two months ago natashas husband died suddenly and she has been overwhelmed with grief when natasha is subsequently diagnosed with major depressive dis
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam 2023

1. Natasha's husband died suddenly two months ago, and she has been overwhelmed with grief. When Natasha is subsequently diagnosed with major depressive disorder, her daughter, Nadia, makes which true statement?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When individuals experience a significant loss, such as the death of a loved one, it can trigger major depressive disorder. This is because the intense grief and sadness associated with the loss can lead to the development of depressive symptoms. Therefore, Nadia's statement that 'Depression often begins after a major loss' is accurate in this context.

2. A healthcare provider is assessing a client with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Which of the following findings should the healthcare provider expect? Select one that does not apply.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), common symptoms include restlessness, fatigue, and excessive worry. These symptoms are typical in individuals with GAD due to persistent and excessive anxiety. Mania, on the other hand, is not a characteristic symptom of GAD. Mania is associated with bipolar disorder and is characterized by distinct features like elevated mood, grandiosity, and impulsivity. Therefore, the correct answer is 'D: Mania,' as it does not align with the expected findings in generalized anxiety disorder.

3. A client is experiencing progressive changes in memory that have interfered with personal, social, and occupational functioning. The client exhibits poor judgment and has a short attention span. The nurse recognizes these as classic signs of which condition?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The client's presentation of progressive memory changes, poor judgment, and attention deficits align with classic signs of Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline that significantly impacts daily functioning. While delirium and mania may present with cognitive changes, Alzheimer's is specifically associated with progressive memory loss and cognitive impairment over time.

4. How do psychiatrists determine which diagnosis to give a patient?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Psychiatrists use pre-established criteria from the APA's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to determine which diagnosis to give a patient. The DSM-5 is a comprehensive manual published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) that outlines specific criteria for diagnosing mental disorders. It aims to ensure accurate and consistent diagnosis and treatment. Choices B and D provide inaccurate information. Hospital policy does not dictate psychiatric diagnoses, and the American Medical Association does not provide diagnostic labels for mental disorders. Choice C, although mentioning the assessment of patients, does not highlight the specific criteria and guidelines provided by the DSM-5 that psychiatrists use to assign diagnoses.

5. Why is the DSM-5 useful in the practice of psychiatric nursing?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The DSM-5 is a crucial tool in psychiatric nursing as it guides nurses in making accurate and reliable medical diagnoses of mental health conditions. Using the DSM-5 ensures that diagnoses are standardized, improving the quality and precision of care for clients. While the DSM-5 also supports a holistic view, interdisciplinary communication, and care plan development, its primary role in psychiatric nursing is to assist clinicians in diagnosing mental health conditions accurately.

Similar Questions

A healthcare professional is assessing a client who is experiencing severe anxiety. Which of the following is an appropriate intervention?
Which statement made by the patient demonstrates an understanding of the treatment of choice for patients managing the effects of traumatic events?
A healthcare provider is assessing a client with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Which of the following findings shouldn't the healthcare provider expect?
In assessing a client with major depressive disorder, which of the following findings shouldn't the nurse expect?
A client is diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the care plan? Select one that does not apply.

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