ATI MH-Unit 4 + 5 Study Guide (Latest
2026/2027 Update) With Detailed Solutions-
William Carey University Document
Contains Chapter 21 – Care of Clients who
are dying or grieving-pg. 1 Chapter 22 – MH
Issues of Children + Adolescents-pg. 3
Chapter 23
1. A nurse is caring for a client who has just experienced a traumatic event. The client stat
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
es, "I feel numb. I can't believe this happened." The nurse identifies this as which phase of
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
the trauma response?
fd fd
A) Impact phase
fd fd
B) Recoil phase
fd fd
C) Posttraumatic phase
fd fd
D) Denial phase
fd fd
2. A client in a crisis is observed to be using problem-
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
solving skills for the first time effectively. The nurse recognizes this indicates the client is
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
moving into which phase of crisis resolution?
fd fd fd fd fd fd
A) Phase 1: Exposure to the stressor
fd fd fd fd fd fd
B) Phase 2: Ineffective coping and increased anxiety
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
C) Phase 3: Resorting to new coping mechanisms
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
D) Phase 4: Resolution of the crisis
fd fd fd fd fd fd
3. A nurse is assessing a client who has survived a mass casualty event. Which of the follo
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
wing findings should indicate to the nurse that the client is at risk for developing posttrau
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
matic stress disorder (PTSD)? (Select all that apply)
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
A) The client has a history of a previous traumatic event.
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
B) The client reports feeling a sense of detachment from the event.
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
C) The client is actively seeking out support groups.
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
D) The client has a strong social support system in place.
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
E) The client experienced a high level of peritraumatic distress.
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
,4. A client presents to the emergency department with suicidal ideation and a specific plan
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
to overdose on her antihypertensive medication. Which of the following is the priority nu
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
rsing intervention? fd
A) Ask the client to sign a no-suicide contract.
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
B) Place the client in a safe, observable environment and remove potential means of self-harm.
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
C) Contact the client's family to request they bring in the medication.
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
D) Initiate one-on-one observation with continuous visual monitoring.
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
5. A nurse is conducting a suicide risk assessment. Which question is most effective in dete
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
rmining the client's intent and plan? fd fd fd fd fd
A) "Do you feel like hurting yourself?"
fd fd fd fd fd fd
B) "Have you thought about how you would kill yourself?"
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
C) "On a scale of 1 to 10, how hopeless are you feeling?"
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
D) "What would you do if you felt like hurting yourself?"
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
6. A nurse is caring for a client who is verbally aggressive and escalating. Which of the foll
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
owing de-escalation techniques should the nurse use first?
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
A) Offer the client medication to help them calm down.
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
B) Use physical restraints to ensure safety.
fd fd fd fd fd fd
C) Move the client to a quiet, private area to reduce stimuli.
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
D) Use a loud, firm voice to set clear limits on the behavior.
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
7. A nursing intervention that is most effective in preventing aggression in clients is:
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
A) Having a rigid and predictable daily schedule.
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
B) Placing a "prn" medication order for sedatives on the chart.
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
C) Routinely checking on the client and providing genuine interaction.
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
D) Avoiding all confrontation with the client to prevent agitation.
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
8. A client who has been showing signs of escalating anger says to the nurse, "You are the
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
most incompetent person I have ever met!" Which response by the nurse is therapeutic?
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
A) "I am not incompetent. I am trying to help you."
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
B) "It sounds like you are really angry right now. I am going to stand here so we can talk safely."
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
C) "If you continue to speak to me that way, I will have to leave the room."
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
D) "Why are you so angry with me? I haven't done anything to you."
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
9. A nurse is assessing a client for intimate partner violence (IPV). Which assessment techn
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
ique is most appropriate?
fd fd fd
A) Ask the client directly in the presence of their partner to be honest.
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
B) Ask the client, "Are you afraid of your partner or anyone at home?"
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
C) Only assess for IPV if the client has visible physical injuries.
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
D) Wait for the client to disclose the information spontaneously.
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
10. A client is in a shelter after fleeing an abusive relationship. She is crying and states, "I j
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
ust can't believe I let this happen to me. I should have left a long time ago." The nurse rec
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
, ognizes this statement is an example of:
fd fd fd fd fd fd
A) Acute stress disorder
fd fd fd
B) Guilt and self-blame
fd fd fd
C) An impending psychotic episode
fd fd fd fd
D) A normal grief response
fd fd fd fd
11. A nurse is caring for a client in an emergency department who has been sexually assaul
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
ted. Which of the following actions is the priority?
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
A) Provide a private room and ensure the client feels safe.
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
B) Collect forensic evidence.
fd fd fd
C) Offer a shower to help the client feel clean.
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
D) Contact the client's family for support.
fd fd fd fd fd fd
12. A client who is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse is being treated for depression. Th
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
e nurse understands that this history places the client at an increased risk for which of the
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
following? (Select all that apply) fd fd fd fd
A) Posttraumatic stress disorder
fd fd fd
B) Substance use disorders
fd fd fd
C) Borderline personality disorder
fd fd fd
D) Bipolar I disorder
fd fd fd
E) Panic disorder
fd fd
Answer Key and Detailed Solutions fd fd fd fd
1. Correct Answer: A) Impact phase
fd fd fd fd fd
• Rationale: The immediate response to a trauma is the impact phase. This is characterized
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
by feelings of numbness, shock, confusion, and disbelief. The recoil phase involves ackno
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
wledging the trauma and beginning to move forward. The posttraumatic phase involves i
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
ntegrating the experience. fd fd
2. Correct Answer: C) Phase 3: Resorting to new coping mechanisms
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
• Rationale: Crisis theory (often associated with Caplan) describes four phases. In Phase 3, t
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
he client begins to try new problem-
fd fd fd fd fd fd
solving techniques. If these are successful, the crisis is resolved. Phase 1 is the initial expos
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
ure, Phase 2 is when anxiety increases and old coping fails, and Phase 4 is when the crisis i
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
s resolved.
fd
3. Correct Answer: A) The client has a history of a previous traumatic event. & E) The client
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
experienced a high level of peritraumatic distress.
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
2026/2027 Update) With Detailed Solutions-
William Carey University Document
Contains Chapter 21 – Care of Clients who
are dying or grieving-pg. 1 Chapter 22 – MH
Issues of Children + Adolescents-pg. 3
Chapter 23
1. A nurse is caring for a client who has just experienced a traumatic event. The client stat
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
es, "I feel numb. I can't believe this happened." The nurse identifies this as which phase of
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
the trauma response?
fd fd
A) Impact phase
fd fd
B) Recoil phase
fd fd
C) Posttraumatic phase
fd fd
D) Denial phase
fd fd
2. A client in a crisis is observed to be using problem-
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
solving skills for the first time effectively. The nurse recognizes this indicates the client is
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
moving into which phase of crisis resolution?
fd fd fd fd fd fd
A) Phase 1: Exposure to the stressor
fd fd fd fd fd fd
B) Phase 2: Ineffective coping and increased anxiety
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
C) Phase 3: Resorting to new coping mechanisms
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
D) Phase 4: Resolution of the crisis
fd fd fd fd fd fd
3. A nurse is assessing a client who has survived a mass casualty event. Which of the follo
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
wing findings should indicate to the nurse that the client is at risk for developing posttrau
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
matic stress disorder (PTSD)? (Select all that apply)
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
A) The client has a history of a previous traumatic event.
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
B) The client reports feeling a sense of detachment from the event.
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
C) The client is actively seeking out support groups.
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
D) The client has a strong social support system in place.
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
E) The client experienced a high level of peritraumatic distress.
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
,4. A client presents to the emergency department with suicidal ideation and a specific plan
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
to overdose on her antihypertensive medication. Which of the following is the priority nu
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
rsing intervention? fd
A) Ask the client to sign a no-suicide contract.
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
B) Place the client in a safe, observable environment and remove potential means of self-harm.
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
C) Contact the client's family to request they bring in the medication.
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
D) Initiate one-on-one observation with continuous visual monitoring.
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
5. A nurse is conducting a suicide risk assessment. Which question is most effective in dete
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
rmining the client's intent and plan? fd fd fd fd fd
A) "Do you feel like hurting yourself?"
fd fd fd fd fd fd
B) "Have you thought about how you would kill yourself?"
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
C) "On a scale of 1 to 10, how hopeless are you feeling?"
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
D) "What would you do if you felt like hurting yourself?"
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
6. A nurse is caring for a client who is verbally aggressive and escalating. Which of the foll
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
owing de-escalation techniques should the nurse use first?
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
A) Offer the client medication to help them calm down.
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
B) Use physical restraints to ensure safety.
fd fd fd fd fd fd
C) Move the client to a quiet, private area to reduce stimuli.
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
D) Use a loud, firm voice to set clear limits on the behavior.
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
7. A nursing intervention that is most effective in preventing aggression in clients is:
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
A) Having a rigid and predictable daily schedule.
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
B) Placing a "prn" medication order for sedatives on the chart.
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
C) Routinely checking on the client and providing genuine interaction.
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
D) Avoiding all confrontation with the client to prevent agitation.
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
8. A client who has been showing signs of escalating anger says to the nurse, "You are the
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
most incompetent person I have ever met!" Which response by the nurse is therapeutic?
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
A) "I am not incompetent. I am trying to help you."
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
B) "It sounds like you are really angry right now. I am going to stand here so we can talk safely."
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
C) "If you continue to speak to me that way, I will have to leave the room."
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
D) "Why are you so angry with me? I haven't done anything to you."
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
9. A nurse is assessing a client for intimate partner violence (IPV). Which assessment techn
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
ique is most appropriate?
fd fd fd
A) Ask the client directly in the presence of their partner to be honest.
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
B) Ask the client, "Are you afraid of your partner or anyone at home?"
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
C) Only assess for IPV if the client has visible physical injuries.
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
D) Wait for the client to disclose the information spontaneously.
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
10. A client is in a shelter after fleeing an abusive relationship. She is crying and states, "I j
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
ust can't believe I let this happen to me. I should have left a long time ago." The nurse rec
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
, ognizes this statement is an example of:
fd fd fd fd fd fd
A) Acute stress disorder
fd fd fd
B) Guilt and self-blame
fd fd fd
C) An impending psychotic episode
fd fd fd fd
D) A normal grief response
fd fd fd fd
11. A nurse is caring for a client in an emergency department who has been sexually assaul
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
ted. Which of the following actions is the priority?
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
A) Provide a private room and ensure the client feels safe.
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
B) Collect forensic evidence.
fd fd fd
C) Offer a shower to help the client feel clean.
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
D) Contact the client's family for support.
fd fd fd fd fd fd
12. A client who is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse is being treated for depression. Th
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
e nurse understands that this history places the client at an increased risk for which of the
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
following? (Select all that apply) fd fd fd fd
A) Posttraumatic stress disorder
fd fd fd
B) Substance use disorders
fd fd fd
C) Borderline personality disorder
fd fd fd
D) Bipolar I disorder
fd fd fd
E) Panic disorder
fd fd
Answer Key and Detailed Solutions fd fd fd fd
1. Correct Answer: A) Impact phase
fd fd fd fd fd
• Rationale: The immediate response to a trauma is the impact phase. This is characterized
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
by feelings of numbness, shock, confusion, and disbelief. The recoil phase involves ackno
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
wledging the trauma and beginning to move forward. The posttraumatic phase involves i
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
ntegrating the experience. fd fd
2. Correct Answer: C) Phase 3: Resorting to new coping mechanisms
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
• Rationale: Crisis theory (often associated with Caplan) describes four phases. In Phase 3, t
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
he client begins to try new problem-
fd fd fd fd fd fd
solving techniques. If these are successful, the crisis is resolved. Phase 1 is the initial expos
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
ure, Phase 2 is when anxiety increases and old coping fails, and Phase 4 is when the crisis i
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
s resolved.
fd
3. Correct Answer: A) The client has a history of a previous traumatic event. & E) The client
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
experienced a high level of peritraumatic distress.
fd fd fd fd fd fd fd
