ATI Mental Health Practice Exam

ATI Mental Health Practice Exam Related

Review ATI Mental Health Practice Exam related questions and content

A patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) performs hand washing repeatedly. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?

  • A. Restricting the patient from washing hands
  • B. Setting strict limits on the patient's hand washing
  • C. Allowing the patient to wash hands at specified times
  • D. Ignoring the patient's behavior
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The most appropriate nursing intervention for a patient with OCD who performs hand washing repeatedly is to allow the patient to wash hands at specified times (Choice C). This approach promotes a balance between addressing the patient's need for cleanliness and preventing excessive hand washing. By allowing the patient to wash hands at specific times, the nurse can help establish a routine that provides a sense of control for the patient while also setting boundaries to prevent excessive behavior. Restricting the patient from washing hands (Choice A) can lead to increased anxiety and resistance. Setting strict limits on hand washing (Choice B) may also trigger anxiety and escalate the behavior. Ignoring the patient's behavior (Choice D) does not address the underlying issue and can lead to worsening symptoms. Ultimately, Choice C supports a therapeutic approach that acknowledges the patient's needs while promoting healthier coping strategies.

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A patient with major depressive disorder is struggling to cope. Which intervention is most appropriate to help the patient develop better coping skills?

  • A. Encouraging the patient to express their feelings through art
  • B. Providing the patient with information about their diagnosis
  • C. Encouraging the patient to keep a journal of their thoughts and feelings
  • D. Providing the patient with a structured daily routine
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Providing the patient with a structured daily routine. This intervention is most appropriate as it helps the patient establish a sense of stability, predictability, and purpose in their daily life, which can be beneficial in managing depressive symptoms. By having a routine, the patient can develop a sense of accomplishment and control, improve sleep patterns, and reduce feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. Encouraging the patient to express their feelings through art (A) may be helpful as a supplementary intervention, but it may not provide the necessary structure and consistency needed for coping skills development. Providing information about the diagnosis (B) is important but may not directly address coping skills. Keeping a journal of thoughts and feelings (C) can be beneficial, but a structured routine provides more tangible support for developing coping skills.

A patient with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is experiencing flashbacks. What is the best initial intervention?

  • A. Encouraging the patient to avoid triggers
  • B. Encouraging the patient to talk about their feelings
  • C. Providing the patient with relaxation techniques
  • D. Advising the patient to avoid social situations
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct initial intervention for a patient with PTSD experiencing flashbacks is providing relaxation techniques (Choice C). This is because relaxation techniques can help the patient cope with the distressing symptoms and manage their anxiety levels during flashbacks. Encouraging the patient to avoid triggers (Choice A) may provide temporary relief but does not address the root cause of the flashbacks. Encouraging the patient to talk about their feelings (Choice B) may be beneficial in the long run but may not be the best initial intervention during a flashback. Advising the patient to avoid social situations (Choice D) can lead to isolation and may not address the immediate distress caused by the flashbacks.

A healthcare professional is assessing a patient with bipolar disorder. Which finding suggests the patient is experiencing a manic episode?

  • A. Decreased need for sleep
  • B. Feelings of worthlessness
  • C. Increased need for sleep
  • D. Avoidance of social interactions
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Decreased need for sleep. During a manic episode in bipolar disorder, individuals often experience decreased need for sleep. This is a key symptom of mania, as it is characterized by high energy levels, impulsivity, and decreased need for rest. In contrast, option B (feelings of worthlessness) is more reflective of symptoms seen in depressive episodes, not manic episodes. Option C (increased need for sleep) is also not indicative of mania, as mania is associated with decreased sleep. Option D (avoidance of social interactions) may occur in some cases, but it is not a defining feature of mania.

Which of the following is a positive symptom of schizophrenia?

  • A. Apathy
  • B. Social withdrawal
  • C. Delusions
  • D. Flat affect
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Delusions. Positive symptoms of schizophrenia are behaviors or experiences that are added to a person's normal repertoire of functioning. Delusions are a hallmark positive symptom of schizophrenia, characterized by fixed false beliefs that are not based in reality. Apathy (choice A) and social withdrawal (choice B) are negative symptoms, which involve a reduction or absence of normal behaviors. Flat affect (choice D) is also a negative symptom, referring to a lack of emotional expressiveness. In summary, delusions are the correct choice as they represent a positive symptom of schizophrenia, while the other choices are negative symptoms.

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.

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