ATI Mental Health Final EXAM 2022 A+ GRADED
1. A nurse is preparing to administer a benzodiazepine to a client who has generalized anxiety
disorder. The nurse should tell the client to expect which of the following adverse effects?
A. Sedation
B. Hypertension
C. Weight loss
D. Muscle cramps
Answer: A. Sedation
2. A nurse on an acute care unit is providing postoperative care to an older adult client who
develops delirium. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Orient the client to the environment frequently
B. Limit the client's fluid intake to prevent urinary incontinence
C. Keep the room dimly lit to promote relaxation
D. Encourage frequent visits from family members to provide stimulation
Answer: A. Orient the client to the environment frequently
3. A nurse is obtaining a client's medical history prior to scheduling the client for
electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Which of the following findings should the nurse identify
as a potential complication of the procedure?
A. Severe depression
B. Cardiac arrhythmia
C. Bipolar disorder
D. Parkinson's disease
Answer: B. Cardiac arrhythmia
4. A nurse is developing a plan of care for a client who has anorexia nervosa. The nurse
should identify that which of the following actions is contraindicated for this client?
A. Explaining that tube feedings are necessary if the client refuses oral intake
B. Weighing the client each day prior to any oral intake
C. Permitting the client to spend some quiet time alone after each meal
D. Refraining from commenting about the client's eating during meal times
Answer: C. Permitting the client to spend some quiet time alone after each meal
5. A nurse is caring for a client who has alcohol use disorder. Following alcohol withdrawal,
which of the following medications should the nurse expect to administer to the client during
maintenance?
A. Methadone
B. Disulfiram
Answer: B. Disulfiram
Correct:
The nurse should expect to administer disulfiram as a deterrent to prevent future use of
alcohol. The nurse must ensure that the client has not had any alcohol intake for at least 12 hr
prior to administration
Incorrect:
A. Methadone
The nurse should expect to administer methadone to the client who has opioid withdrawal.
6. A nurse is caring for a newly admitted client who is receiving treatment for alcohol use
disorder. The client tells the nurse, "I have not had anything to drink for 6 hours." Which of
the following findings should the nurse expect during alcohol withdrawal?
A. Low body temperature
B. Insomnia
C. Muscle flaccidity
D. Bradycardia
Answer: B. Insomnia
7. A nurse is evaluating the plan of care for a client who has antisocial personality disorder.
Which of the following client actions indicates that he is making progress with the treatment?
(Select all that apply.)
A. Assisting another client who has depression to fill out a menu
B. Nominating himself to chair the client government meeting
C. Requesting a weekend pass to go home
D. Serving as the judge for a unit talent show
E. Informing the nurse that the staff provides excellent care to clients
Answer: A. Assisting another client who has depression to fill out a menu
C. Requesting a weekend pass to go home
8. A nurse is caring for a client who has depression. The client states, "I am too tired and
depressed to attend group therapy today." Which of the following responses should the nurse
make?
A. "Attending group therapy, even if you're tired, is an important part of your treatment."
B. "That's okay if you're too tired to attend group therapy today, but you will have to go
tomorrow."
C. "It is normal to feel tired when you’re feeling depressed. The others in group therapy also
feel this way."
D. "I agree with your decision to wait for participation in group therapy until you begin to
feel better."
Answer: A. "Attending group therapy, even if you're tired, is an important part of your
treatment."
9. A nurse is assessing a client who experienced a sexual assault 6 months ago. Which of the
following findings should the nurse report to the provider as an indication of rape-trauma
syndrome?
A. Flat affect
B. Refusal to accept help from others
C. Report of intense guilt
D. Denial of the sexual assault
Answer: C. Report of intense guilt
10. A nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia. The nurse notices that the client is
pacing up and down the hall very rapidly and muttering in an angry manner. Which of the
following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Apply mechanical restraints to the client.
B. Administer PRN haloperidol IM to the client.
C. Approach the client in a nonthreatening manner.
D. Place the client in seclusion.
Answer: C. Approach the client in a nonthreatening manner.
11. A nurse in an acute mental health facility is leading a nursing staff discussion about the
legal aspects of involuntary
A. A client who is involuntarily admitted must take prescribed medications.
B. An involuntary admission of a client is limited to 2 weeks.
C. A client who is involuntarily admitted can leave the facility against medical advice.
D. An involuntary admission is justified if the client is a danger to others.
Answer: D. An involuntary admission is justified if the client is a danger to others.
12. A nurse is providing teaching to a client who is to start taking valproic acid. Which of the
following instructions should the nurse include?
A. "You should expect the provider to gradually decrease your dosage of valproic acid."
B. "You should take aspirin for pain you have while taking valproic acid."
C. "You should undergo thyroid function tests every 6 months while taking valproic acid."
D. "You should have your liver function levels monitored regularly while taking valproic
acid"
Answer: D. "You should have your liver function levels monitored regularly while taking
valproic acid"
13. A nurse in an acute mental health facility is planning care for a client who has obsessivecompulsive disorder (OCD). Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the
plan?
A. Encourage the client to focus on personal hygiene.
B. Limit the hours the client sleeps each day.
C. Instruct the client to practice thought stopping.
D. negative statements about the client's behavior.
Answer: C. Instruct the client to practice thought stopping.
14. A nurse in an emergency room is assessing a client who has cocaine intoxication. Which
of the following findings should the nurse expect?
A. Low blood pressure
B. Dilated pupils
C. Conjunctival redness
D. Decreased body temperature
Answer: B. Dilated pupils
15. A nurse in an acute substance disorder unit is assessing a client who received treatment in
the emergency department for a heroin overdose. Which of the following findings should the
nurse anticipate during heroin withdrawal?
A. Excessive sleeping
B. Muscle aches
C. Pupillary constriction
D. Absent bowel sounds
Answer: B. Muscle aches
16. A nurse is interviewing an older adult client about possible abuse by her caregiver. Which
of the following techniques should the nurse use?
A. Avoid directly asking the client if she has been abused.
B. Use a confrontational approach.
C. Maintain a nonjudgmental tone.
D. Avoid being in the room alone with the client.
Answer: C. Maintain a nonjudgmental tone.
17 A nurse is caring for a client who just received a terminal diagnosis of cancer. Which of
the following initial reactions should the nurse expect from the client?
A. Bargaining
B. Depression
C. Denial
D. Anger
Answer: C. Denial
18. A nurse is caring for a client who attends family counseling with his partner and their
children. The client tells the nurse that he isn’t going to attend any further sessions and states,
"I don’t have time for all that talking." Which of the following responses should the nurse
make?
A. It must be difficult for you to talk about family problems."
B. "You should continue attending the family counseling sessions until the therapist tells you
to stop."
C. "If you continue to go to family counseling, I'm sure you'll be able to resolve your family
problems soon."
D. “1 think you need to continue family therapy if your partner and children want to receive
further counseling."
Answer: A. It must be difficult for you to talk about family problems."
19. A nurse in an acute mental health facility is reviewing the medication records for a group
of clients. The nurse should expect a prescription for memantine for a client who has which
of the following diagnoses?
A. Postpartum depression
B. Schizophrenia
C. Obesity
D. Severe Alzheimer's disease
Answer: D. Severe Alzheimer's disease
20. A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a toddler who has a fractured arm.
Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a possible indication of physical
abuse?
A. The parent provides a history that is inconsistent with the child's injury.
B. The child is brought to the emergency department immediately following the injury.
C. The parent requests to remain present with the child throughout treatment of the injury.
D. The child clings to the parent when the nurse begins to assess the injury.
Answer: A. The parent provides a history that is inconsistent with the child's injury.
21. A nurse is planning care for a client who has a physical dependence to alprazolam and
must discontinue the medication. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in
the plan?
A. Taper the medication gradually over several weeks.
B. Encourage participation in stimulating physical activity.
C. Monitor the client for a return of anxiety for up to 72 hr following discontinuation of the
medication.
D. Implement restraints and seclusion as needed.
Answer: A. Taper the medication gradually over several weeks.
22. A nurse is providing teaching to the family of a client who has Alzheimer's disease about
donepezil. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?
A. "Donepezil can improve cognitive functioning during the earlier stages of the disease."
B. "Donepezil cures the disease process if it is started upon first recognition of dementia."
C. "Donepezil provides long-term reversal of memory loss in the last phase of the disease."
D. "Donepezil accelerates the breakdown of acetylcholine within the client's brain."
Answer: A. "Donepezil can improve cognitive functioning during the earlier stages of the
disease."
23. A nurse is assessing a client who has binge-eating disorder. Which of the following
findings should the nurse expect?
A. Amenorrhea
B. Abdominal pain
C. Restricted caloric intake
D. Frequent use of laxatives
Answer: B. Abdominal pain
24. A nurse in a mental health unit is planning care for a client who is receiving treatment for
self-inflicted injuries. The nurse should identify which of the following interventions as the
priority when planning care for this client?
A. Promoting and maintaining client safety
B. Discussing reasons for the client's behavior
C. Assisting the client to recognize feelings
D. Teaching the client alternative coping strategies
Answer: A. Promoting and maintaining client safety
25. A nurse is reviewing the medications of a client who has bipolar disorder and a new
prescription for lithium. The nurse should identify that it is safe to administer which of the
following medications while the client is taking lithium?
A. Ibuprofen
B. Haloperidol
C. Valproic acid
D. Hydrochlorothiazide
Answer: C. Valproic acid
26. A nurse is assessing a client who has Stage 4 Alzheimer's disease. Which of the following
findings should the nurse expect?
A. No noticeable symptoms of memory loss
B. Difficulty with complex tasks and planning
C. Severe memory loss and disorientation
D. Minimal assistance needed for activities of daily living (ADLs)
Answer: B. Difficulty with complex tasks and planning
27. A nurse is speaking to a community group about the diagnosis and treatment of clients
who have Alzheimer’s disease. The nurse should conclude that a member of the group
requires further teaching when she identifies which of the following findings as a
manifestation of Alzheimer's disease?
A. Impaired judgment
B. Sudden confusion
C. Personality change
D. Remote memory loss
Answer: B. Sudden confusion
28. A nurse is planning care for a newly admitted client who has bipolar disorder and is
experiencing acute mania. Which of the following client goals should the nurse identify as
the priority?
A. Practicing problem-solving skills
B. Understanding of medication regimen
C. Identifying indications of relapse
D. Maintaining adequate hydration
Answer: D. Maintaining adequate hydration
29. A nurse is caring for a client who has Alzheimer's disease and becomes agitated while
refusing morning hygiene care. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Talk to the client from two arm-lengths away.
B. Obtain assistance to restrain the client for safety.
C. Firmly state to the client that morning care will be performed.
D. Call the provider to request a prescription for an antipsychotic medication.
Answer: A. Talk to the client from two arm-lengths away.
30. A nurse is interviewing a client who has anorexia nervosa. Which of the following
findings should the nurse expect?
A. Poor personal hygiene habits
B. Strenuous exercise regimen
C. Grandiose behaviours
D. Intense fear of death
Answer: B. Strenuous exercise regimen
31. A nurse is teaching a client who has agoraphobia about systematic desensitization. Which
of the following comments should the nurse include in the teaching?
A. You will watch from a secure location as your therapist goes to public spaces."
B. "You will start your therapy by staying in a public space until your anxiety decreases."
C. "You will be instructed to say 'Stop!' out loud when you become anxious in public spaces."
D. "You will slowly be exposed to increasing levels of public spaces."
Answer: D. "You will slowly be exposed to increasing levels of public spaces."
32. A nurse is assessing a client who has conduct disorder. Which of the following findings
should the nurse expect?
A. Fearfulness of authority figures
B. Flat affect
C. Preoccupation with enforcing rules
D. Aggressive behavior toward others
Answer: D. Aggressive behavior toward others
33. A nurse is planning care for a client who has bipolar disorder and is experiencing a manic
episode. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan?
A. Discourage the client from taking naps during the day.
B. Allow the client to choose which clothing to wear each day.
C. Encourage the client to participate in group therapy.
D. Provide the client frequently with high-calorie finger-foods.
Answer: D. Provide the client frequently with high-calorie finger-foods.
34. A nurse is admitting a client who has antisocial personality disorder to an acute care unit.
The client is admitted under court order following the theft and destruction of a car. Which of
the following behaviours should the nurse expect the client to display?
A. Relief about finally receiving care for a problem for which he was previously afraid to ask
for help
B Anger with the nursing staff for hospitalizing him against his will
C. Withdrawal from others due to shame over his recent actions
D. Remorse for stealing and destroying the car
Answer: B Anger with the nursing staff for hospitalizing him against his will
35. A nurse is caring fora client who is receiving treatment for alcohol detoxification. Which
of the following medications should the nurse expect to administer during this phase of the
client's care?
A. Buprenorphine
B. Diazepam
C. Varenicline
D. Rimonabant
Answer: B. Diazepam
36. A nurse in the emergency department is assessing a client who has heroin intoxication.
Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
A. Seizure activity
B. Respiratory depression
C. Hypersensitivity to pain
D. Increased mental alertness
Answer: B. Respiratory depression
37. A nurse in an acute mental health facility is caring for a client who is experiencing an
acute manic episode. Which of the following actions is the nurse's priority?
A. Maintain the client's contact with her family.
B. Discourage the client's use of vulgar language.
C. Protect the client from impulsive behavior.
D. Redirect excessive energy to creative tasks.
Answer: C. Protect the client from impulsive behavior.
38. A nurse is performing an admission assessment for a client who has restricting type
anorexia nervosa. The nurse should expect which of the following findings?
A. Recurrent binging
B. Compensatory vomiting
C. Loss of appetite
D. Decreased caloric intake
Answer: D. Decreased caloric intake
39. A nurse in a substance use disorder treatment facility is reviewing the medication records
for a group of clients. The nurse should expect to administer methadone for a client who has a
substance use disorder for which of the following substances?
A. Amphetamines
B. Opiates
C. Barbiturates
D. Hallucinogenic
Answer: B. Opiates
40. A nurse is caring for a client who has major depressive disorder and is severely
withdrawn. Which of the following techniques should the nurse use to facilitate
communication with the client?
A. Continue to talk if the client does not provide an immediate verbal response.
B. Use p latitudes when talking with the client
C. Ask the client direct questions.
D. Speak to the client using simple and concrete terminology
Answer: D. Speak to the client using simple and concrete terminology
41. A nurse is planning a staff education session about the administration of antidepressant
medications to older adult clients. Which of the following information should the nurse
include in the teaching?
A. Older adult clients require a lower initial dose of antidepressant medication than adult
clients.
B. Older adult clients should not receive antidepressant medication.
C. Older adult clients achieve the therapeutic effects of antidepressant medications more
quickly than adult clients.
D. Older adult clients have a decreased risk for adverse effects from antidepressant
medication.
Answer: A. Older adult clients require a lower initial dose of antidepressant medication than
adult clients.
42. A nurse is providing teaching to the parents of a school-age child who has attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Which of the following instructions should the nurse include
in the teaching?
A. "Ignore your child's attention-seeking behaviours that are not dangerous,"
B. "Administer ADHD medications within 30 minutes of your child's bedtime."
C. "Continue with an activity as planned even if your child becomes frustrated."
D. "Expect your child to gain weight after starting ADHD medications."
Answer: A. "Ignore your child's attention-seeking behaviours that are not dangerous,"
43. A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has a new prescription for disulfiram for the
management of alcohol dependence. Which of the following dietary choices should the nurse
instruct the client to avoid?
A. " Peppermint candy
B. Pure vanilla extract
C. Salt
D. Chocolate
Answer: B. Pure vanilla extract
44. A nurse is assessing a client who takes phenelzine for the treatment of depression. Which
of the following findings is the priority for the nurse to report to the provider?
A. Elevated blood pressure
B. Weight gain
C. Muscle twitching
D. 2+ peripheral edema
Answer: A. Elevated blood pressure
45. A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who has a new prescription for a
benzodiazepine. For which of the following findings should the nurse question the provider’s
prescription?
A. A skeletal muscle injury
B. History of status epilepticus
C. Hypotension
D. Insomnia
Answer: C. Hypotension
46. A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has generalized anxiety disorder and a new
prescription for buspirone. The nurse should inform the client that which of the following
manifestations is a common adverse effect of this medication?
A. Confusion
B. Bradycardia
C. Dizziness
D. Insomnia
Answer: C. Dizziness
47. A nurse is caring for a client who has Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome due to alcohol use
disorder. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
A. Increased arousal
B. Arrhythmias
C. Confusion
D. Esophageal pain
Answer: C. Confusion
48. A nurse is caring for a client who reports that the television set in the room is really a twoway radio and states, "voices are coming from the TV and everything we say in this room is
being recorded." Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
A. What we say is not being recorded.
B. "Let's ignore the voices and talk about something else.”
C. "That must be very frightening."
D. "Why do you think the TV is a two-way radio?”
Answer: C. "That must be very frightening."
49. A nurse is caring for a client who has Alzheimer's disease and a new prescription for
donepezil. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Monitor the client's liver function while taking this medication.
B. Increase the dosage of this medication every 72 hr.
C. Offer the client a PRN NSAID while taking this medication.
D. Administer the medication at bedtime.
Answer: D. Administer the medication at bedtime.
50. A nurse is planning care for a client who has borderline personality disorder who selfmutilates. Which of the following treatment approaches should the nurse plan to take?
A. Restrict participation in group therapy sessions.
B. Establish consequences for self-mutilation.
C. Maintain close observation of the client.
D. Provide an unstructured environment.
Answer: C. Maintain close observation of the client.
