ATI Mental Health Practice Exam

ATI Mental Health Practice Exam Related

Review ATI Mental Health Practice Exam related questions and content

A patient with anorexia nervosa is being treated in an inpatient facility. Which intervention should be included in the care plan?

  • A. Allowing the patient to eat alone to reduce stress
  • B. Monitoring the patient's weight weekly
  • C. Encouraging the patient to exercise daily
  • D. Providing the patient with a high-calorie diet
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Monitoring the patient's weight weekly. This intervention is essential in the care plan for a patient with anorexia nervosa as it helps track their progress, assess nutritional status, and identify any concerning weight fluctuations. Regular weight monitoring allows healthcare providers to make timely adjustments to the treatment plan.

Explanation of why the other choices are incorrect:
A: Allowing the patient to eat alone to reduce stress - This choice is incorrect as isolation during meals can exacerbate the patient's eating disorder behaviors and hinder their recovery.
C: Encouraging the patient to exercise daily - Exercise may not be appropriate for a patient with anorexia nervosa due to the risk of excessive physical activity exacerbating their condition.
D: Providing the patient with a high-calorie diet - While increasing calorie intake may be necessary for weight restoration, it should be done under close supervision by healthcare providers and tailored to the individual's needs, making this choice incorrect.

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What is the primary goal of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) when treating a patient with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

  • A. To help the patient confront and process traumatic memories
  • B. To help the patient change negative thought patterns
  • C. To help the patient develop relaxation techniques
  • D. To help the patient avoid triggers
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: To help the patient confront and process traumatic memories. In EMDR for PTSD, the primary goal is to facilitate the processing of traumatic memories to reduce their emotional charge and associated distress. By confronting and processing these memories, the patient can reprocess them in a healthier way, leading to symptom reduction and improved functioning. Other choices are incorrect because EMDR does not solely focus on changing negative thought patterns (B), developing relaxation techniques (C), or avoiding triggers (D) as its primary goal. The essence of EMDR lies in the desensitization and reprocessing of traumatic memories to promote healing and recovery from PTSD symptoms.

A healthcare professional is assessing a patient with major depressive disorder. Which finding is most concerning?

  • A. Decreased interest in activities
  • B. Feelings of worthlessness
  • C. Difficulty sleeping
  • D. Changes in appetite
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Difficulty sleeping. This finding is most concerning because it can indicate severe depression or potential suicidal ideation. Insomnia is a common symptom of major depressive disorder and can exacerbate the patient's condition. It is important to address sleep disturbances promptly to prevent further deterioration.

Rationale for why other choices are incorrect:
A: Decreased interest in activities is a common symptom of major depressive disorder but may not necessarily indicate immediate risk.
B: Feelings of worthlessness are also common in depression but may not be as urgent as sleep disturbances.
D: Changes in appetite can be a symptom of depression, but difficulty sleeping poses a more immediate concern for potential harm to the patient's well-being.

A patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is prescribed sertraline. What is a common side effect the nurse should monitor for?

  • A. Dry mouth
  • B. Weight gain
  • C. Insomnia
  • D. Nausea
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Nausea. Sertraline, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), commonly causes gastrointestinal side effects like nausea. This occurs due to increased serotonin levels affecting the digestive system. Dry mouth (A) is more common with other medications like anticholinergics. Weight gain (B) is a potential side effect of some antidepressants but not typically with sertraline. Insomnia (C) can occur with SSRIs, but it is less common than nausea as an initial side effect. Monitoring for nausea is essential to ensure the patient's adherence to treatment and well-being.

In cognitive processing therapy for PTSD, what is the primary goal for the patient?

  • A. To help the patient process the trauma and reduce avoidance behaviors.
  • B. To help the patient confront and process the trauma in a safe environment.
  • C. To help the patient understand the impact of the trauma on their current thoughts and behaviors.
  • D. To help the patient avoid triggers that remind them of the trauma.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the primary goal of cognitive processing therapy in PTSD is to help the patient understand the impact of trauma on their current thoughts and behaviors. This involves identifying and challenging maladaptive beliefs and cognitive distortions related to the trauma. By gaining insight into how the trauma has influenced their thoughts and behaviors, the patient can work towards changing these patterns and improving their psychological well-being.

Choice A is incorrect because while processing the trauma and reducing avoidance behaviors are important aspects of therapy, they are not the primary goal in cognitive processing therapy. Choice B is incorrect as it focuses solely on confronting and processing the trauma, missing the crucial component of understanding its impact on thoughts and behaviors. Choice D is incorrect because avoidance of triggers is not the primary goal; rather, it is about addressing and modifying the cognitive responses to those triggers.

When discharging a patient with schizophrenia on risperidone, what is an important point to include in the discharge teaching?

  • A. Avoiding foods high in tyramine is essential.
  • B. Getting blood levels checked regularly is necessary.
  • C. Being cautious when driving due to possible drowsiness is crucial.
  • D. Taking this medication on an as-needed basis is recommended.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Getting blood levels checked regularly is necessary. This is important because risperidone is a medication that requires monitoring of blood levels to ensure it is within the therapeutic range for effectiveness and to prevent side effects. Regular monitoring helps to adjust the dosage if needed.

Choice A is incorrect because foods high in tyramine are a concern when taking MAOIs, not risperidone. Choice C is incorrect because drowsiness is a common side effect initially, but it may improve over time and caution while driving should be based on individual response. Choice D is incorrect because risperidone is not meant to be taken on an as-needed basis; it should be taken consistently to maintain stability in treating schizophrenia.

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