RN Mental Health ATI Study
Guide – Graded A++
Questions and Verified
Answers.
1. Describe therapeutic communication techniques used to de-escalate a
patient experiencing a manic episode.
Answer:
● Use calm and simple language.
● Maintain a non-threatening stance.
● Set clear boundaries and limits.
● Offer brief and direct instructions.
● Provide reassurance and validation of feelings.
Rationale:
During a manic episode, patients may have heightened energy and reduced ability to process
complex information. Therapeutic communication helps reduce agitation and establish trust,
promoting a safer environment.
2. What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient expressing suicidal
ideation with a specific plan?
Answer:
● Ensure immediate safety by implementing 1:1 observation.
● Remove any potential means of self-harm (e.g., sharp objects, medications).
● Notify the healthcare provider immediately.
Rationale:
A specific plan indicates a higher risk of suicide, necessitating immediate action to protect the
patient from harm. Direct supervision ensures constant monitoring, reducing the risk of self-
injury.
,3. Explain the difference between positive and negative symptoms in
schizophrenia and provide examples.
Answer:
● Positive symptoms: Additions to normal behavior, such as hallucinations, delusions,
and disorganized speech. Example: Hearing voices (auditory hallucination).
● Negative symptoms: Reductions in normal behavior, such as flat affect, alogia
(reduced speech), and anhedonia (lack of pleasure). Example: Lack of facial
expressions.
Rationale:
Differentiating these symptoms guides tailored interventions, as positive symptoms respond
better to antipsychotics, while negative symptoms require additional psychosocial support.
4. Identify at least three common side effects of Selective Serotonin
Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and appropriate nursing interventions.
Answer:
● Nausea: Suggest taking medication with food.
● Insomnia: Recommend taking the medication in the morning.
● Sexual dysfunction: Encourage open discussion and consider alternative treatments
with the healthcare provider.
Rationale:
SSRIs are frequently prescribed for depression and anxiety but have common side effects that
may impact adherence. Educating patients on managing these effects improves compliance.
5. A patient is pacing and shouting in the dayroom. What steps should the
nurse take to manage this situation safely?
Answer:
● Approach the patient calmly and maintain a safe distance.
● Use a low, calm voice to address the patient.
● Offer a quiet environment or suggest walking together to a less stimulating area.
● Avoid confrontation and set limits if necessary.
Rationale:
Managing aggressive behavior requires de-escalation techniques to ensure the safety of the
patient, staff, and others while maintaining the patient’s dignity.
, 6. What is the role of a nurse in administering and monitoring
electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)?
Answer:
● Ensure informed consent is signed before the procedure.
● Monitor vital signs before, during, and after ECT.
● Educate the patient about temporary memory loss and confusion post-procedure.
Rationale:
ECT is an effective treatment for severe depression and other conditions. Nurses play a key role
in patient education, preparation, and recovery monitoring to ensure safety and efficacy.
7. List the components of a mental status examination and provide an
example of how you would assess each.
Answer:
● Appearance: Observe clothing and grooming (e.g., "The patient is wearing clean,
weather-appropriate clothes").
● Mood/Affect: Ask about mood and compare it to observed affect (e.g., "Patient reports
feeling sad but smiles throughout the conversation").
● Thought Process: Assess for coherence and organization (e.g., "Patient demonstrates
flight of ideas").
● Cognition: Test memory and attention (e.g., "Patient recalls three words after five
minutes").
Rationale:
A mental status exam provides a structured approach to assessing a patient’s psychological
functioning, aiding in diagnosis and treatment planning.
8. How can a nurse differentiate between delirium and dementia in a patient
with cognitive impairment?
Answer:
● Delirium: Acute onset, fluctuating course, and often reversible. Example: Sudden
confusion post-surgery.
● Dementia: Gradual onset, progressive course, and irreversible. Example: Gradual
memory loss over months or years.
Rationale:
Understanding these distinctions guides appropriate interventions. Delirium requires urgent
Guide – Graded A++
Questions and Verified
Answers.
1. Describe therapeutic communication techniques used to de-escalate a
patient experiencing a manic episode.
Answer:
● Use calm and simple language.
● Maintain a non-threatening stance.
● Set clear boundaries and limits.
● Offer brief and direct instructions.
● Provide reassurance and validation of feelings.
Rationale:
During a manic episode, patients may have heightened energy and reduced ability to process
complex information. Therapeutic communication helps reduce agitation and establish trust,
promoting a safer environment.
2. What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient expressing suicidal
ideation with a specific plan?
Answer:
● Ensure immediate safety by implementing 1:1 observation.
● Remove any potential means of self-harm (e.g., sharp objects, medications).
● Notify the healthcare provider immediately.
Rationale:
A specific plan indicates a higher risk of suicide, necessitating immediate action to protect the
patient from harm. Direct supervision ensures constant monitoring, reducing the risk of self-
injury.
,3. Explain the difference between positive and negative symptoms in
schizophrenia and provide examples.
Answer:
● Positive symptoms: Additions to normal behavior, such as hallucinations, delusions,
and disorganized speech. Example: Hearing voices (auditory hallucination).
● Negative symptoms: Reductions in normal behavior, such as flat affect, alogia
(reduced speech), and anhedonia (lack of pleasure). Example: Lack of facial
expressions.
Rationale:
Differentiating these symptoms guides tailored interventions, as positive symptoms respond
better to antipsychotics, while negative symptoms require additional psychosocial support.
4. Identify at least three common side effects of Selective Serotonin
Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and appropriate nursing interventions.
Answer:
● Nausea: Suggest taking medication with food.
● Insomnia: Recommend taking the medication in the morning.
● Sexual dysfunction: Encourage open discussion and consider alternative treatments
with the healthcare provider.
Rationale:
SSRIs are frequently prescribed for depression and anxiety but have common side effects that
may impact adherence. Educating patients on managing these effects improves compliance.
5. A patient is pacing and shouting in the dayroom. What steps should the
nurse take to manage this situation safely?
Answer:
● Approach the patient calmly and maintain a safe distance.
● Use a low, calm voice to address the patient.
● Offer a quiet environment or suggest walking together to a less stimulating area.
● Avoid confrontation and set limits if necessary.
Rationale:
Managing aggressive behavior requires de-escalation techniques to ensure the safety of the
patient, staff, and others while maintaining the patient’s dignity.
, 6. What is the role of a nurse in administering and monitoring
electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)?
Answer:
● Ensure informed consent is signed before the procedure.
● Monitor vital signs before, during, and after ECT.
● Educate the patient about temporary memory loss and confusion post-procedure.
Rationale:
ECT is an effective treatment for severe depression and other conditions. Nurses play a key role
in patient education, preparation, and recovery monitoring to ensure safety and efficacy.
7. List the components of a mental status examination and provide an
example of how you would assess each.
Answer:
● Appearance: Observe clothing and grooming (e.g., "The patient is wearing clean,
weather-appropriate clothes").
● Mood/Affect: Ask about mood and compare it to observed affect (e.g., "Patient reports
feeling sad but smiles throughout the conversation").
● Thought Process: Assess for coherence and organization (e.g., "Patient demonstrates
flight of ideas").
● Cognition: Test memory and attention (e.g., "Patient recalls three words after five
minutes").
Rationale:
A mental status exam provides a structured approach to assessing a patient’s psychological
functioning, aiding in diagnosis and treatment planning.
8. How can a nurse differentiate between delirium and dementia in a patient
with cognitive impairment?
Answer:
● Delirium: Acute onset, fluctuating course, and often reversible. Example: Sudden
confusion post-surgery.
● Dementia: Gradual onset, progressive course, and irreversible. Example: Gradual
memory loss over months or years.
Rationale:
Understanding these distinctions guides appropriate interventions. Delirium requires urgent
