ATI Mental Health Practice A 2023

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The best initial intervention for a patient with PTSD experiencing flashbacks is to provide relaxation techniques. This approach helps the patient manage flashbacks by focusing on the present moment, promoting relaxation, and reducing anxiety associated with the traumatic memories. Encouraging the patient to avoid triggers or social situations may not address the immediate distress caused by flashbacks, while talking about feelings may not be as effective as providing immediate tools to manage the distressing symptoms.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Developing a safety plan with the patient is crucial when addressing self-harm behaviors in individuals with borderline personality disorder. This intervention helps outline steps to take during a crisis, identifies triggers, and provides strategies to prevent self-harm incidents. It involves collaboratively creating a plan between the patient and the healthcare team to ensure a structured and supportive approach to managing potentially dangerous situations.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Buspirone is a medication commonly prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) due to its effectiveness and lower risk of dependency compared to benzodiazepines like diazepam. While fluoxetine and sertraline are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) often used for various anxiety disorders, buspirone is specifically indicated for GAD.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Negative self-talk is a common cognitive symptom of major depressive disorder. It involves a pattern of negative thoughts and beliefs about oneself, which can significantly impact a patient's self-esteem and overall outlook on life. Hallucinations and delusions are more commonly associated with other mental health conditions like schizophrenia, while lack of appetite is typically considered a physical symptom of depression rather than a cognitive one.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'C: Delusions.' Positive symptoms of schizophrenia involve an excess or distortion of normal functions. Delusions are fixed false beliefs that are not based in reality and are considered positive symptoms because they represent an addition of abnormal behavior or thoughts.