11/17/23, 2:59 PM ATI Mental Health Review
ATI Mental Health Review
● Basics
o Consciousness is important
▪ Alert: patient is responsive, opens eyes spontaneously,
answers questions appropriately.
▪ Lethargic: patient can open his or her eyes and respond to
questions but falls asleep easily.
▪ Obtunded: patient responds to light shaking, but is
confused and slow to respond.
▪ Stuporous: patient barely responds to painful stimuli
▪ Comatose: patient unresponsive. Abnormal posturing is
present.
● Patient Rights
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,11/17/23, 2:59 PM ATI Mental Health Review
o Refusal of Treatment: even patients who are involuntarily
admitted have the right to refuse treatment. They are human
beings!
▪ Only exception is if deemed incapable by the counts in
which an appointed person will make medical decisions
based on their behalf.
o Confidentiality: HIPAA states that health information cannot be
released without patient permission.
▪ If someone calls for an update, suggest they reach out to
the family regarding the patient’s condition.
▪ If you hear a conversation about a patient in a public
space, take action to stop it.
o Mandatory Reporting: nurses are required to report suspicion of
abuse and to warn or protect third parties at risk for harm.
2
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,11/17/23, 2:59 PM ATI Mental Health Review
▪ Children, and older adults- ensure the story can match
with developmental age and injury.
● Informed Consent
o Provider Responsibilities
▪ Communicate purpose of procedure, description, risks and
benefits, alternative options.
▪ Use interpreter always if communication barrier exists
o Nurses Responsibility
▪ Ensure provider talked to patient before and ask about any
questions and contact provider on behalf of patient
3
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, 11/17/23, 2:59 PM ATI Mental Health Review
▪ Determine if patient is competent enough to sign the
consent and if they are emancipated minor.
▪ Witness the signature of the patient.
● Restraints
o Types:
▪ Physical: wrist, belt mittens, vest
▪ Chemical: medications
o Alternatives
▪ Talking with them, provide diversions
▪ Remember always least invasive to most invasive!
4
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ATI Mental Health Review
● Basics
o Consciousness is important
▪ Alert: patient is responsive, opens eyes spontaneously,
answers questions appropriately.
▪ Lethargic: patient can open his or her eyes and respond to
questions but falls asleep easily.
▪ Obtunded: patient responds to light shaking, but is
confused and slow to respond.
▪ Stuporous: patient barely responds to painful stimuli
▪ Comatose: patient unresponsive. Abnormal posturing is
present.
● Patient Rights
about:blank 1/47
,11/17/23, 2:59 PM ATI Mental Health Review
o Refusal of Treatment: even patients who are involuntarily
admitted have the right to refuse treatment. They are human
beings!
▪ Only exception is if deemed incapable by the counts in
which an appointed person will make medical decisions
based on their behalf.
o Confidentiality: HIPAA states that health information cannot be
released without patient permission.
▪ If someone calls for an update, suggest they reach out to
the family regarding the patient’s condition.
▪ If you hear a conversation about a patient in a public
space, take action to stop it.
o Mandatory Reporting: nurses are required to report suspicion of
abuse and to warn or protect third parties at risk for harm.
2
about:blank 2/47
,11/17/23, 2:59 PM ATI Mental Health Review
▪ Children, and older adults- ensure the story can match
with developmental age and injury.
● Informed Consent
o Provider Responsibilities
▪ Communicate purpose of procedure, description, risks and
benefits, alternative options.
▪ Use interpreter always if communication barrier exists
o Nurses Responsibility
▪ Ensure provider talked to patient before and ask about any
questions and contact provider on behalf of patient
3
about:blank 3/47
, 11/17/23, 2:59 PM ATI Mental Health Review
▪ Determine if patient is competent enough to sign the
consent and if they are emancipated minor.
▪ Witness the signature of the patient.
● Restraints
o Types:
▪ Physical: wrist, belt mittens, vest
▪ Chemical: medications
o Alternatives
▪ Talking with them, provide diversions
▪ Remember always least invasive to most invasive!
4
about:blank 4/47
