ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam 2019
1. A client has been prescribed sertraline (Zoloft) and is receiving education from a healthcare provider. Which statement by the client indicates an accurate understanding of the medication?
- A. I should take this medication at the same time every day.
- B. It may take several weeks for this medication to be effective.
- C. I should take this medication on an empty stomach.
- D. I should avoid eating aged cheeses and processed meats.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Sertraline (Zoloft) may take several weeks to be effective, so it is important for the client to be informed about this timeframe. This medication does not need to be taken on an empty stomach, but it can be taken with or without food. Choice A is a good practice for many medications but not specifically related to sertraline (Zoloft). Choice D is not directly related to sertraline (Zoloft) but pertains to dietary restrictions when taking MAOIs due to potential interactions with tyramine.
2. 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.
3. Which of the following statements about the DSM-5 is inaccurate?
- A. It includes specific criteria for diagnosing mental disorders.
- B. It is used by mental health professionals to guide diagnosis.
- C. It provides a classification system for mental disorders.
- D. It includes guidelines for the treatment of mental disorders.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The DSM-5 is a diagnostic tool that provides specific criteria for diagnosing mental disorders, is utilized by mental health professionals to guide diagnosis, and offers a systematic classification of mental disorders. The statement that the DSM-5 includes guidelines for the treatment of mental disorders is inaccurate. The primary focus of the DSM-5 is on diagnosis and classification, not treatment. Therefore, choice D is the correct answer. Choices A, B, and C accurately describe the purpose and functions of the DSM-5.
4. A client with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) spends hours each day washing her hands. Which intervention should the nurse implement to help the client reduce this behavior?
- A. Encourage the client to set a time limit for washing hands.
- B. Encourage the client to wash hands only when necessary.
- C. Encourage the client to use hand sanitizer instead of washing.
- D. Encourage the client to explore the reasons behind the hand washing.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Setting a time limit for hand washing is an effective intervention in managing obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms. By establishing boundaries around the behavior, the client can gradually work towards reducing the excessive hand washing and regaining control over the compulsion. Choice B is not as effective because it does not address the underlying compulsion. Choice C may not be helpful as it may not satisfy the client's need for cleanliness and could reinforce the behavior. Choice D, while important in therapy, may not be the most immediate intervention needed to address the excessive hand washing behavior.
5. A client states, 'I am the only one who can hear voices.' Which is the nurse's best response?
- A. Tell me more about these voices.
- B. Let's explore these voices together.
- C. How long have you been hearing these voices?
- D. Have you told anyone else about these voices?
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The best response for the nurse is to encourage the client to talk about their experiences with hearing voices. By asking the client to share more details about the voices, the nurse can gain insight into the nature of the auditory hallucinations and better understand the client's condition. This open-ended question allows the client to express themselves freely and helps build rapport and trust between the client and the nurse. Choices B, C, and D do not directly address the client's statement or encourage further elaboration, making them less effective responses in this context.
Similar Questions

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