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. In managing a patient with anorexia nervosa, which initial treatment goal is most important?
- A. Addressing distorted body image
- B. Restoring nutritional status
- C. Resolving family conflicts
- D. Increasing social interactions
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The most crucial initial treatment goal for anorexia nervosa is restoring nutritional status. This is essential to prevent life-threatening complications associated with severe malnutrition, such as organ damage and cardiac issues. Addressing distorted body image, resolving family conflicts, and increasing social interactions are important aspects of treatment, but they are secondary to the critical need of restoring the patient's nutritional status to ensure their physical well-being and recovery.
3. Which activity is most appropriate for a child with ADHD?
- A. Reading an adventure novel
- B. Monopoly
- C. Checkers
- D. Tennis
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Engaging in physical activities like tennis is beneficial for children with ADHD as it allows them to release excess energy and enhance concentration. Exercise can help improve focus and reduce hyperactivity in children with ADHD.
4. A client has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and is having nightmares about the event. The client reports difficulty sleeping at night. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
- A. Encourage the client to talk about the event during the day.
- B. Encourage the client to avoid caffeine and alcohol.
- C. Administer a prescribed sedative at bedtime.
- D. Schedule a follow-up appointment with the client's therapist.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The initial action the nurse should take is to encourage the client to talk about the traumatic event during the day. This approach can assist the client in processing the trauma in a controlled environment, potentially reducing the frequency and intensity of nightmares. It allows for emotional expression and may promote better sleep by addressing the underlying psychological distress associated with PTSD. Encouraging the client to talk about the event during the day promotes therapeutic processing of the trauma and emotional expression, which can lead to improved coping mechanisms and potentially decrease the distressing symptoms like nightmares. Encouraging the client to avoid caffeine and alcohol may be beneficial, but addressing the emotional aspects first is crucial. Administering a sedative should not be the first approach, as it does not address the root cause of the nightmares. Scheduling a follow-up appointment with the therapist is important but should follow addressing the immediate distressing symptoms and promoting coping strategies.
5. A patient with panic disorder is prescribed a benzodiazepine. The nurse should educate the patient that this medication is typically used for:
- A. For long-term maintenance therapy.
- B. As a first-line treatment.
- C. For short-term use due to the risk of dependence.
- D. To treat depression symptoms.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'For short-term use due to the risk of dependence.' Benzodiazepines are usually prescribed for short-term relief of anxiety symptoms due to the risk of dependence. Prolonged use can lead to tolerance, dependence, and other adverse effects, so they are not typically used for long-term maintenance therapy (choice A). They are not considered first-line treatments for panic disorder (choice B) and are not primarily used to treat depression symptoms (choice D), as their main indication is for anxiety and panic disorders.
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