ATI RN
Age Specific Care Quiz Questions
Question 1 of 5
A mother discusses her concerns about genetic transmission of schizophrenia with the nurse saying, 'My son is a fraternal twin. He has been diagnosed with schizophrenia. Will my other son develop schizophrenia, too?' The response that is both sensitive and shows understanding of the genetic component is:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it provides an accurate and sensitive response. Fraternal twins do not share the exact genetic makeup, so the chance of the other twin developing schizophrenia is lower compared to identical twins. This response acknowledges the genetic component of schizophrenia while also offering reassurance based on the understanding of genetic transmission. Choices A and C are incorrect because they do not provide accurate information about the genetic risk of schizophrenia in fraternal twins and may not offer the mother a clear understanding of the situation. Choice B is incorrect as it provides a generalized statistic for identical twins, not fraternal twins, which could lead to unnecessary anxiety for the mother.
Question 2 of 5
A catatonic patient admitted in a stuporous condition begins to demonstrate increased motor activity. During his assessment, the psychiatrist raises the patient's arm above his head and releases it. The patient maintains the position his arm was placed in, immobile in that position for 15 minutes, moving only when the nurse gently lowers his arm. What symptom is demonstrated by this assessment technique?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Waxy flexibility involves maintaining a posture imposed by another person, as seen in the patient's arm staying raised. This behavior is indicative of catatonia, a symptom of severe mental illness. Echopraxia involves mimicking movements of others, not maintaining a position. Depersonalization is a feeling of detachment from oneself, not related to physical movements. Thought withdrawal pertains to a symptom in schizophrenia where thoughts are removed by an external force, not related to physical posture.
Question 3 of 5
A patient with schizophrenia has received typical (first-generation) antipsychotics for a year. His hallucinations are less intrusive, but he remains apathetic, has poverty of thought, cannot work, and is socially isolated. To address these symptoms, the nurse might consult the prescribing health care provider to suggest a change to:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: olanzapine (Zyprexa). Olanzapine is an atypical (second-generation) antipsychotic that is known to be effective in treating negative symptoms of schizophrenia, such as apathy, poverty of thought, and social withdrawal. These symptoms are often resistant to typical antipsychotics like haloperidol (A) and chlorpromazine (D), which are more effective for positive symptoms like hallucinations. Diphenhydramine (C) is an antihistamine and not used to treat schizophrenia symptoms. In summary, olanzapine is the best choice to address the specific symptoms described in the scenario.
Question 4 of 5
A male patient diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia typically relates effectively with female staff but angrily tells the male nurse, 'You act like a homosexual. None of the men trust you or want to be around you.' The nurse, who is heterosexual, is perplexed by the patient's statements and discusses the event with his mentor. Which explanation most likely underlies the patient's behavior?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the patient's accusation of the nurse being homosexual and implying that other men do not trust him or want to be around him suggests projection of the patient's own homosexual urges onto the nurse. This defense mechanism of projection helps the patient avoid acknowledging and dealing with his own uncomfortable feelings by attributing them to someone else. Option A is incorrect because the patient's behavior is more about projecting feelings onto the nurse rather than unconscious hostility. Option B is incorrect as it focuses on the patient's fear of rejection rather than projecting his own feelings onto the nurse. Option C is incorrect as it does not address the specific dynamic of projecting homosexual urges onto the nurse.
Question 5 of 5
The medical records of a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia state that the patient has cognitive dysfunction. From this statement, the nurse can expect to see evidence of:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia typically involves impaired memory, attention, and formal thought disorder. This is due to the underlying neurobiological and neurocognitive deficits associated with the disorder. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they primarily align with emotional and affective symptoms commonly seen in schizophrenia, not specifically cognitive dysfunction. Symptoms such as anxiety, fear, agitation, aggression, anger, hostility, violence, blunted affect, or inappropriate affective responses are more related to the emotional and behavioral aspects of schizophrenia, rather than cognitive deficits.