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ATI Mental Health Questions
1. What assessment findings would indicate lithium toxicity in a patient hospitalized for an acute manic episode?
- A. Shortness of breath, gastrointestinal distress, chronic cough
- B. Ataxia, severe hypotension, large volume of dilute urine
- C. Gastrointestinal distress, thirst, nystagmus
- D. Electroencephalographic changes, chest pain, dizziness
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In a patient suspected of lithium toxicity, the presence of ataxia, severe hypotension, and a large volume of dilute urine are key assessment findings. Ataxia is a sign of central nervous system involvement, severe hypotension indicates cardiovascular effects, and a large volume of dilute urine suggests renal impairment, all of which are commonly seen in severe lithium toxicity. Options A, C, and D do not align with typical signs of lithium toxicity.
2. What assessment question will provide insight into the effects of a woman’s circadian rhythms on her quality of life?
- A. How much sleep do you usually get each night?
- B. Does your heart ever seem to skip a beat?
- C. When was the last time you had a fever?
- D. Do you have problems urinating?
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Inquiring about the amount of sleep a woman gets each night is crucial in understanding how her circadian rhythms may be affecting her quality of life. Circadian rhythms play a significant role in regulating sleep-wake cycles, and disruptions in these rhythms can impact overall well-being and quality of life.
3. Tomas is a 21-year-old male with a recent diagnosis of schizophrenia. Tomas’s nurse recognizes that self-medicating with excessive alcohol is common in this disease and can co-occur along with:
- A. Generally good health despite the mental illness.
- B. An aversion to drinking fluids.
- C. Anxiety and depression.
- D. The ability to express his needs.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Individuals with schizophrenia often turn to alcohol as a form of self-medication to manage co-occurring symptoms of anxiety and depression. This coping mechanism can exacerbate the underlying mental health condition and hinder proper treatment. Recognizing and addressing these co-occurring issues are essential in providing holistic care for individuals with schizophrenia.
4. After Natasha's husband passed away two months ago, she has been overwhelmed with grief. When Natasha is subsequently diagnosed with major depressive disorder, her daughter, Nadia, makes which true statement?
- A. Depression often begins after a major loss. Losing dad was a major loss.
- B. Bereavement and depression are the same problem.
- C. Mourning is pathological and not normal behavior.
- D. Antidepressant medications will not help this type of depression.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: It is common for major depressive disorder to be triggered by significant life events, such as the sudden loss of a loved one. Therefore, Nadia's statement that 'Depression often begins after a major loss' is correct. Bereavement and major depressive disorder are related but distinct conditions, and while mourning can be intense, it is generally considered a normal response to loss. Antidepressant medications can be beneficial in treating depression, including cases triggered by a significant loss.
5. April, a 10-year-old admitted to inpatient pediatric care, has been becoming increasingly agitated and losing control in the day room. Time-out has proven to be ineffective for April to engage in self-reflection. April’s mother mentions using time-out up to 20 times a day. The nurse acknowledges that:
- A. Time-out is a crucial aspect of April’s baseline discipline.
- B. Time-out is no longer an effective intervention.
- C. April finds enjoyment in time-out and misbehaves to seek solitude.
- D. Time-out will have to be replaced with seclusion and restraint.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The scenario describes how April's behavior is not improving with the frequent use of time-out, indicating that it is no longer an effective intervention. When a strategy such as time-out loses its effectiveness due to overuse, it is crucial to explore alternative therapeutic measures to address the underlying issues effectively.
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