ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam 2023
1. When patients diagnosed with schizophrenia suffer from anosognosia, they often refuse medication, believing that:
- A. Medications provided are ineffective.
- B. Nurses are trying to control their minds.
- C. The medications will make them sick.
- D. They are not actually ill.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Anosognosia is a lack of insight that affects patients with schizophrenia, leading them to deny or lack awareness of their illness. This lack of awareness often results in patients refusing medication because they genuinely believe they are not ill and do not need treatment. It is crucial for healthcare providers to approach such situations with understanding and empathy, recognizing the impact of anosognosia on treatment adherence.
2. Which statement made by the nurse demonstrates the best understanding of nonverbal communication?
- A. The patient's verbal and nonverbal communication is often different.
- B. When my patient responds to my question, I check for congruence between verbal and nonverbal communication to help validate the response.
- C. If a patient is slumped in the chair, I can be sure he's angry or depressed.
- D. It's easier to understand verbal communication than nonverbal communication.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Checking for congruence between verbal and nonverbal communication helps validate the patient's response.
3. A client displays signs and symptoms indicative of hypochondriasis. The nurse would initially expect to see:
- A. Self-preoccupation
- B. La belle indifference
- C. Fear of physicians
- D. Insight into the source of their fears
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In hypochondriasis, individuals are excessively preoccupied with and worried about having a serious illness, despite reassurance from medical professionals. This self-preoccupation is a key characteristic of hypochondriasis. 'La belle indifference' refers to a lack of concern or distress about symptoms, which is not typically seen in hypochondriasis. Fear of physicians may be present due to the individual's persistent belief in their illness despite medical reassurance. Insight into the source of their fears is usually lacking in hypochondriasis, as individuals often believe their physical symptoms are evidence of a serious illness.
4. 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 excessive alcohol consumption as a way to manage symptoms of anxiety and depression. This maladaptive coping mechanism can exacerbate the challenges associated with schizophrenia and may hinder effective treatment outcomes. Recognizing the presence of anxiety and depression alongside alcohol abuse is crucial for providing holistic care and support to individuals with schizophrenia.
5. To provide effective care for the patient diagnosed with schizophrenia, the nurse should frequently assess for which associated condition? Select one that doesn't apply.
- A. Alcohol use disorder
- B. Major depressive disorder
- C. Stomach cancer
- D. Polydipsia
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Schizophrenia is often associated with comorbid conditions such as alcohol use disorder, major depressive disorder, polydipsia, and metabolic syndrome. Stomach cancer is not a common associated condition with schizophrenia and would not be a typical focus of assessment in managing a patient with this mental health disorder.
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