ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam 2019
1. A client with major depressive disorder expresses feelings of hopelessness. Which nursing intervention should the nurse implement to address these feelings?
- A. Encourage the client to engage in physical activity.
- B. Provide opportunities for the client to make decisions.
- C. Help the client identify positive aspects of their life.
- D. Encourage the client to verbalize feelings of hopelessness.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: When a client with major depressive disorder expresses feelings of hopelessness, helping them identify positive aspects of their life can be an effective nursing intervention. This approach can assist in shifting their focus from negativity to positivity, promoting a sense of hope and potentially improving their overall outlook and well-being. By highlighting the positive aspects, the nurse can support the client in recognizing reasons for hope and encourage a more optimistic perspective, which can aid in addressing and alleviating feelings of hopelessness. Encouraging physical activity (Choice A) may be beneficial for overall well-being but may not directly address feelings of hopelessness. Providing opportunities for decision-making (Choice B) can empower the client but may not specifically target feelings of hopelessness. Encouraging verbalization of feelings (Choice D) is important but may not be as effective as helping the client shift their focus to positive aspects of life.
2. A healthcare professional is providing care for a client with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Which client behavior would the healthcare professional identify as characteristic of a manic episode?
- A. Sleeping excessively
- B. Excessive energy
- C. Decreased appetite
- D. Lack of interest in activities
Correct answer: B
Rationale: During a manic episode in bipolar disorder, individuals often experience heightened energy levels, increased goal-directed activity, and may engage in risky behaviors. This excessive energy is a key characteristic of manic episodes. Choice A, sleeping excessively, is more characteristic of a depressive episode. Choice C, decreased appetite, can be seen in various mood disorders but is not specific to manic episodes. Choice D, lack of interest in activities, is more indicative of a depressive episode rather than a manic episode. It is important for healthcare professionals to recognize these signs to provide appropriate care and support to individuals with bipolar disorder.
3. A client with depression is experiencing anhedonia. Which statement by the client reflects this symptom?
- A. I feel so anxious all the time.
- B. I don't enjoy the things I used to love.
- C. I can't concentrate on anything.
- D. I have trouble sleeping through the night.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Anhedonia is the inability to experience pleasure from activities usually found enjoyable. The statement 'I don't enjoy the things I used to love' directly reflects this symptom as the client is expressing a lack of pleasure from previously enjoyable activities. Choices A, C, and D do not specifically relate to anhedonia but rather indicate symptoms of anxiety, concentration difficulties, and sleep disturbances, respectively.
4. 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.
5. A client with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is being cared for by a nurse. Which intervention should the nurse implement to help the client manage compulsive behaviors?
- A. Encourage the client to suppress compulsive behaviors.
- B. Allow the client to perform compulsive behaviors with limits.
- C. Teach the client relaxation techniques to manage anxiety.
- D. Discourage the client from performing compulsive behaviors.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Allowing the client to perform compulsive behaviors with limits is a therapeutic intervention for managing OCD. This approach grants the client some autonomy while ensuring that the behaviors do not excessively disrupt daily life. Setting boundaries helps structure the behaviors, decreasing anxiety and distress associated with OCD. Encouraging the client to suppress compulsive behaviors (choice A) may lead to increased anxiety and potential worsening of symptoms. Teaching relaxation techniques (choice C) is beneficial for managing anxiety in general but may not directly address the compulsive behaviors. Discouraging the client from performing compulsive behaviors (choice D) without providing alternative strategies or support may increase distress and resistance.
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