ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam 2023
1. Tomas is a 21-year-old male with a recent diagnosis of schizophrenia. Tomas's nurse recognizes that self-medicating with excessive alcohol is common in this disease and can co-occur along with:
- A. Generally good health despite the mental illness.
- B. An aversion to drinking fluids.
- C. Anxiety and depression.
- D. The ability to express his needs.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Individuals with schizophrenia often turn to excessive alcohol consumption as a way to manage symptoms of anxiety and depression. This maladaptive coping mechanism can exacerbate the challenges associated with schizophrenia and may hinder effective treatment outcomes. Recognizing the presence of anxiety and depression alongside alcohol abuse is crucial for providing holistic care and support to individuals with schizophrenia.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Ted, a former executive, is now unemployed due to manic episodes at work. He was diagnosed with bipolar I 8 years ago. Ted has a history of IV drug abuse, which resulted in hepatitis C. He is taking his lithium exactly as scheduled, a fact that both Ted's wife and his blood tests confirm. To reduce Ted's mania, the psychiatric nurse practitioner recommends:
- A. Clonazepam (Klonopin)
- B. Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- C. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
- D. Lurasidone (Latuda)
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can be an effective treatment for reducing mania in patients with bipolar disorder who have not responded to medication. In Ted's case, where he has a history of bipolar I disorder, lithium treatment, and manic episodes, ECT may be recommended by the psychiatric nurse practitioner to help manage his symptoms.
5. In addition to antianxiety agents, which classification of drugs is commonly prescribed to treat anxiety and anxiety disorders?
- A. Antipsychotics
- B. Mood stabilizers
- C. Antidepressants
- D. Cholinesterase inhibitors
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Antidepressants, especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), are frequently used in the treatment of anxiety disorders. These medications help alleviate symptoms by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain associated with mood regulation and anxiety.
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