ATI RN
Age Specific Care Competency Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client has been admitted with disorganized type schizophrenia. The nurse observes blunted affect and social isolation. The client occasionally curses or calls another client a 'jerk' without provocation. The nurse asks the client how he is feeling, and he responds, 'Everybody picks on me. They frobitz me.' The best response for the nurse to make would be:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: "Who do you mean when you say 'everybody'?" This response is the best because it acknowledges the client's feelings and seeks clarification. By asking for specifics, the nurse can gain a better understanding of the client's perceptions and experiences, which can help in providing appropriate care and support. Choice A: "That's really too bad." This response lacks empathy and does not address the client's concerns directly. Choice C: "What difference does frobitzing make?" This response is dismissive and does not focus on the client's feelings or experiences. Choice D: "Why do they frobitz?" This response is confrontational and may make the client feel defensive, hindering effective communication and rapport-building.
Question 2 of 5
A salesman has had difficulty holding a job because he accuses co-workers of conspiring to take his sales. Today, he argued with several office mates and threatened to kill one of them. The police were called, and he was brought to the mental health center for evaluation. He has had previous admissions to the unit for stabilization of paranoid schizophrenia. When the nurse meets him, he points at staff in the nursing station and states loudly, 'They're all plotting to destroy me. Isn't that true?' Which would be the most appropriate response?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it demonstrates empathy and validates the patient's feelings without agreeing with the delusion. By acknowledging the patient's fear, the nurse can establish trust and rapport, which are crucial in therapeutic communication. This response shows understanding and compassion, helping to de-escalate the situation and provide a supportive environment for the patient. Choice A is incorrect as it denies the patient's belief and may lead to increased agitation. Choice B is incorrect as it challenges the patient's delusion, which can worsen the situation and lead to further confrontation. Choice D is incorrect as it dismisses the patient's feelings and may cause the patient to become defensive or feel misunderstood.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is sitting with a patient diagnosed as having schizophrenia, disorganized type, who starts to laugh uncontrollably, although nothing funny has occurred. The nurse should say:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it acknowledges the patient's behavior in a non-confrontational manner and invites the patient to share their experience. By saying "You're laughing. Tell me what's happening," the nurse shows empathy and encourages open communication. Choice A may unintentionally minimize the patient's experience. Choice B may come off as accusatory. Choice C doesn't actively engage the patient in conversation. Encouraging the patient to express their feelings can help establish trust and facilitate therapeutic communication.
Question 4 of 5
A patient has schizophrenia and is troubled by negative symptoms, muscle stiffness, and motor restlessness. His Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) is considering changing the patient's antipsychotic medication, haloperidol (Haldol, a typical or first generation antipsychotic drug). For planning purposes, which medication can the nurse assume that the APN will probably choose?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Olanzapine (Zyprexa). Olanzapine is an atypical or second-generation antipsychotic that is effective in treating both positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. It also has a lower risk of causing extrapyramidal symptoms like muscle stiffness and motor restlessness compared to typical antipsychotics like haloperidol. Chlorpromazine (A) is a typical antipsychotic with similar side effects as haloperidol. Clozapine (B) is an atypical antipsychotic that is effective for treatment-resistant schizophrenia but is usually considered as a last resort due to its potential for serious side effects. Fluoxetine (D) is an antidepressant and not typically used as a first-line treatment for schizophrenia.
Question 5 of 5
A novice nurse tells the assigned mentor, 'I admitted a patient today who has several bizarre delusions. I wanted to tell the patient that the ideas and conclusions simply are not logical. What do you think will happen if I do?' Which reply by the mentor is best?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it emphasizes the importance of developing trust and rapport with the patient before addressing their delusions. By using empathy and calmness, the nurse can create a safe environment for the patient to feel understood and supported. This approach can help the patient be more receptive to feedback about the discrepancies in their thinking. Choice A is incorrect because simply giving the patient something to think about may not address the underlying issues causing the delusions. Choice B is incorrect as it assumes the patient will view the nurse negatively, which may not always be the case. Choice D is incorrect as it suggests going along with the patient's delusions, which can potentially reinforce and perpetuate their false beliefs.