ATI RN
Age Specific Care Quiz Questions
Question 1 of 5
A 27-year-old woman diagnosed with borderline personality disorder displays a labile affect, impulsivity, frequent angry outbursts, and difficulty tolerating her angry feelings without self-injury. A priority nursing diagnosis for this client is:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Risk for self-mutilation. This is the priority nursing diagnosis because the client is displaying behaviors such as self-injury due to difficulty tolerating angry feelings. Self-mutilation poses an immediate risk to the client's safety and requires immediate intervention. The other choices are incorrect because anxiety (A) is a common symptom of borderline personality disorder but not the priority in this case. Risk for other-directed violence (C) is not indicated as the client is primarily harming themselves. Ineffective coping (D) is a broad diagnosis that does not address the immediate risk of self-mutilation.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient with bulimia nervosa. What is a priority assessment for this patient?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Electrolyte imbalances and cardiac function. This is because patients with bulimia nervosa often engage in purging behaviors which can lead to electrolyte imbalances and cardiac complications. Assessing electrolyte levels and cardiac function is crucial to prevent life-threatening complications. Choice B is incorrect because while body image and mental health are important considerations, they are not the priority assessment in this case. Choice C is also incorrect as nutritional status and hydration levels can be affected, but not as immediately life-threatening as electrolyte imbalances and cardiac issues. Choice D is incorrect as weight changes and exercise patterns may be important, but they are not the priority assessment for a patient with bulimia nervosa.
Question 3 of 5
A psychiatric technician mentions to the nurse, 'All these clients with Axis II problems! It makes me wonder how so many mothers could have been such poor parents and messed up their kids so badly!' The response by the nurse that helps put the development of personality disorders into perspective is:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for correct answer (C): 1. Personality disorders are complex and have multifactorial causes. 2. Research suggests a biological component to personality disorders, such as genetic predispositions. 3. This understanding helps to shift the blame away from solely poor parenting. 4. It aligns with the biopsychosocial model, which considers biological, psychological, and social factors. 5. This response promotes a holistic view of personality development. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: A: Shifts focus to gender roles, which is not directly relevant to the etiology of personality disorders. B: Narrowly associates personality disorders with sexual abuse, ignoring other contributing factors. D: Overemphasizes peer interactions over parental influence, which is not supported by extensive research on personality development.
Question 4 of 5
When a patient with a personality disorder uses manipulation as a way of getting needs met, the staff agree to use limit setting as an intervention. How does limit setting work to reduce manipulation?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct Answer: C Rationale: 1. External controls, like limit setting, provide structure and predictability for the patient. 2. This security allows the patient to gradually develop internal controls to manage their behavior. 3. By relying on external limits, the patient's need for manipulation decreases over time. 4. This approach fosters growth and autonomy in the patient, reducing the reliance on manipulative behaviors. Summary: A: Incorrect. Limit setting does not indulge attention-seeking behaviors; it establishes boundaries. B: Incorrect. Limit setting does not redirect anger; it focuses on promoting internal control. D: Incorrect. Limit setting does not solely address anxiety; it aims to foster self-regulation.
Question 5 of 5
A worker is characterized by her co-workers as 'painfully shy' and lacking in self-confidence. Her co-workers say she stays in her cubicle all day, never coming out for breaks or lunch. One day after falling on the ice in the parking lot, she goes to the nurse's office, where she apologizes for falling and mentions that she hopes the company will not fire her for being so clumsy. Which nursing approach or response would be most therapeutic?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it focuses on reassurance and empathy, which are important in therapeutic communication. By reassuring the worker that others have fallen without facing negative consequences, the nurse is validating her feelings and reducing her anxiety. This approach helps build trust and rapport, essential for effective communication and support. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not address the worker's emotional needs or provide the reassurance she requires. Option A suggests remaining detached, which may come across as uncaring. Option C focuses solely on providing first aid and does not acknowledge the worker's concerns. Option D introduces the fear of potential consequences without providing any reassurance or emotional support, which could increase the worker's anxiety.