ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam 2019
1. A client diagnosed with major depressive disorder is receiving cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Which outcome indicates that the therapy is effective?
- A. The client identifies and challenges negative thoughts.
- B. The client reports an increase in suicidal thoughts.
- C. The client experiences an increase in anxiety.
- D. The client shows no change in behavior.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), one of the primary objectives is to help clients identify and challenge their negative thoughts. This process allows the individual to reframe their thinking patterns and develop more adaptive coping strategies. Reporting an increase in suicidal thoughts (Choice B) or experiencing an increase in anxiety (Choice C) are not desired outcomes and may indicate a need for further intervention. Showing no change in behavior (Choice D) suggests that the therapy has not been effective. Therefore, the correct indicator of effective therapy in this context is the client's ability to identify and challenge negative thoughts (Choice A).
2. A client is experiencing alcohol withdrawal. Which intervention should be included in the plan of care?
- A. Administer benzodiazepines as prescribed.
- B. Monitor the client's vital signs every 4 hours.
- C. Provide a high-protein diet.
- D. Encourage the client to drink plenty of fluids.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Administering benzodiazepines as prescribed is a crucial intervention in managing alcohol withdrawal. Benzodiazepines help alleviate symptoms such as anxiety, agitation, and seizures commonly seen in alcohol withdrawal. Monitoring vital signs is important to assess the client's physiological stability, but addressing the withdrawal symptoms with benzodiazepines is a priority to prevent severe complications. Providing a high-protein diet and encouraging fluid intake are important for overall health but do not directly manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
3. When preparing a teaching plan for a client with generalized anxiety disorder, which information should a healthcare professional include?
- A. Avoiding caffeine and other stimulants
- B. Engaging in regular physical activity
- C. Practicing relaxation techniques
- D. Keeping a journal of anxiety triggers
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Practicing relaxation techniques. This is a crucial aspect of managing generalized anxiety disorder. Techniques like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness can effectively reduce anxiety levels and promote calmness. These techniques provide valuable coping mechanisms to help individuals with generalized anxiety disorder deal with stress and anxiety.\nChoice A, avoiding caffeine and other stimulants, can be beneficial but is not as central to managing generalized anxiety disorder as practicing relaxation techniques.\nChoice B, engaging in regular physical activity, is also helpful for managing anxiety, but relaxation techniques are more specific and targeted for addressing symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder.\nChoice D, keeping a journal of anxiety triggers, may be a useful strategy to identify triggers but does not directly address the immediate management of anxiety symptoms, unlike practicing relaxation techniques.
4. A client has been prescribed fluoxetine (Prozac). What information should the nurse include in discharge teaching?
- A. Take the medication with food to avoid stomach upset.
- B. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.
- C. Take the medication only when feeling depressed.
- D. Report any unusual side effects to the healthcare provider.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to advise the client to avoid drinking alcohol while taking fluoxetine (Prozac) due to potential interactions. Alcohol consumption can increase the risk of certain side effects and may reduce the effectiveness of the medication. Choice A is incorrect because fluoxetine can be taken with or without food. Choice C is incorrect as fluoxetine is usually taken daily regardless of the client's mood. Choice D is not the priority teaching point; while reporting side effects is important, avoiding alcohol is critical due to the potential interactions.
5. A client has been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. Which behavior is characteristic of this disorder?
- A. Excessive need for attention
- B. Instability in relationships
- C. Fear of abandonment
- D. Lack of interest in activities
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Instability in relationships. Individuals with borderline personality disorder often exhibit instability in their relationships, characterized by intense and unstable interpersonal connections, oscillating between idealization and devaluation. This pattern can lead to frequent conflicts, dramatic emotional shifts, and difficulties maintaining stable relationships. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. While individuals with borderline personality disorder may also have an excessive need for attention, fear of abandonment, or lack of interest in activities, the hallmark feature defining this disorder is the instability in relationships.
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