ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam 2023
1. 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.
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. When caring for a client with anorexia nervosa in a psychiatric unit, which intervention should the nurse implement to address the client's nutritional needs?
- A. Provide small, frequent meals throughout the day.
- B. Monitor the client's weight daily.
- C. Offer a liquid supplement if the client refuses solid food.
- D. Encourage the client to choose from a variety of food options.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Providing small, frequent meals throughout the day is a crucial intervention when caring for a client with anorexia nervosa. This approach helps in gradually increasing caloric intake and meeting the client's nutritional needs. Offering large meals can be overwhelming and may contribute to anxiety in these clients. By providing small, frequent meals, the nurse supports the client in establishing a healthier eating pattern and aids in the restoration of adequate nutrition levels. Monitoring the client's weight daily (Choice B) may exacerbate anxiety related to body image and weight, which are common concerns in anorexia nervosa. Offering a liquid supplement if the client refuses solid food (Choice C) may not address the underlying issues related to food aversion and may not provide the necessary nutrients in a balanced way. Encouraging the client to choose from a variety of food options (Choice D) may be overwhelming for someone with anorexia nervosa and could lead to increased anxiety around food choices.
4. Which intervention would be appropriate for assisting a client diagnosed with major depressive disorder?
- A. Encourage discussion of feelings
- B. Offer family therapy sessions
- C. Discuss childhood events
- D. Teach alternate coping skills
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Offering family therapy sessions would be the most appropriate intervention for a client diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Family therapy can be beneficial as it addresses interpersonal relationships within the family system, which is crucial in managing major depressive disorder effectively. This approach aligns with Sullivan's interpersonal theory, which emphasizes the impact of interpersonal relationships on individual behavior and personality development. In contrast, encouraging discussion of feelings, discussing childhood events, or teaching alternate coping skills may not directly address the interpersonal dynamics contributing to the client's major depressive disorder.
5. A client diagnosed with major depressive disorder is being educated by a nurse about the use of antidepressants. Which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. I should avoid alcohol while taking this medication.
- B. It may take several weeks for the medication to take effect.
- C. I can stop taking my medication once I feel better.
- D. I should not discontinue the medication abruptly.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. The client stating, 'I can stop taking my medication once I feel better,' indicates a need for further teaching. It is crucial for clients with major depressive disorder to understand that they should continue taking their medication as prescribed even if they start feeling better. Stopping the medication prematurely can lead to a relapse of symptoms. Choices A, B, and D are correct statements. Avoiding alcohol while taking antidepressants helps prevent interactions and side effects. Understanding that it may take several weeks for the medication to show its full effect is important for managing expectations. Additionally, not discontinuing the medication abruptly is crucial to prevent withdrawal effects or a recurrence of depressive symptoms.
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