ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Practice A
1. In a patient with schizophrenia, which of the following symptoms would indicate a poor prognosis?
- A. Auditory hallucinations
- B. Paranoia
- C. Flat affect
- D. Delusions of grandeur
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A flat affect, characterized by a lack of emotional expression, is often linked to a poorer prognosis in schizophrenia. It can hinder social interactions and affect the individual's ability to engage in therapy or express emotions, thereby impacting the overall treatment outcomes. Auditory hallucinations (Choice A) and delusions of grandeur (Choice D) are common symptoms in schizophrenia but may not always indicate a poor prognosis. Paranoia (Choice B) can also vary in its impact on prognosis depending on the individual and the severity of the symptom.
2. Which therapeutic intervention is most effective for social anxiety disorder?
- A. Group therapy
- B. Behavioral rehearsal
- C. Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- D. Medication management
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is considered the most effective therapeutic intervention for social anxiety disorder. CBT helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with anxiety, leading to long-term symptom relief and improved coping strategies. Group therapy (choice A) can be beneficial as a complementary approach but may not be as effective as CBT for directly targeting individual cognitive and behavioral patterns. Behavioral rehearsal (choice B) is a technique used within CBT and not a standalone intervention for social anxiety disorder. Medication management (choice D) can be used as an adjunct to therapy in some cases but is not the first-line treatment for social anxiety disorder.
3. Which neurotransmitter is primarily implicated in the development of schizophrenia?
- A. Serotonin
- B. Norepinephrine
- C. Dopamine
- D. Acetylcholine
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is dopamine. Dopamine dysregulation is a key factor in the development of schizophrenia. Excess dopamine activity in certain brain regions is associated with positive symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and delusions. Dopaminergic medications that reduce dopamine levels are often used to manage these symptoms, further supporting the role of dopamine in schizophrenia. Serotonin (Choice A) is more commonly associated with mood regulation and is implicated in depression and anxiety disorders. Norepinephrine (Choice B) is involved in the body's 'fight or flight' response and is linked to conditions like anxiety and PTSD. Acetylcholine (Choice D) plays a role in muscle movement and memory but is not primarily implicated in schizophrenia.
4. In managing a patient with anorexia nervosa, which initial treatment goal is most important?
- A. Addressing distorted body image
- B. Restoring nutritional status
- C. Resolving family conflicts
- D. Increasing social interactions
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The most crucial initial treatment goal for anorexia nervosa is restoring nutritional status. This is essential to prevent life-threatening complications associated with severe malnutrition, such as organ damage and cardiac issues. Addressing distorted body image, resolving family conflicts, and increasing social interactions are important aspects of treatment, but they are secondary to the critical need of restoring the patient's nutritional status to ensure their physical well-being and recovery.
5. What information should the nurse include in patient education for a patient prescribed fluoxetine for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?
- A. Take the medication in the morning to avoid insomnia.
- B. The medication may take several weeks to achieve the full effect.
- C. It is safe to consume alcohol while taking this medication.
- D. Report any side effects to the healthcare provider immediately.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Patients prescribed fluoxetine should be educated that the medication may take several weeks to achieve its full therapeutic effect. This information helps manage patient expectations and ensures they do not discontinue the medication prematurely due to lack of immediate results. Taking the medication in the morning to avoid insomnia is not a specific requirement for fluoxetine. Consuming alcohol while taking fluoxetine is not safe and can lead to adverse effects. It is crucial to report any side effects to the healthcare provider promptly for timely management and adjustment of the treatment plan.
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