ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam 2023
1. A 33-year-old female diagnosed with bipolar I disorder has been functioning well on lithium for 11 months. At her most recent checkup, the psychiatric nurse practitioner states, 'You are ready to enter the maintenance therapy stage, so at this time I am going to adjust your dosage by prescribing:'
- A. A higher dosage
- B. Once-weekly dosing
- C. A lower dosage
- D. A different drug
Correct answer: C
Rationale: During the maintenance therapy stage for bipolar I disorder, it is common to lower the dosage of lithium to prevent side effects while still maintaining stability. Lowering the dosage helps to find the lowest effective dose that can still manage symptoms effectively with minimal side effects.
2. A client diagnosed with major depressive disorder is prescribed an SSRI. Which side effect should the nurse monitor for in the initial weeks of treatment?
- A. Weight loss
- B. Increased risk of suicide
- C. Hypertension
- D. Photosensitivity
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When a client is prescribed an SSRI for major depressive disorder, the nurse should closely monitor for an increased risk of suicide, especially in younger patients, during the initial weeks of treatment. SSRIs may initially increase energy levels before improving mood, which can lead to a higher risk of suicide in some individuals. Weight loss is not a common side effect of SSRIs and may actually be a concern for some patients with major depressive disorder who experience appetite changes. Hypertension is not typically associated with SSRIs, and photosensitivity is not a common side effect of this class of medications.
3. A healthcare provider is assessing a client diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder. Which of the following behaviors should the provider expect the client to exhibit?
- A. A lack of remorse for wrongdoing
- B. A fear of gaining weight
- C. A need for constant reassurance
- D. A willingness to take responsibility for actions
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Individuals with antisocial personality disorder typically exhibit a lack of remorse for their actions. They may disregard the rights of others, engage in deceitful and manipulative behaviors, and show a consistent pattern of irresponsibility and disregard for social norms. This behavior is a key characteristic of this disorder. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not align with the typical behaviors associated with antisocial personality disorder. Fear of gaining weight is more indicative of an eating disorder rather than antisocial personality disorder. Needing constant reassurance is not a common trait of individuals with antisocial personality disorder. Additionally, individuals with this disorder often avoid taking responsibility for their actions.
4. A 10-year-old boy breaks his mother's vase while playing. When the mother asks who broke the vase, the little boy says that his sister did it. The little boy is exhibiting which defense mechanism?
- A. Projection
- B. Displacement
- C. Dissociation
- D. Sublimation
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Projection is a defense mechanism where one attributes their own unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or impulses onto another person. In this scenario, the little boy is projecting his actions onto his sister by falsely claiming she broke the vase. Displacement involves transferring emotions from the original source to a substitute target. Dissociation is a disconnection between thoughts, identity, consciousness, and memory. Sublimation is the redirection of unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable activities.
5. Maggie, a child in protective custody, is found to have an imaginary friend, Holly. Her foster family shares this information with the nurse. The nurse teaches the family members about children who have suffered trauma and knows her teaching was effective when the foster mother states:
- A. I understand that imaginary friends are abnormal.
- B. I understand that imaginary friends are a maladaptive behavior.
- C. I understand that imaginary friends are a coping mechanism.
- D. I understand that we should tell the child that imaginary friends are unacceptable.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Imaginary friends can serve as a coping mechanism for children, especially those who have experienced trauma. They can provide comfort and a sense of control in challenging situations. Acknowledging and supporting the child's imaginary friend can be beneficial in their emotional healing and development.
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