ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam
1. While auditing care plans for clients with eating disorders, the nurse realizes that a nursing diagnosis appropriate for a client with anorexia nervosa as well as for a client with bulimia nervosa is
- A. Risk for imbalanced body temperature
- B. Ineffective denial
- C. Chronic low self-esteem
- D. Adult failure to thrive
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Chronic low self-esteem is a nursing diagnosis that can be applicable to clients with both anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. These eating disorders are often associated with distorted body image, feelings of inadequacy, and low self-esteem. Clients with these conditions may engage in harmful behaviors related to their self-image, making chronic low self-esteem a relevant nursing diagnosis for them.
2. A client is being treated for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Which intervention should be included in the care plan?
- A. Discourage the client from performing rituals.
- B. Allow the client to perform rituals in the early stages of treatment.
- C. Encourage the client to focus on their compulsions.
- D. Isolate the client to prevent performance of rituals.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Allowing the client to perform rituals in the early stages of treatment is a common therapeutic approach for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Allowing the client to engage in rituals can help reduce anxiety by providing temporary relief. It is a part of exposure therapy, where the individual is gradually exposed to anxiety-provoking situations. As treatment progresses, the focus shifts to gradually reducing the frequency and intensity of rituals through interventions like exposure and response prevention therapy. Discouraging the client from performing rituals (Choice A) is not recommended as it may increase anxiety and resistance to treatment. Encouraging the client to focus on their compulsions (Choice C) may reinforce the behavior rather than helping to decrease it. Isolating the client (Choice D) is not therapeutic and can lead to feelings of abandonment and worsen symptoms.
3. A client experiencing a manic episode is talking rapidly and jumping from one topic to another. Which term describes this symptom?
- A. Circumstantiality
- B. Flight of ideas
- C. Tangentiality
- D. Perseveration
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In a manic episode, 'Flight of ideas' is characterized by rapid speech, where the individual moves quickly between topics without a clear connection. This symptom reflects the racing thoughts and impulsivity often seen in manic episodes. Circumstantiality refers to unnecessary detail and delay in getting to the point, tangentiality involves going off on a tangent or unrelated topics, and perseveration is the persistent repetition of a response or behavior. Therefore, 'Flight of ideas' best describes the symptom of rapidly changing topics during a manic episode.
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 client diagnosed with bipolar disorder is experiencing a manic episode. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
- A. Encourage the client to participate in group therapy.
- B. Place the client in a private room to decrease stimulation.
- C. Encourage the client to participate in physical activity.
- D. Administer a prescribed sedative.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: During a manic episode, individuals with bipolar disorder may be easily overstimulated. Placing the client in a private room to decrease environmental stimuli is the priority intervention. This action can help reduce the risk of exacerbating manic symptoms and promote a calmer environment for the client. Choice A is not the priority as group therapy may be overwhelming during a manic episode. Choice C could potentially increase stimulation rather than decrease it. Choice D should not be the first action as sedatives are generally not the initial intervention for managing manic episodes.
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