ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Practice A
1. A healthcare professional is teaching a patient about relaxation techniques to manage anxiety. Which technique is the healthcare professional most likely to recommend?
- A. Deep breathing exercises
- B. Physical exercise
- C. Mindfulness meditation
- D. Journaling
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Deep breathing exercises are a widely recommended technique for managing anxiety and promoting relaxation. By focusing on deep, slow breaths, individuals can activate the body's relaxation response, leading to decreased anxiety levels and an overall sense of calm. This technique is easy to learn, can be practiced anywhere, and is often suggested by healthcare professionals as a first-line approach for anxiety management. Physical exercise, mindfulness meditation, and journaling are also beneficial for mental well-being but may not be the first choice when specifically targeting acute anxiety management.
2. A client with schizophrenia is experiencing auditory hallucinations. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate to address this symptom?
- A. Encourage the client to discuss the voices.
- B. Instruct the client to listen to music to drown out the voices.
- C. Tell the client that the voices are not real.
- D. Distract the client from the voices.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Encouraging the client to discuss the voices is the most appropriate nursing intervention when a client with schizophrenia is experiencing auditory hallucinations. By discussing the voices, the client can feel heard, understood, and supported. It allows the client to express their experiences, which can help in processing and coping with the hallucinations. This intervention promotes therapeutic communication and builds a trusting nurse-client relationship, which is essential in providing effective care for individuals with schizophrenia. Choice B is incorrect because instructing the client to listen to music to drown out the voices does not address the underlying issue and may not be effective in managing auditory hallucinations. Choice C is incorrect because telling the client that the voices are not real can invalidate the client's experiences and feelings, leading to further distress. Choice D is incorrect as solely distracting the client from the voices does not help in addressing the hallucinations or supporting the client in dealing with their symptoms.
3. When assessing a client diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, which of the following findings should the nurse expect? Select one that does not apply.
- A. Amenorrhea
- B. Lanugo
- C. Hypotension
- D. Hyperkalemia
Correct answer: D
Rationale: In a client diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, expected findings include amenorrhea, lanugo, hypotension, and bradycardia. Hyperkalemia is not typically associated with anorexia nervosa; instead, hypokalemia, which is low potassium levels, is more common. Hypokalemia can result from decreased intake of potassium-rich foods or excessive purging behaviors commonly seen in individuals with anorexia nervosa.
4. A client diagnosed with major depressive disorder is being educated by a nurse about the use of antidepressants. Which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. I should avoid alcohol while taking this medication.
- B. It may take several weeks for the medication to take effect.
- C. I can stop taking my medication once I feel better.
- D. I should not discontinue the medication abruptly.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. The client stating, 'I can stop taking my medication once I feel better,' indicates a need for further teaching. It is crucial for clients with major depressive disorder to understand that they should continue taking their medication as prescribed even if they start feeling better. Stopping the medication prematurely can lead to a relapse of symptoms. Choices A, B, and D are correct statements. Avoiding alcohol while taking antidepressants helps prevent interactions and side effects. Understanding that it may take several weeks for the medication to show its full effect is important for managing expectations. Additionally, not discontinuing the medication abruptly is crucial to prevent withdrawal effects or a recurrence of depressive 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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