ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam
1. A client diagnosed with OCD spends hours bathing and grooming. During a one-on-one interaction, the client discusses the rituals in detail but avoids any feelings that the rituals generate. Which defense mechanism should the nurse identify?
- A. Dissociation
- B. Rationalization
- C. Sublimation
- D. Intellectualization
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Intellectualization is a defense mechanism where an individual focuses on rational, logical explanations to distance themselves from uncomfortable emotions. In this scenario, the client discusses the OCD rituals in a detailed and analytical manner, avoiding the emotional aspects associated with them. This behavior reflects intellectualization rather than dissociation, rationalization, or sublimation. Dissociation involves a disconnection from reality, rationalization is the attempt to justify behaviors, and sublimation is redirecting unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable activities.
2. During the assessment of an adolescent who collapsed during Olympic figure skating training and was diagnosed with severe malnutrition due to anorexia nervosa, which client statement supports the use of a family-based approach?
- A. I eat just as much as everyone else on the team
- B. I'm tired of fighting with my parents about eating
- C. I just didn't drink enough water during practice
- D. I have to practice until my skating routine is perfect
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The statement 'I'm tired of fighting with my parents about eating' indicates a struggle related to food and parental conflicts, suggesting family dynamics play a role in the client's eating disorder. In cases of anorexia nervosa in adolescents, involving the family in the treatment process through a family-based approach has shown to be effective. This approach recognizes the influence of family interactions on the development and maintenance of eating disorders, aiming to improve communication, support, and understanding within the family unit to facilitate recovery.
3. In what order should the following goals be approached for a client being treated for alcoholism?
- A. Learning about dependence and recovery; abstinence and development of a support system; attaining physiological stabilization; developing alternative coping skills
- B. Developing alternative coping skills; attaining physiological stabilization; learning about dependence and recovery; abstinence and development of a support system
- C. Abstinence and development of a support system; attaining physiological stabilization; learning about dependence and recovery; developing alternative coping skills
- D. Abstinence and development of a support system; learning about dependence and recovery; attaining physiological stabilization; developing alternative coping skills
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When treating a client for alcoholism, it is important to follow a structured approach to maximize treatment effectiveness. The correct order of approaching goals is to first help the client in developing alternative coping skills to manage triggers and stressors without relying on alcohol. This is followed by attaining physiological stabilization, which involves addressing any physical health issues related to alcoholism. Next, the client should learn about dependence and recovery to understand the nature of their condition and the process of recovery. Finally, the goals of abstinence and developing a support system come into play to ensure long-term sobriety and a reliable network of support. Therefore, the correct order is: Developing alternative coping skills; attaining physiological stabilization; learning about dependence and recovery; abstinence and development of a support system.
4. The client recently survived a plane crash and is assessed by the nurse. Which client statement would cause the nurse to suspect that the client may be experiencing PTSD?
- A. I believe that I was meant to survive this accident so that I can focus on the important things in life
- B. Although I have nightmares sometimes, I have started going to church to show gratitude for surviving the crash
- C. I am so afraid that I will never be able to fly again, but I know that it will take a while
- D. I keep having these thoughts about the crash that just pop into my mind at random times
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Experiencing intrusive thoughts about a traumatic event, such as a plane crash, that occur unexpectedly and repeatedly is a common symptom of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). These thoughts can be distressing and are often a key indicator of PTSD. Options A, B, and C demonstrate coping mechanisms and fears related to the traumatic event but do not specifically address the hallmark symptom of intrusive thoughts. Therefore, option D is the correct choice as it aligns with a potential symptom of PTSD.
5. While auditing care plans for clients with eating disorders, the nurse realizes that a nursing diagnosis appropriate for a client with anorexia nervosa as well as for a client with bulimia nervosa is
- A. Risk for imbalanced body temperature
- B. Ineffective denial
- C. Chronic low self-esteem
- D. Adult failure to thrive
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Chronic low self-esteem is a nursing diagnosis that can be applicable to clients with both anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. These eating disorders are often associated with distorted body image, feelings of inadequacy, and low self-esteem. Clients with these conditions may engage in harmful behaviors related to their self-image, making chronic low self-esteem a relevant nursing diagnosis for them.
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