ATI Mental Health Important Topics ASN-1
1. A nurse is reviewing medication records for several clients who have bipolar disorder. The
nurse should recognize that which of the following medications are used to treat clients who
have bipolar disorder? (Select all that apply.)
A. Paroxetine
B. Lithium
C. Donepezll
D. Valproate
E. Carbamazepine
Answer: A. Paroxetine
B. Lithium
E. Carbamazepine
2. A nurse notices that a client who has moderate anxiety is pacing the hall and mumbling As
the nurse approaches the client, he states, "I am at the end of my rope. I don't think I can take
any more bad news." Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
A. "Most clients with anxiety issues benefit from lying down."
B. “Come with me to an area where we can talk without interruption”
C. "Providers usually recommend relaxation exercises for clients who are as upset as you
are."
D. "An antianxiety pill works best for situations like this."
Answer: B. “Come with me to an area where we can talk without interruption”
3. A nurse is caring for a newly admitted client who has obsessive-compulsive disorder
(OCD). Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Discuss alternative coping strategies with the client.
B. Identify precipitating factors for ritualistic behaviors
C. Instruct the client on relaxation techniques for use when anxiety increases.
D. Provide a structured activity schedule for the client.
Answer: B. “Come with me to an area where we can talk without interruption”
4. A nurse is assessing a client who is experiencing chronic stress. Which of the following
findings should the nurse expect?
A. Hypotension
B. Viral Infection
C. increased energy
D. Increased cognitive awareness
Answer: B. Viral Infection
5. A nurse in a drug and alcohol detoxification center is planning care for a client who has
alcohol use disorder. Which of the following interventions should the nurse identify as the
priority?
A. Helping the client identify positive personality traits
B. Providing for adequate hydration and rest
C. Confronting the use of denial and other defense mechanisms
D. Educating the client about the consequences of alcohol misuse
Answer: B. Providing for adequate hydration and rest
6. A nurse In a mental health facility is planning care for a client who has obsessivecompulsive disorder (OCD) and is newly admitted to the unit. Which of the following actions
should the nurse plan to take regarding the client's compulsive behaviors?
A. Isolate the client for a period of time.
B. Confront the client about the senseless nature of the repetitive behaviors.
C. Plan the client’s schedule to allow time for rituals
D. Set strict limits on the behaviors so that the client can conform to the unit rules and
schedules
Answer: C. Plan the client’s schedule to allow time for rituals
7. A nurse on an inpatient mental health unit is admitting a client who has panic-level anxiety.
After showing the client to his room, which of the following nursing actions is most
therapeutic at this time?
A. Suggest that the client rest in bed.
B. Remain with the client for a while
C. Medicate the client with a sedative.
D. Have the client join a therapy group.
Answer: B. Remain with the client for a while
8. A nurse is admitting a client who Is about to undergo surgery for benign prostatic
hypertrophy. The client states, "I don't know what I will do if they find I have cancer." Which
of the following responses should the nurse make?
A. "Why do you think you might have cancer when your diagnosis is a benign condition?"
B. "I'm looking at your chart here and I don't see any reason for you to worry about that."
C. "I think that's something you need to discuss with your provider "
D. “I’m hearing that you are concerned that it might turn our that you have cancer
Answer: D. “I’m hearing that you are concerned that it might turn our that you have cancer
9. A charge nurse is admitting a client who has bipolar disorder and who is in the manic
phase. Which of the following room assignments should the nurse give the client?
A. A semi-private room across from the day room.
B. A private room in a quiet location on the unit
C. A private room across from the exercise room.
D. A semi-private room across from the snack area.
Answer: B. A private room in a quiet location on the unit
10. A nurse In a mental health facility is interacting with a client who is angry and becoming
increasingly aggressive. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Move the client to a private area so the conversation will not be disturbed.
B. Use clarification to determine what the client is feeling
C. Speak to the client using an authoritative voice.
D. Maintain constant eye contact with the client.
Answer: B. Use clarification to determine what the client is feeling
11. A nurse is admitting an older adult client who has a suspected cognitive disorder. Which
of the following inventories should be included as part of the admission assessment?
A. Mental status examination (MSE)
B. Brief Patient Health Questionnaire (Brief PHQ)
C. Abnormal Involuntary Movements Scale (AIMS)
D. Scale for Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS)
Answer: A. Mental status examination (MSE)
12. A nurse In the emergency department is implementing a plan of care for an older adult
client who is experiencing delirium tremens. Which of the following actions should the nurse
take first?
A. Administer diazepam.
B. Raise the side rails of the bed
C. Obtain a medical history.
D. Start intravenous fluids.
Answer: B. Raise the side rails of the bed
13. A nurse is reinforcing teaching about alcohol tolerance with a newly admitted client.
Which of the following statements by the client indicates understanding?
A. "Alcohol tolerance produces physical changes when I haven't recently ingested alcohol."
B. "Alcohol tolerance causes me to have an increased effect when taking opiates."
C. “I Will develop a decreased physical response to alcohol”
D. "Alcohol tolerance is a medical emergency and can develop as a result of withdrawal."
Answer: C. “I Will develop a decreased physical response to alcohol”
14. A nurse is caring for a 48-year-old client who is grieving following the death of her
husband seven months ago. The client reports that she has lost 30. lb. and is having difficulty
sleeping. Which of the following factors indicate the client is experiencing maladaptive
grieving?
A. The client is 48. years old.
B. The client’s husband died seven months ago.
C. The client has lost 30. lb.
D. The client is having difficulty sleeping.
Answer: B. The client’s husband died seven months ago.
15. A nurse is caring for a new client who exhibits manifestations of a major depressive
episode. The provider states that she wants to rule out medical conditions which could also be
linked to the findings. The nurse should expect diagnostic testing for which of the following
medical conditions?
A. Pancreatitis
B. Cholecystitis
C. Tuberculosis
D. Hypothyroidism
Answer: D. Hypothyroidism
16. A nurse is speaking with the parents of a 4-year-old child who has a terminal illness. The
parents tell the nurse they have taken their son's name off the list for little league baseball
next season. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
A. “It must be frustrating for you to have to cancel an activity you son enjoyed”
B. "Baseball can be a dangerous sport for children anyway."
C. "You never know. He could be ready for baseball by the spring."
D. "Why did you feel you needed to do that at this time?"
Answer: A. “It must be frustrating for you to have to cancel an activity you son enjoyed”
17. A nurse is caring for a 9-year-old boy who has a new diagnosis of diabetes mellitus and is
eager to return to school and participate in social events. The mother tells the nurse she is
afraid to let him take part in physical activities at school. Which of the following responses
should the nurse make?
A. “Tell me more about how you are feeling about you son’s activities”
B. "You might want to use tutors to home-school him."
C. "I agree. His well-being is the most important."
D. "You sound overprotective. Let's talk about this some more."
Answer: A. “Tell me more about how you are feeling about you son’s activities”
18. A nurse is caring for several clients who have mental health disorders at an assisted-living
facility. Which of the following clients should the nurse determine needs to be seen by a
provider immediately?
A. A client who is taking olanzapine and experiences dizziness when first standing up
B. A client who is taking chlorpromazine and reports vomiting twice
C. A client who is taking thioridazine and has daytime drowsiness
D. A Client who is taking clozapine and has flu-like manifestations
Answer: D. A Client who is taking clozapine and has flu-like manifestations
19. A nurse in an acute care mental health facility is admitting a client who reports feeling
depressed, sad, moody, and overly anxious. Which of the following is the nurse's assessment
priority?
A. Coping abilities
B. Support systems
C. Suicide risk
D. Psychiatric history
Answer: C. Suicide risk
20. A nurse In an emergency department is caring for a client who is experiencing acute
alcohol withdrawal. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Implement seizure precautions.
B. Insert an IV access site.
C. Perform a neurological exam
D. Obtain a blood specimen.
Answer: C. Perform a neurological exam
21. A client who has major depressive disorder states to the nurse that he and his family
would be better off if he were gone. Which of the following is the nurse's priority response?
A. "Do you really think your family would be better off without you?"
B. “Are you thinking of harming yourself?”
C. "Tell me what is happening right now."
D. "When did you first start feeling this way?"
Answer: B. “Are you thinking of harming yourself?”
22. A nurse on an acute mental health unit is caring for a client who has major depressive
disorder. Which of the following interventions is the nurse's priority?
A. Monitor for risk of self-harm.
B. Administer prescribed antidepressants.
C. Encourage adequate fluid intake.
D. Assist with activities of daily living.
Answer: A. Monitor for risk of self-harm.
23. A nurse is caring for a client who has obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Which of
the following characteristics are expected findings of OCD? (Select all that apply.)
A. Difficulty relaxing
B. Irrational fear of certain objects
C. Rule-conscious behavior
D. Unaware of compulsions
E. Perfectionist behavior
Answer: A. Difficulty relaxing
C. Rule-conscious behavior
E. Perfectionist behavior
24. A nurse is caring for a young adult client who says he is experiencing increased anxiety
and an inability to concentrate. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
A. “It sounds like you’re having a difficult time”
B. “Have you talked to your parents about this yet?"
C. "Why do you think you are so anxious?"
D. "How long has this been going on?"
Answer: A. “It sounds like you’re having a difficult time”
25. A nurse manager is providing staff education about working with clients who have a
history of anger and aggression. Which of the following information should the nurse include
in the teaching? (Select all that apply.)
A. Avoid wearing necklaces during client care.
B. Know the layout of the facility.
C. Stand directly in front of the client when talking.
D. Bring security with you for all client interactions.
E. Provide Immediate verbal feedback for escalating behavior.
Answer: A. Avoid wearing necklaces during client care.
B. Know the layout of the facility.
E. Provide Immediate verbal feedback for escalating behavior.
26. A client becomes very dejected and states. "No one really cares what happens to me. Life
isn't worth living anymore." Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
A. "Of course people care. Your family comes to visit every day."
B. "Why do you feel that way?"
C. "Tell me who you think doesn't care about you."
D. “I care about you and I am concerned that you feel so sad”
Answer: D. “I care about you and I am concerned that you feel so sad”
27. A nurse is assessing a client who has a history of alcohol use disorder. Which of the
following questions should the nurse include to determine how the use of alcohol affects the
client’s psychosocial behaviors?
A. “Has alcohol use affected your performance at work”
B. "Have you received prior treatment for substance use disorder?”
C. "Do you receive treatment for any mental health disorders?"
D. "At what age did you begin drinking alcohol?"
Answer: A. “Has alcohol use affected your performance at work”
28. A nurse is caring for a client who has major depressive disorder (MOD). Which of the
following findings should the nurse expect?
A. Significant change in weight
B. Hyperexcitability
C. Exaggerated response to stimuli
D. Attention seeking behavior
Answer: A. Significant change in weight
29. A nurse is sitting in the day room at an acute care mental health facility with a group of
clients who are watching television. Suddenly one of the clients jumps up screaming and runs
out of the room. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Ask the group what they think about the client's behavior.
B. Follow the client to determine the cause of the behavior
C. Ignore the incident because it is an attention-seeking behavior.
D. Stay with the group and ask another client to go and check on the situation.
Answer: B. Follow the client to determine the cause of the behavior
30. A nurse in an emergency department is assessing a client for suspected cocaine
intoxication. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
A. Nystagmus
B. Dilated pupils
C. Hypersomnia
D. Depression
Answer: B. Dilated pupils
31. A home health care nurse is visiting an older adult client who tells the nurse that she is
feeling tired, is unable to shop for groceries, and would like the nurse to shop for her.
Shopping and performing personal errands for the client is prohibited in the nurse's job
description. Which of the following is an appropriate nursing response?
A. "I won't be able to shop for you today because I have to get home to my family."
B. "I would be happy to do whatever I can to help you."
C. "What I think you should do is wait for the days when you feel better and do your grocery
shopping then."
D. “Let’s look at some other resources to solve this problem”
Answer: D. “Let’s look at some other resources to solve this problem”
32. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has bipolar disorder and will be
discharged with a prescription for lithium. The nurse should teach the client that which of the
following factors puts her at risk for lithium toxicity?
A. The client runs 4. miles outdoors every afternoon
B. The client drinks 2. liters of liquids daily.
C. The client eats 2. to 3. gm of sodium-containing foods daily.
D. The client eats foods high in tyramine.
Answer: A. The client runs 4. miles outdoors every afternoon
33. A nurse is caring for a hospitalized client who tells lies about other clients. The other
clients on the unit frequently complain to the nursing staff about the client's disruptive
behaviors. Which of the following initial actions should the nurse take?
A. Talk to the client and identify the specific limits that are required of the client’s behavior
B. Discuss the problem in a community meeting with the other clients on the unit present
C. Escort the client to her room each time the nurse observes the client socializing with other
clients.
D. Tell the other clients to ignore the client's lies.
Answer: A. Talk to the client and identify the specific limits that are required of the client’s
behavior
34. A nurse In a hospital is caring for a client who has agoraphobia. Which of the following
statements by the client indicates understanding of the goals of treatment?
A. “I plan to sit on a park for a few minutes each day”
B. "I can try participating in group therapy every week."
C. "I will join a book dub in my neighborhood."
D. "I should avoid entering elevators and other closed spaces."
Answer: A. “I plan to sit on a park for a few minutes each day”
35. A nurse is observing a newly licensed nurse as she interacts with a client regarding his
concerns about his relationship with his partner. Which of the following statements by the
newly licensed nurse requires intervention by the nurse?
A. "Tell me about the concerns that you have regarding your relationship."
B. “You should try to see your partner’s point of view before you own”
C. "We could develop a plan for how to talk about this with your partner."
D. "Relationship difficulties are stressful and require effort to resolve."
Answer: B. “You should try to see your partner’s point of view before you own”
36. A nurse is caring for a client who has a mental illness. Which of the following actions by
the nurse demonstrates the ethical concept of autonomy?
A. Encouraging client feedback about satisfaction with the facility experience
B. Explaining unit rules and policies regarding unacceptable behaviors
C. Supporting the client’s who to refuse prescribed medications
D. Making sure (he client understands expectations for client participation
Answer: C. Supporting the client’s who to refuse prescribed medications
37. A nurse in an acute mental health facility is caring for a client who jumps out of her chair
and begins to shout angrily at the clients around her. Which of the following actions should
the nurse take first?
A. Call for assistance to place the client in restraints.
B. Escort the client to an unlocked seclusion room.
C. Offer the client a PRN antianxiety medication.
D. Speak to the client calmly, giving simple directions
Answer: D. Speak to the client calmly, giving simple directions
38. A nurse is admitting a client who is in the manic phase of bipolar disorder. The nurse
should plan to make which of the following room assignments for the client?
A. A private room in a quiet location on the unit
B. A semi-private room with a roommate who has a similar diagnosis
C. A private room close to the nursing station
D. A seclusion room until the client's activity level becomes more subdued.
Answer: A. A private room in a quiet location on the unit
39. A nurse is planning care for a client who demonstrates manipulative behavior. Which of
the following interventions should be included in the plan of care?
A. Allow manipulation so as to not raise the client's anxiety.
B. Avoid discussing past behaviors with the client.
C. Institute consequences for manipulative behavior.
D. Bargain with the client to discourage manipulative behavior.
Answer: C. Institute consequences for manipulative behavior.
40. A nurse is caring for a client who has a history of alcohol use disorder and has been
hospitalized for detoxification. The nurse enters the room and finds the client shouting in a
terrified voice, "Get these bugs off of me!" Which of the following responses by the nurse is
appropriate?
A. "I'm sure that the bugs you see will not harm you."
B. "Tell me more about the bugs that you see in your room."
C. “I don’t see any bugs, but you seem very frightened”
D. "I do not see anything. This is part of the withdrawal process."
Answer: C. “I don’t see any bugs, but you seem very frightened”
41. A nurse is discussing legal exceptions to client confidentiality with nursing staff. Which
of the following statements by a staff member indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A. "The legal requirement for client confidentiality ceases if the client is deceased."
B. "Staff members are required to divulge information to attorneys if they call for
information."
C. "Health care workers are not required to answer a court's requests for information about a
client's disclosure."
D. “Providers are required to warn individuals if the client threatens harm”
Answer: D. “Providers are required to warn individuals if the client threatens harm”
42. A nurse In a mental health facility is preparing to interview a client who is has
schizophrenia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Sit on the other side of a table from the client.
B. Place the client in a chair higher than the nurse.
C. Start the interview with a question the client can answer with a "yes" or "no."
D. Sit beside the client rather than facing him.
Answer: D. Sit beside the client rather than facing him.
43. A nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia who consistently does the opposite of
what the nurse asks of him. The nurse recognizes this as which of the following alterations in
behavior?
A. Automatic obedience
B. Waxy flexibility
C. Active Negativism
D. Impaired impulse control
Answer: C. Active Negativism
44. A nurse is caring for a client who is hospitalized for the treatment of severe depression.
Which of the following nursing approaches is therapeutic to include in the client's plan of
care?
A. Encouraging decision-making
B. Giving the client choices of activities
C. Playing a game of chess with the client
D. Spending time sitting with the client
Answer: D. Spending time sitting with the client
45. A charge nurse is conducting a staff education in-service about depressive disorders.
Which of the following should the nurse identify as a risk factor for depression?
A. Being married
B. Pregnancy
C. Male gender
D. Chronic Illness
Answer: D. Chronic Illness
46. A nurse on an inpatient mental health unit is caring for a client who has major depressive
disorder and malnutrition. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to improve
the client's nutritional status?
A. Enroll the client in a nutritional class on the unit.
B. Weigh the client at the same time every morning.
C. Ask provider to arrange a consultation with the facility chaplain.
D. Sit with the client during meals and snacks
Answer: D. Sit with the client during meals and snacks
47. A client who has bipolar disorder approaches the nurse and reveals fresh, self-inflicted,
superficial cuts going up and down his right arm. Which of the following actions should the
nurse take first?
A. Implement the client’s behavioral modification plan.
B. Document the size and location of the cuts.
C. Inspect the cuts for debits
D. Administer a tetanus antitoxin.
Answer: C. Inspect the cuts for debits
48. A nurse is caring for a client who has anorexia nervosa and overexercises to avoid gaining
weight. Which of the following nursing actions should the nurse take?
A. Praise the client for looking at herself in a mirror.
B. Ask the client to agree to talk to a nurse whenever she feels the urge to exercise
C. Reprimand the client about the potential damage that has occurred due to overexercising
her body.
D. Restrict the client from being weighed.
Answer: B. Ask the client to agree to talk to a nurse whenever she feels the urge to exercise
49. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving treatment for alcohol withdrawal. Which of
the following findings is the highest priority?
A. Vitamin deficiency
B. Diaphoresis
C. Tremors
D. illusions
Answer: D. illusions
