ATI Mental Health Practice Exam

ATI Mental Health Practice Exam Related

Review ATI Mental Health Practice Exam related questions and content

While being treated in an inpatient facility, what is the most appropriate intervention for a patient with anorexia nervosa?

  • A. Allowing the patient to eat alone to reduce stress
  • B. Monitoring the patient's weight daily
  • 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 daily. This intervention is crucial in managing anorexia nervosa as it helps track the patient's progress and identify any concerning weight fluctuations promptly. Daily weight monitoring allows healthcare providers to adjust treatment plans accordingly and ensure the patient's safety.

Choice A: Allowing the patient to eat alone to reduce stress is incorrect because isolation during meals can exacerbate the patient's disordered eating behaviors and hinder the recovery process.

Choice C: Encouraging the patient to exercise daily is incorrect as excessive exercise is a common symptom of anorexia nervosa and can further contribute to the patient's physical and psychological health risks.

Choice D: Providing the patient with a high-calorie diet is incorrect without proper monitoring as it can lead to refeeding syndrome and other complications. Monitoring the patient's weight is essential before implementing dietary changes.

You may also like to solve these questions

When a patient is diagnosed with major depressive disorder, which nursing diagnosis should be the priority?

  • A. Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements
  • B. Risk for suicide
  • C. Disturbed sleep pattern
  • D. Ineffective coping
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Risk for suicide. This is the priority nursing diagnosis because individuals with major depressive disorder have an increased risk of suicidal ideation and behaviors. Assessing and addressing this risk is crucial for patient safety. Choice A is not the priority as nutritional imbalances may not pose immediate harm compared to suicide risk. Choice C, disturbed sleep pattern, and choice D, ineffective coping, are important but not as critical as addressing the risk of suicide in a patient with major depressive disorder.

What medication is frequently prescribed for patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

  • A. Fluoxetine
  • B. Sertraline
  • C. Buspirone
  • D. Diazepam
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Buspirone. Buspirone is frequently prescribed for patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) as it is a non-addictive anxiolytic medication that is effective in managing chronic anxiety symptoms without the risk of dependence or tolerance. It works by targeting serotonin receptors in the brain to reduce anxiety levels.

A: Fluoxetine and B: Sertraline are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) commonly used for depression and some types of anxiety disorders, but they are not typically first-line treatments for GAD.

D: Diazepam is a benzodiazepine that is fast-acting but carries a high risk of dependence and tolerance, making it less suitable for long-term management of GAD.

Which medication is often prescribed for patients with bipolar disorder to help stabilize mood?

  • A. Sertraline
  • B. Lithium
  • C. Haloperidol
  • D. Diazepam
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Lithium. Lithium is often prescribed for patients with bipolar disorder because it helps stabilize mood by regulating neurotransmitter activity. It is a mood stabilizer that is effective in reducing manic episodes and preventing relapses. Sertraline (A) is an antidepressant and can potentially trigger manic episodes in patients with bipolar disorder. Haloperidol (C) is an antipsychotic used for treating psychotic symptoms but not specifically for stabilizing mood in bipolar disorder. Diazepam (D) is a benzodiazepine used for anxiety and not indicated for mood stabilization in bipolar disorder.

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.

In schizophrenia, a patient is experiencing negative symptoms. Which of the following is a negative symptom?

  • A. Hallucinations
  • B. Delusions
  • C. Apathy
  • D. Disorganized speech
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Apathy. Negative symptoms in schizophrenia refer to the absence or reduction of normal behaviors or functions. Apathy is a common negative symptom characterized by a lack of interest, motivation, or emotion. Hallucinations (A) and delusions (B) are positive symptoms, involving distortions of perception or belief. Disorganized speech (D) is a symptom of disorganized thinking, which is also a positive symptom in schizophrenia. Thus, apathy best aligns with the concept of negative symptoms in schizophrenia.

Copyright © 2025 Nokea. All rights reserved.