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    ATI LPN MENTAL HEALTH PROCTORED EXAM
    Select All That Apply

    A nurse in an outpatient behavioral facility is caring for a client who has a substance use disorder and a history of violence. Which of the following client statements should the nurse identify as being consistent with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)? (Select All that Apply.)

    Explanation & Rationale

    A. "My parents divorced when I was 13 years old." Divorce is recognized as an adverse childhood experience (ACE) because it can create emotional instability, financial stress, and changes in family dynamics, potentially affecting long-term mental health outcomes. B. "We always had plenty of food in the house to eat." Having consistent access to food suggests a stable home environment, which is not classified as an ACE. Adverse experiences often include neglect, which involves a lack of basic needs such as food, shelter, or medical care. C. "I was teased at school for wearing dirty clothes every day for weeks." Persistent neglect, such as not having clean clothing, can indicate parental neglect—one of the recognized ACEs. This can contribute to feelings of shame, social isolation, and long-term psychological distress. D. "My parents would get in physical altercations." Witnessing domestic violence is a significant ACE that can lead to long-term emotional trauma, increased risk of anxiety, depression, and difficulty forming healthy relationships later in life. E. "My parent went to prison when I was 12 years old." Parental incarceration is a recognized ACE, as it can cause emotional distress, economic hardship, and social stigma, increasing the child's risk for mental health disorders and substance use. F. "My parent would swear often at my sibling and I." Verbal abuse, including frequent swearing or demeaning language, is a form of emotional abuse. Emotional abuse is a major ACE that can contribute to low self-esteem, difficulty regulating emotions, and increased vulnerability to mental health conditions.

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