ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam 2019
1. A healthcare provider is caring for a client diagnosed with schizophrenia. Which intervention is most appropriate to address the client's delusions?
- A. Challenge the client's delusions directly.
- B. Provide evidence to disprove the delusions.
- C. Acknowledge the client's feelings without reinforcing the delusions.
- D. Ignore the client's delusions.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: When caring for a client with schizophrenia experiencing delusions, the most appropriate intervention is to acknowledge the client's feelings without reinforcing the delusions. This approach helps maintain trust and communication, fostering a therapeutic relationship. Challenging the delusions directly can lead to increased distress and resistance from the client. Providing evidence to disprove the delusions may not be effective due to the deeply ingrained nature of the client's beliefs. Ignoring the delusions may make the client feel dismissed or unheard, which can hinder the therapeutic process.
2. Which client action is an example of the defense mechanism of displacement?
- A. A man kicks his dog after an argument with his boss.
- B. A woman yells at her children after a stressful day at work.
- C. A student immerses herself in studying to avoid thinking about a recent breakup.
- D. A person channels aggressive impulses into playing a sport.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Displacement involves redirecting emotions, often anger or aggression, from their original source to a less threatening target. In this scenario, the woman redirects her frustration from work towards her children, who are perceived as less threatening and safer to express anger towards.
3. What principle about patient-nurse communication should guide a nurse's fear of saying the wrong thing to a patient?
- A. Patients tend to appreciate a well-meaning person who conveys genuine acceptance, respect, and concern for their situation.
- B. Patients are more interested in conversing with you than in hearing your perspective, making offense unlikely.
- C. Considering the patient's background, the likelihood of the comment causing harm is minimal.
- D. Individuals with mental illness often possess a heightened capacity for forgiveness.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Patients value interactions with healthcare providers who express genuine acceptance, respect, and concern for their well-being. By focusing on conveying these qualities, a nurse can help alleviate fears of saying the wrong thing as patients appreciate the sincerity and empathy in the communication. This approach fosters trust and a positive therapeutic relationship, enhancing the effectiveness of patient-nurse communication.
4. When assessing a client diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which finding should the nurse expect?
- A. Hypervigilance
- B. Insomnia
- C. Flashbacks
- D. Suicidal ideation
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Clients with PTSD commonly exhibit symptoms such as hypervigilance, insomnia, flashbacks, difficulty concentrating, and increased irritability. Hypervigilance refers to an enhanced state of awareness and alertness, often seen in individuals with PTSD as they are constantly on guard for potential threats. Insomnia is a common sleep disturbance associated with PTSD, where individuals may have trouble falling or staying asleep. Flashbacks involve re-experiencing the traumatic event as if it is occurring in the present moment. Suicidal ideation, while a serious concern in mental health, is not a hallmark symptom specifically associated with PTSD. Therefore, the correct finding that the nurse should expect when assessing a client diagnosed with PTSD is hypervigilance.
5. Which intervention is particularly well chosen for addressing a population at high risk for developing schizophrenia?
- A. Screening a group of males aged 15 to 25 for early symptoms.
- B. Forming a support group for females aged 25 to 35 with substance use issues.
- C. Providing coping skills information to a group aged 45 to 55.
- D. Educating parents of developmentally delayed 5- to 6-year-olds on early intervention importance.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Screening males aged 15 to 25 for early symptoms of schizophrenia is a well-chosen intervention as this age group is at a higher risk for developing the condition. Early identification can lead to timely treatment and better outcomes, making this intervention particularly effective in addressing the population at risk for schizophrenia.
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