ATI RN
Age Specific Patient Care Questions
Question 1 of 5
A newly admitted patient diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia is hypervigilant and constantly scans the environment. He states that he saw two doctors talking in the hall and knows they were plotting to kill him. When charting, how should the nurse identify this behavior?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct identification for the behavior described is "A: Idea of reference." This term refers to the belief that neutral events are directed at oneself. In this case, the patient's belief that the doctors were plotting to kill him is an example of a false idea of reference. Delusion of infidelity (choice B) involves false beliefs about a partner's unfaithfulness, not relevant here. Auditory hallucination (choice C) pertains to false perceptions of hearing sounds, not applicable. Echolalia (choice D) is the repetition of words spoken by others, not seen in this scenario. Identifying the behavior as an idea of reference helps the nurse understand the patient's distorted perception of reality.
Question 2 of 5
A patient receiving risperidone (Risperdal) reports severe muscle stiffness midmorning. During lunch he has difficulty swallowing food and speaking, and when vital signs are taken 30 minutes later, he is noted to be stuporous and diaphoretic, with a temperature of 38.8° C, pulse of 110 beats/min, and blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg. The nurse should suspect _____ and should _____.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). NMS is a rare but serious adverse reaction to antipsychotic medications like risperidone. The patient's symptoms of severe muscle stiffness, difficulty swallowing, altered mental status, diaphoresis, and elevated temperature, pulse, and blood pressure are all consistent with NMS. The nurse should suspect NMS due to the constellation of symptoms and vital sign changes. Placing the patient in a cooling blanket and transferring to the ICU is appropriate as NMS is a medical emergency requiring prompt intervention to lower the body temperature and provide supportive care. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect: B: Anticholinergic toxicity does not typically present with the specific symptoms described, such as muscle stiffness and stupor. C: Relapse of psychosis would not explain the acute onset of symptoms and vital sign changes seen in the scenario. D: Agranulocytosis is a rare side effect of some ant
Question 3 of 5
A patient who has been hospitalized for 2 days remains delusional and anxious and does not yet appear to be ready to give up the delusions. What intervention will best help the patient focus less on the delusion?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because engaging in activities that require physical skills and constructive use of time can help the patient shift their focus away from the delusions. Physical activities can help reduce anxiety and provide a sense of accomplishment, which can help distract the patient from the delusions. It also promotes a sense of normalcy and routine, which can aid in grounding the patient in reality. Choice A is incorrect because reading and listening to music may not actively engage the patient in a way that helps them shift their focus from the delusions. Choice C is incorrect because planning for discharge may be premature and may not address the immediate need to distract the patient from the delusions. Choice D is incorrect because discussing personal goals related to improved socialization may not be effective in helping the patient focus less on the delusions at this stage.
Question 4 of 5
Which data gathered from the assessment of a family with a schizophrenic member would be of greatest importance in discharge planning for the patient?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because understanding how the patient reacts to family dynamics is crucial for discharge planning. Anxiety triggered by family conflict can impact the patient's well-being post-discharge. Choices A, B, and C are less relevant as they do not directly address the patient's immediate needs or potential stressors. Middle sibling status, maternal artistic talent, and paternal grandfather's eccentricity are interesting but not as directly impactful on the patient's discharge planning compared to the patient's response to family conflicts.
Question 5 of 5
The client is hostile, angry, and suspicious. He thinks that the staff is trying to poison him. He is classified as:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Paranoid. This client's behavior aligns with paranoid schizophrenia symptoms, characterized by hostility, anger, suspicion, and delusions of persecution like being poisoned. Catatonic schizophrenia (B) involves motor disturbances, disorganized schizophrenia (C) features disorganized speech and behavior, and undifferentiated schizophrenia (D) includes a mix of symptoms without fitting a specific subtype. Paranoid schizophrenia best fits the client's presentation based on the described symptoms.