ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam 2023
1. Which chronic medical condition commonly triggers major depressive disorder?
- A. Pain
- B. Hypertension
- C. Hypothyroidism
- D. Crohn's disease
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Chronic pain is a common trigger for major depressive disorder. The persistent and distressing nature of chronic pain can lead to feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and contribute to the development of major depressive disorder in individuals experiencing it.
2. The school nurse has been alerted to the fact that an 8-year-old boy routinely playacts as a police officer, 'locking up' other children on the playground to the point where the children get scared. The nurse recognizes that this behavior is most likely an indication of:
- A. The need to dominate others
- B. Inventing traumatic events
- C. A need to develop close relationships
- D. A potential symptom of traumatization
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The behavior of an 8-year-old boy playacting as a police officer and 'locking up' other children to the point of scaring them is likely a symptom of traumatization. Children may reenact traumatic experiences through play, and acting out aggressive or controlling roles can be a sign of underlying trauma. This behavior should be further assessed and addressed with appropriate support and intervention to help the child process and cope with any potential trauma.
3. In the care plan of a male patient diagnosed with a dissociative disorder, the nursing diagnosis of ineffective coping is included. Which behavior demonstrated by the patient supports this nursing diagnosis?
- A. Has no memory of the physical abuse he endured.
- B. Using both alcohol and marijuana.
- C. Often reports being unaware of surroundings.
- D. Reports feelings of 'not really being here.'
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because using substances like alcohol and marijuana can be a sign of ineffective coping mechanisms in patients with dissociative disorders. Substance abuse is often used as a maladaptive way to cope with stress, trauma, or other underlying issues. Choices A, C, and D may be related to dissociative symptoms but do not directly reflect ineffective coping behaviors as substance abuse does.
4. Substance abuse is often present in individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Laura, a 28-year-old with a bipolar disorder diagnosis, chooses to drink alcohol instead of taking her prescribed medications. The nurse caring for this patient recognizes that:
- A. Anxiety may be present.
- B. Alcohol ingestion is a form of self-medication.
- C. The patient is lacking a sufficient number of neurotransmitters.
- D. The patient is using alcohol as a coping mechanism.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Individuals with bipolar disorder may turn to alcohol as a form of self-medication to cope with their symptoms. This behavior is often seen as an attempt to manage mood swings and alleviate distress. It is important for healthcare providers to address and manage substance abuse issues in patients with bipolar disorder to ensure proper treatment and overall well-being.
5. A male patient calls to tell the nurse that his monthly lithium level is 1.7 mEq/L. Which nursing intervention will the nurse implement initially?
- A. Reinforce that the level is above the therapeutic range.
- B. Instruct the patient to hold the next dose of medication and contact the prescriber.
- C. Advise the patient to go to the hospital emergency room immediately.
- D. Inform the patient about the possibility of seizures and appropriate precautions.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A lithium level of 1.7 mEq/L is above the therapeutic range, indicating a potential risk of toxicity. The initial nursing intervention should be to instruct the patient to hold the next dose of medication and promptly contact the prescriber for further guidance and management. This action aims to prevent adverse effects and ensure the patient's safety by addressing the elevated lithium level appropriately.
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