ATI RN
Population Specific Care Questions
Question 1 of 5
A 34-year-old male admitted with catatonic schizophrenia has been mute and motionless for several days while at home prior to admission. He still appears stuporous in the hospital. Which nursing intervention would be an initial priority?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assessing the client for physical problems. This is the initial priority because the client's muteness and motionless state could be due to an underlying physical issue that needs immediate attention, such as dehydration, malnutrition, or infection. By assessing for physical problems first, the nurse can rule out any urgent medical concerns before addressing the client's mental health needs. A: Orienting the client to the unit - While important, this can be done after addressing any physical problems. C: Establishing a nonthreatening relationship - Also essential, but assessing physical health takes precedence. D: Reinforcing reality with the client - Not the immediate priority; physical assessment should come first.
Question 2 of 5
When a patient with paranoid schizophrenia has a recurrence of positive symptoms after stopping his antipsychotic medication because of its postural hypotension (orthostasis) side effect, he is readmitted to the mental health unit. What measure should the nurse suggest to help the patient address this side effect?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because wearing elastic support hose, drinking adequate fluids, and changing positions slowly can help prevent postural hypotension associated with antipsychotic medications. Elastic support hose can improve blood circulation and prevent blood pooling in the legs. Adequate fluid intake can help maintain blood volume and blood pressure. Changing positions slowly can prevent sudden drops in blood pressure upon standing. Choice A (anticholinergic drug) is incorrect as it may worsen symptoms of schizophrenia. Choice B (sugarless gum or candy) is unrelated to postural hypotension. Choice C (increasing sleep and rest breaks) may help with fatigue but does not address postural hypotension directly.
Question 3 of 5
The physician prescribes haloperidol (Haldol), a first-generation antipsychotic drug, for a patient with schizophrenia who displays delusions, hallucinations, apathy, and social isolation. Which symptoms should most be monitored to evaluate the expected improvement from this medication?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the symptoms of delusions and hallucinations are key indicators of improvement in schizophrenia with antipsychotic treatment. These symptoms directly relate to the patient's perception of reality and are core features of the disorder. Monitoring these symptoms provides objective evidence of the medication's effectiveness in addressing the patient's psychotic symptoms. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they mainly indicate negative symptoms of schizophrenia, such as flat affect, social withdrawal, and cognitive deficits. While monitoring these symptoms is important for assessing overall functioning and quality of life, they are not the primary target of improvement with antipsychotic medications. Symptoms like delusions and hallucinations are considered primary targets for evaluating the efficacy of antipsychotic treatment in schizophrenia.
Question 4 of 5
A patient with schizophrenia tells the nurse 'I don't know, it's just all the same. You never know. It comes, it goes, it blows away. Get it?' The best response for the nurse to make would be:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it reflects active listening and acknowledges the patient's communication difficulties without being dismissive. By stating difficulty in understanding, the nurse shows empathy and openness to further clarification. Choice A is incorrect as it may be perceived as judgmental. Choice B is incorrect as it does not address the patient's communication challenges. Choice C is incorrect as it places the responsibility solely on the patient without offering support.
Question 5 of 5
An appropriate short-term goal for a withdrawn, isolated patient diagnosed with schizophrenia is:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Step 1: Interacting with an assigned nurse helps build a therapeutic relationship, essential for engaging withdrawn patients. Step 2: Consistent interaction promotes trust and communication, aiding in the patient's socialization. Step 3: This goal is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound, aligning with the SMART criteria. Summary: A: Participation in all activities may overwhelm the patient. B: Defining barriers to communication is too advanced for someone withdrawn. C: Talking about feelings in a group setting may be too challenging for a withdrawn patient.