ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Practice B
1. When interviewing a distressed client who was fired after 15 years of loyal employment, which of the following questions would best assist in determining the client's appraisal of the situation? Select all that apply.
- A. What caused the stressful situation?
- B. Have you ever experienced a similar stressful situation?
- C. Who do you think is to blame for this situation?
- D. Why do you think you were fired from your job?
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The question 'Have you ever experienced a similar stressful situation?' is the most appropriate as it assesses the client's coping resources and encourages reflection on past experiences. This question can help the client consider alternative ways to deal with stress. Asking about the cause of the stressful situation may provide insight into the current situation but does not directly assess coping abilities. Inquiring about blame does not focus on coping strategies but may encourage negative thinking and a sense of victimization. Questioning why the client was fired is a nontherapeutic approach that can hinder communication by putting the client on the defensive.
2. During an intake assessment, a nurse asks both physiological and psychosocial questions. The client angrily responds, 'I'm here for my heart, not my head problems.' What is the nurse's best response?
- A. It's just a routine part of our assessment. All clients are asked these same questions.
- B. Why are you concerned about these types of questions?
- C. Psychological factors, like excessive stress, have been found to affect medical conditions.
- D. We can skip these questions, if you like. It isn't imperative that we complete this section.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The nurse should educate the client about the impact of psychological factors, such as excessive stress, on medical conditions. Understanding this connection is crucial in providing holistic care. It is essential to address both physiological and psychosocial aspects during the assessment to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the client's health status and needs. Choice A is incorrect as it doesn't address the importance of psychosocial aspects on medical conditions. Choice B is not the best response as it does not provide valuable information about the connection between psychological factors and medical conditions. Choice D is incorrect because skipping these questions could lead to missing crucial information that may impact the client's overall well-being and treatment plan.
3. A school nurse is assessing a female high school student who is overly concerned about her appearance. The client's mother states, 'That's not something to be stressed about!' Which is the most appropriate nursing response?
- A. Teenagers! They don't know a thing about real stress.
- B. Stress occurs only when there is a loss.
- C. When you are in poor physical condition, you can't experience psychological well-being.
- D. Stress can be psychological. A threat to self-esteem may result in high stress levels.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The most appropriate response is D: 'Stress can be psychological. A threat to self-esteem may result in high stress levels.' This response acknowledges the psychological aspect of stress and how a perceived threat to self-esteem can be just as stressful as a physiological change. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not address the client's concerns or provide a therapeutic response to the situation.
4. During an acute panic attack, which intervention should the nurse implement?
- A. Encourage the client to discuss their feelings
- B. Provide a calm environment
- C. Teach the client deep breathing exercises
- D. Leave the client alone to calm down
Correct answer: C
Rationale: During an acute panic attack, the priority intervention is to create a calm and safe environment. Teaching the client deep breathing exercises is crucial as it promotes relaxation and reduces hyperventilation, helping to manage the panic attack effectively. Encouraging the client to discuss their feelings may exacerbate the panic by increasing emotional distress. Providing a busy environment can escalate stress levels rather than alleviate them. Leaving the client alone may lead to feelings of abandonment or worsen the panic attack. Therefore, the most appropriate intervention is to teach deep breathing exercises to help the client regain control and manage the panic attack.
5. Which of the following are potential side effects of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)? Select one that does not apply.
- A. Short-term memory loss
- B. Headache
- C. Confusion
- D. Tardive dyskinesia
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Potential side effects of ECT include short-term memory loss, headache, confusion, and nausea. Tardive dyskinesia is not a side effect of ECT; it is associated with long-term use of antipsychotic medications, particularly antipsychotics that block dopamine receptors over time. ECT is primarily used for severe depression, bipolar disorder, and certain psychotic disorders. The other choices, short-term memory loss, headache, and confusion, are known side effects of ECT and are usually short-term and manageable.
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