-old female diagnosed with bipolar I disorder has been functioning well on lithium for 11 months. At her most recent checkup, the psychiatric nurse practitioner states, 'You are ready to enter the maintenance therapy stage, so at this time I am going to adjust your dosage by prescribing:'
- A. A higher dosage
- B. Once-a-week dosing
- C. A lower dosage
- D. A different drug
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In the maintenance therapy stage for bipolar disorder, a lower dosage of lithium is often prescribed to prevent toxicity and maintain stability while minimizing side effects. Lower doses are typically used once the patient has achieved mood stabilization to reduce the risk of adverse effects associated with long-term lithium use.
3. Luc’s family comes home one evening to find him extremely agitated, and they suspect he is in a full manic episode. The family calls emergency medical services. While one medic is talking with Luc and his family, the other medic is counting something on his desk. What is the medic most likely counting?
- A. Hypodermic needles
- B. Fast food wrappers
- C. Empty soda cans
- D. Energy drink containers
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The medic is most likely counting energy drink containers. Energy drink containers could indicate high caffeine intake, which can exacerbate manic episodes by increasing agitation and exacerbating symptoms in individuals with mood disorders.
4. What assessment question will provide insight into the effects of a woman’s circadian rhythms on her quality of life?
- A. How much sleep do you usually get each night?
- B. Does your heart ever seem to skip a beat?
- C. When was the last time you had a fever?
- D. Do you have problems urinating?
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Inquiring about the amount of sleep a woman gets each night is crucial in understanding how her circadian rhythms may be affecting her quality of life. Circadian rhythms play a significant role in regulating sleep-wake cycles, and disruptions in these rhythms can impact overall well-being and quality of life.
5. After Natasha's husband passed away two months ago, she has been overwhelmed with grief. When Natasha is subsequently diagnosed with major depressive disorder, her daughter, Nadia, makes which true statement?
- A. Depression often begins after a major loss. Losing dad was a major loss.
- B. Bereavement and depression are the same problem.
- C. Mourning is pathological and not normal behavior.
- D. Antidepressant medications will not help this type of depression.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: It is common for major depressive disorder to be triggered by significant life events, such as the sudden loss of a loved one. Therefore, Nadia's statement that 'Depression often begins after a major loss' is correct. Bereavement and major depressive disorder are related but distinct conditions, and while mourning can be intense, it is generally considered a normal response to loss. Antidepressant medications can be beneficial in treating depression, including cases triggered by a significant loss.
Similar Questions

Access More Features
ATI LPN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days
- 50,000 Questions with answers
- All ATI courses Coverage
- 30 days access @ $69.99
ATI LPN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days
- 50,000 Questions with answers
- All ATI courses Coverage
- 30 days access @ $149.99