ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam 2023
1. Child protective services have removed 10-year-old Christopher from his parents' home due to neglect. Christopher reveals to the nurse that he considers the woman next door his 'nice' mom, that he loves school, and gets above-average grades. The strongest explanation of this response is:
- A. Temperament
- B. Genetic factors
- C. Resilience
- D. Paradoxical effects of neglect
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Christopher's positive outlook, strong school performance, and forming a bond with the neighbor indicate resilience. Resilience refers to the ability to adapt and thrive despite facing adversity, such as being removed from his parents' home due to neglect. His ability to maintain a positive attitude and excel in school despite the challenging circumstances highlights his resilience.
2. Which response by a 15-year-old demonstrates a common symptom observed in patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder?
- A. I'm so restless. I can't seem to sit still.
- B. I spend most of my time studying. I have to get into a good college.
- C. I'm not trying to diet, but I've lost about 5 pounds in the past 5 months.
- D. I go to sleep around 11 p.m. but I'm always up by 3 a.m. and can't go back to sleep.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Sleep disturbances, such as early morning awakening, are common symptoms of major depressive disorder.
3. Tatiana has been hospitalized for an acute manic episode. On admission, the nurse suspects lithium toxicity. What assessment findings would indicate the nurse's suspicion as correct?
- A. Shortness of breath, gastrointestinal distress, chronic cough
- B. Ataxia, severe hypotension, large volume of dilute urine
- C. Gastrointestinal distress, thirst, nystagmus
- D. Electroencephalographic changes, chest pain, dizziness
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Ataxia, severe hypotension, and a large volume of dilute urine are classic signs of lithium toxicity. Ataxia refers to a lack of muscle coordination, severe hypotension indicates dangerously low blood pressure, and the large volume of dilute urine is a result of the kidneys' inability to concentrate urine properly, a common feature of lithium toxicity.
4. Which statement made by the nurse demonstrates the best understanding of nonverbal communication?
- A. The patient's verbal and nonverbal communication is often different.
- B. When my patient responds to my question, I check for congruence between verbal and nonverbal communication to help validate the response.
- C. If a patient is slumped in the chair, I can be sure he's angry or depressed.
- D. It's easier to understand verbal communication than nonverbal communication.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Checking for congruence between verbal and nonverbal communication helps validate the patient's response.
5. You have been working closely with a patient for the past month. Today he tells you he is looking forward to meeting with his new psychiatrist but frowns and avoids eye contact while reporting this to you. Which of the following responses would most likely be therapeutic?
- A. A new psychiatrist is a chance to start fresh; I'm sure it will go well for you.
- B. You say you look forward to the meeting, but you appear anxious or unhappy.
- C. I notice that you frowned and avoided eye contact just now. Don't you feel well?
- D. I get the impression you don't really want to see your psychiatrist—can you tell me why?
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Choice B is the most therapeutic response as it acknowledges the discrepancy between the patient's verbal statement and nonverbal cues. By addressing both the patient's expressed anticipation and the conflicting nonverbal cues of frowning and avoiding eye contact, the responder demonstrates attentiveness to the patient's emotional state and encourages further exploration of underlying feelings. This approach fosters open communication and helps the patient feel understood and supported.
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