ATI LPN
Test Bank for Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice
Chapter 22 : Schizophrenia and Related Disorders: Nursing Care of Persons with Thought Disorders Questions
Question 1 of 5
A group of nursing students is reviewing the various theories related to the etiology of schizophrenia. The students demonstrate understanding of the information when they identify which neurotransmitter as being responsible for hallucinations and delusions?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Dopamine (
A) dysregulation, particularly excess in certain brain regions, is strongly linked to hallucinations and delusions in schizophrenia. Serotonin (
B), norepinephrine (
C), and GABA (
D) play roles in other disorders or symptoms but are less directly associated with these psychotic features.
Question 2 of 5
After teaching a class on antipsychotic agents, the instructor determines that the teaching was successful when the class identifies which of the following as an example of a second-generation antipsychotic agent?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Quetiapine (
C) is a second-generation (atypical) antipsychotic, effective for schizophrenia with fewer extrapyramidal side effects. Fluphenazine (
A), thiothixene (
B), and chlorpromazine (
D) are first-generation (typical) antipsychotics, associated with higher side effect risks.
Question 3 of 5
When assessing a client for possible disordered water balance, the nurse checks the client?s urine specific gravity. Which result would lead the nurse to suspect that the client is experiencing severe disordered water balance?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A urine specific gravity of 1.002 (
D) is extremely low, indicating overly dilute urine, consistent with severe disordered water balance (e.g., psychogenic polydipsia). Normal range is 1.010?1.030, so 1.020 (
A) and 1.011 (
B) are closer to normal, and 1.005 (
C) is less severe.
Question 4 of 5
A client with schizophrenia tells the nurse, I?m being watched constantly by the FBI because of my job. Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Empathizing with the client?s fear (
B) validates their emotions without reinforcing the delusion, fostering trust. Asking for more details (
A) may entrench the delusion, while dismissing (
C) or labeling it (
D) could alienate the client.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is working with a group of clients diagnosed with schizophrenia in a community setting. Which of the following would least likely be a priority?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: While improving quality of life (
A) is important, managing psychosis (
C), preventing relapse (
D), and instilling hope (
B) are more immediate priorities in schizophrenia care to stabilize symptoms and maintain recovery. Quality of life is a longer-term goal.