ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam 2019
1. A client with borderline personality disorder exhibits self-mutilating behavior. Which nursing intervention should the nurse implement to address this behavior?
- A. Encourage the client to discuss underlying issues.
- B. Set firm limits on the client's behavior.
- C. Provide a safe environment to prevent self-harm.
- D. Discuss the consequences of self-mutilating behavior.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct intervention when dealing with a client exhibiting self-mutilating behavior, especially with borderline personality disorder, is to provide a safe environment to prevent self-harm. This approach is crucial in ensuring the client's physical safety and well-being. Setting firm limits may be appropriate in some situations, but the immediate priority is to prevent self-harm. Encouraging the client to discuss underlying issues and discussing consequences are important aspects of therapy; however, in the case of acute self-mutilating behavior, the primary focus should be on creating a safe environment to prevent harm.
2. When educating the family of a client diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder, which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
- A. Encourage the client to avoid stressful situations.
- B. Encourage the client to participate in daily activities.
- C. Encourage the client to express their feelings.
- D. Encourage the client to develop a daily routine.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: In cases of dissociative identity disorder, it is beneficial for the client to establish a daily routine. This structure can enhance symptom management and provide a sense of stability, which is particularly important for individuals with this condition. Encouraging the client to avoid stressful situations (Choice A) may not always be possible and does not address the need for structure. While encouraging the client to participate in daily activities (Choice B) is important, having a routine is more crucial for managing dissociative identity disorder. Expressing feelings (Choice C) is valuable but establishing a routine takes precedence in this situation.
3. How does emotional trauma typically affect individuals physically?
- A. Emotional trauma is a distinct category and unrelated to physical symptoms.
- B. Physical manifestations of emotional trauma are usually temporary.
- C. Emotional trauma is often manifested as physical symptoms.
- D. Patients are more aware of physical problems caused by trauma.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Emotional trauma can often manifest as physical symptoms, such as headaches, stomachaches, and other somatic complaints. These physical manifestations can be long-lasting and impact the individual's overall well-being.
4. Which therapeutic approach is most effective for managing borderline personality disorder?
- A. Dialectical behavior therapy
- B. Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- C. Psychoanalysis
- D. Supportive therapy
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is considered the most effective therapeutic approach for managing borderline personality disorder. DBT is a specialized form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that focuses on providing skills to cope with intense emotions, improve relationships, and regulate behavior. It has been extensively studied and shown to be effective in reducing self-harm, suicidal behaviors, and improving overall functioning in individuals with borderline personality disorder. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (Choice B) is a common and effective treatment for many mental health conditions but is not as specifically tailored to address the core symptoms of borderline personality disorder as DBT. Psychoanalysis (Choice C) is a more intensive and long-term therapy that focuses on exploring unconscious patterns and early life experiences, which may not be as practical or effective for the impulsive and emotional dysregulation seen in borderline personality disorder. Supportive therapy (Choice D) provides emotional support but lacks the structured skills training and strategies that are essential in managing borderline personality disorder.
5. A nurse is assessing a patient with schizophrenia who is experiencing delusions. Which intervention is most appropriate?
- A. Agree with the patient's delusions to avoid confrontation.
- B. Encourage the patient to explore the basis of the delusions.
- C. Engage the patient in reality-based activities.
- D. Ask the patient to explain the delusions in detail.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The most appropriate intervention when assessing a patient with schizophrenia experiencing delusions is to engage the patient in reality-based activities. This intervention helps distract the patient from the delusions and reorients them to the present, promoting grounding in reality. Choice A is incorrect because agreeing with delusions can reinforce them and hinder treatment. Choice B may exacerbate the delusions by delving deeper into their basis. Choice D may not be beneficial as it focuses solely on the delusions without addressing the need to ground the patient in reality.
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