ATI RN
Age Specific Nursing Care Questions
Question 1 of 5
A 28-year-old female client was admitted 3 days ago after she ran nude through the streets shouting that she was the 'Queen of Hearts.' Since admission, the client remains delusional, shouts obscenities, and demonstrates loosely associated thoughts. Based on these data, the nurse should develop a nursing diagnosis of:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct nursing diagnosis is "Disturbed thought processes" (C) because the client's behavior of being delusional, shouting obscenities, and demonstrating loosely associated thoughts indicates a disruption in their ability to think clearly and logically. This diagnosis reflects the client's cognitive dysfunction and disorganized thinking patterns. Choice A (Risk for violence) is incorrect because the client's behavior does not directly suggest a risk for violence towards others or themselves. Choice B (Defensive coping) is incorrect as the client's behavior is not indicative of using defensive mechanisms to cope with stress or anxiety. Choice D (Impaired memory) is incorrect as the client's symptoms are more indicative of thought processing issues rather than memory deficits. In summary, the client's presentation aligns closely with symptoms of disturbed thought processes, making it the most appropriate nursing diagnosis in this case.
Question 2 of 5
A patient has not come out of her room for breakfast. The nurse finds the patient moving restlessly about her room in a disorganized manner. The patient is talking to herself, and her verbal responses to the nurse are nonsensical and suggest disorientation. The nurse notices that the patient's skin is hot and dry, and her pupils are somewhat dilated. All these symptoms are significant departures from the patient's recent presentation. The patient is likely experiencing ______, and the nurse should ______.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: anticholinergic toxicity. The patient's symptoms align with this diagnosis due to the disorganized behavior, nonsensical speech, disorientation, hot and dry skin, dilated pupils, and recent presentation changes. Anticholinergic toxicity can cause confusion, delirium, hyperthermia, and dilated pupils. Checking vital signs and preparing to use a cooling blanket are appropriate actions to manage the symptoms. Choice B (relapse of psychosis) is incorrect because the symptoms are not typical of a psychotic relapse. Choice C (neuroleptic malignant syndrome) is incorrect as the symptoms do not completely align with this syndrome, which typically includes muscle rigidity and autonomic dysfunction. Choice D (agranulocytosis) is incorrect because it presents with low white blood cell count and not the symptoms described in the scenario.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse has been working with a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia who experiences auditory hallucinations. The patient relates, 'When I first heard the voices they said nice things about me. Lately, they've changed and they say bad things.' What information has the least impact on therapeutic patient care at this point in the hospitalization?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer (A): Asking the patient if they trust the nurse to help with the voices is the least impactful at this point because establishing trust should have already been a priority earlier in the hospitalization. The focus now should be on assessing the nature and frequency of the auditory hallucinations to guide further treatment and intervention. Summary of Incorrect Choices: B: This question is important to assess if the voices are commanding potentially harmful actions. C: Understanding the frequency of the voices is crucial in evaluating the severity of the symptoms. D: Inquiring about hearing voices in different environments helps assess the impact of external factors on the hallucinations.
Question 4 of 5
A patient, aged 77 years, has Alzheimer's disease. She goes to day care during the week and is otherwise cared for by her daughter and grandchildren. The nurse at the day care center noticed multiple bruises on the patient's palms, elbows, and buttocks. When the daughter arrived to pick her up, the nurse discussed her observations. The daughter became defensive and said that her mother was very difficult to manage. She stated, "My mother is not my mother anymore. She is confused, and she wanders all night. We have to watch her constantly. Last night I fell asleep, and she fell down the stairs. Sometimes she cannot recognize me and accuses me of trying to poison her. I can't concentrate at work, and it's wrecking the family. Sometimes I just cannot bear it." Which nursing diagnosis would be most important to address for this family?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct nursing diagnosis to address in this scenario is D: Caregiver role strain related to increased care needs. This is the most important as it focuses on the daughter's challenges and emotional burden due to her mother's condition. The daughter's statements reveal feelings of overwhelm, guilt, and exhaustion, which are key indicators of caregiver role strain. By addressing this nursing diagnosis, the healthcare team can provide support and resources to help the daughter cope with the demands of caring for her mother. Choice A (Knowledge deficit pertaining to dementia) is not the most important in this situation as the daughter's issue is not lack of knowledge but rather emotional stress. Choice B (Grieving related to mother's deterioration) is not the priority as addressing the daughter's emotional strain is more urgent than addressing grief. Choice C (Risk for injury related to cognitive impairment) is also important but not as immediate as addressing the caregiver's emotional well-being.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse works a rape telephone hotline. Communication should focus on:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because in cases of sexual assault, immediate steps such as seeking medical attention, preserving evidence, and contacting authorities are crucial. Providing sympathy (B) is important but secondary to ensuring victims' safety. Obtaining information for law enforcement (C) should only be done if victims consent, as their safety and well-being are the priority. Long-term counseling (D) is important but not the immediate focus on a hotline call.