ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam 2023 Quizlet
1. When under stress, a client routinely uses an excessive amount of alcohol. Finding her drunk, her husband yells at her about the chronic alcohol abuse. Which reaction should the nurse recognize as the use of the defense mechanism of denial?
- A. Hiding liquor bottles in a closet
- B. Yelling at their son for slouching in his chair
- C. Burning dinner on purpose
- D. Saying to the spouse, 'I don't drink too much!'
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The nurse should recognize the client's statement 'I don't drink too much!' as the use of the defense mechanism of denial. This response indicates the client's refusal to acknowledge the reality of excessive alcohol consumption, which is a key characteristic of denial. By denying the problem, the client avoids facing the negative consequences and feelings associated with their alcohol abuse. Choices A, B, and C do not exhibit denial but rather represent different defense mechanisms. Hiding liquor bottles in a closet might indicate the defense mechanism of concealment, yelling at their son for slouching in his chair could reflect displacement, and burning dinner on purpose might suggest passive-aggressive behavior.
2. A healthcare professional is assessing a client diagnosed with anorexia nervosa. Which of the following findings should the healthcare professional expect? Select one that doesn't apply.
- A. Amenorrhea
- B. Lanugo
- C. Hypotension
- D. Hyperkalemia
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Findings in a client diagnosed with anorexia nervosa include amenorrhea, lanugo, hypotension, and bradycardia. Hyperkalemia is not typically associated with anorexia nervosa. In anorexia nervosa, electrolyte imbalances often lead to hypokalemia, which is low potassium levels, due to malnutrition and potential purging behaviors. Hyperkalemia, high potassium levels, is not a common finding in individuals with anorexia nervosa.
3. During an intake assessment, a healthcare professional asks both physiological and psychosocial questions. The client angrily responds, 'I'm here for my heart, not my head problems.' What is the healthcare professional's best response?
- A. It's just a routine part of our assessment. All clients are asked these same questions.
- B. Why are you concerned about these types of questions?
- C. Psychological factors, like excessive stress, have been found to affect medical conditions.
- D. We can skip these questions, if you like. It isn't imperative that we complete this section.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The healthcare professional should educate the client on the negative effects of excessive stress on medical conditions. Understanding the interconnectedness of physical and mental health is crucial for providing holistic care. Choice A is incorrect because it doesn't address the importance of psychosocial aspects. Choice B is wrong as it doesn't provide relevant information about the impact of psychological factors on health. Choice D is incorrect because skipping questions would lead to an incomplete assessment, potentially missing crucial information affecting the client's overall health outcomes.
4. A client with bipolar disorder is prescribed lithium. Which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. I should maintain a consistent salt intake.
- B. I should drink 6-8 glasses of water daily.
- C. I need to have my lithium levels checked regularly.
- D. I can stop taking my medication once my mood stabilizes.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The statement "I can stop taking my medication once my mood stabilizes" indicates a need for further teaching. Clients should continue taking their medication as prescribed and have regular monitoring of lithium levels.
5. A client with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is being cared for by a nurse. Which intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care?
- A. Encourage the client to suppress compulsive behaviors.
- B. Set strict limits on the amount of time the client can engage in compulsive behaviors.
- C. Allow the client to perform compulsive behaviors as needed.
- D. Gradually limit the amount of time allotted for compulsive behaviors.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: In caring for a client with OCD, it is essential to gradually limit the time allotted for compulsive behaviors. This intervention helps the client develop alternative coping mechanisms. Encouraging suppression or setting strict limits on compulsive behaviors can exacerbate the client's anxiety, making it crucial to approach the care plan with a gradual reduction strategy. Allowing the client to perform compulsive behaviors as needed does not promote progress towards managing OCD symptoms and may reinforce maladaptive patterns of behavior.
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