ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam 2019
1. A client with borderline personality disorder is admitted to the psychiatric unit. Which intervention should the nurse implement to promote the client's safety?
- A. Implement a no-harm contract with the client.
- B. Monitor the client closely for signs of self-harm.
- C. Encourage the client to participate in recreational activities.
- D. Encourage the client to maintain a structured daily routine.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When a client with borderline personality disorder is admitted to a psychiatric unit, implementing a no-harm contract is a crucial intervention to promote the client's safety. A no-harm contract is a formal agreement between the client and the healthcare provider stating that the client commits to not harm themselves or others. This intervention helps in establishing boundaries and promoting safety by enhancing communication and accountability between the client and the healthcare team. Monitoring the client closely for signs of self-harm (Choice B) is important but does not directly address promoting safety through a formal agreement. Encouraging participation in recreational activities (Choice C) and maintaining a structured daily routine (Choice D) are beneficial interventions but may not directly address the immediate safety concerns of a client with borderline personality disorder.
2. Which factors tend to increase the difficulty of diagnosing young children who demonstrate behaviors associated with mental illness? Select one that does not apply.
- A. Limited language skills
- B. Level of cognitive development
- C. Level of emotional development
- D. Parental denial that a problem exists
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Diagnosing mental illness in young children can be complex due to their limited language skills, cognitive development, and emotional development. However, parental denial does not directly affect the child's inherent challenges, making it the factor that does not apply to the difficulty of diagnosis.
3. A male patient calls to tell the nurse that his monthly lithium level is 1.7 mEq/L. Which nursing intervention will the nurse implement initially?
- A. Reinforce that the level is above the therapeutic range.
- B. Instruct the patient to hold the next dose of medication and contact the prescriber.
- C. Advise the patient to go to the hospital emergency room immediately.
- D. Inform the patient about the possibility of seizures and appropriate precautions.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A lithium level of 1.7 mEq/L is above the therapeutic range, indicating a potential risk of toxicity. The initial nursing intervention should be to instruct the patient to hold the next dose of medication and promptly contact the prescriber for further guidance and management. This action aims to prevent adverse effects and ensure the patient's safety by addressing the elevated lithium level appropriately.
4. A patient with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is experiencing flashbacks. The most appropriate intervention is to:
- A. Encourage the patient to talk about the trauma.
- B. Help the patient reorient to the present.
- C. Leave the patient alone to process the flashback.
- D. Remind the patient that the flashback is not real.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When a patient with PTSD is experiencing flashbacks, the most appropriate intervention is to help them reorient to the present. This intervention can assist in reducing the intensity of the flashback and providing a sense of safety for the patient. Choice A is incorrect because encouraging the patient to talk about the trauma during a flashback may exacerbate their distress. Choice C is incorrect as leaving the patient alone can increase their feelings of isolation and fear. Choice D is incorrect because reminding the patient that the flashback is not real may invalidate their experience and increase their sense of disconnection.
5. A client diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia states, 'The FBI is watching me. I see their agents everywhere.' Which is the nurse's most appropriate response?
- A. You shouldn't worry about that. It's not real.
- B. I don't see any FBI agents, but it sounds like you're feeling frightened.
- C. Let's talk about something else to take your mind off of it.
- D. Why do you think the FBI is watching you?
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Validating the client's feelings without reinforcing the delusion is important. This response acknowledges the client's fear without agreeing with the delusion. It shows empathy and understanding towards the client's emotions while not validating the delusional belief.
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