ATI RN
Age Specific Considerations in Patient Care Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse and social worker co-lead a reminiscence group for eight old-old and centenarian adults. Which activity is appropriate to include in the group?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Singing a song from World War II. This activity is appropriate because reminiscence therapy involves recalling past memories to enhance well-being in older adults. Singing a song from that era can help trigger positive emotions and memories for the participants. A: Mild aerobic exercise may not be suitable for all participants due to physical limitations. C: Discussing national leadership during the Vietnam War might evoke negative emotions or political disagreements. D: Identifying the most troubling story in today's newspaper could lead to distress and is not conducive to the therapeutic nature of reminiscence therapy.
Question 2 of 5
A patient has disorganized thinking associated with schizophrenia. Neuroimaging would most likely show dysfunction in which part of the brain?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Frontal lobe. Disorganized thinking in schizophrenia is often associated with executive function deficits, which are primarily controlled by the frontal lobe. This area is responsible for decision-making, problem-solving, and reasoning. Dysfunction here can lead to disorganized thoughts and behaviors. The other choices, such as the hippocampus (A), involved in memory, the cerebellum (C), involved in motor coordination, and the brainstem (D), involved in basic life functions, are less likely to be directly related to disorganized thinking in schizophrenia.
Question 3 of 5
A patient being treated for major depression is the CEO of her own business. She has shown significant improvement and is about to be discharged after completing a course of 15 electroconvulsive therapy sessions. She will continue on SSRI medications. The patient has been counseled not to make a major business decision for a month. The rationale for this is that:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: ECT often causes temporary memory impairment. This is because electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is known to have side effects, including temporary memory loss and confusion. As the patient has just completed a course of 15 ECT sessions, it is important to allow time for the effects of ECT to subside before making major decisions, especially in a high-pressure role like being a CEO. Choices A and C are incorrect as SSRIs do not typically cause confusion and lingering depression alone does not necessarily make a patient incompetent. Choice D is incorrect as there is no indication that the patient needs months to readjust to work pressures; the primary concern here is the potential memory impairment from ECT.
Question 4 of 5
A patient with acute mania approaches the nurse, waves a newspaper, and says, "I want the phone right now. I need to call this store while their sale is going on. I need ten dresses and four pairs of shoes." Select the nurse's best intervention.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the patient's behavior is impulsive and reflects poor judgment, which are common symptoms of acute mania. By telling the patient that phone use is not allowed until self-control is improved, the nurse is setting a boundary to prevent further impulsive actions. This intervention prioritizes safety and helps maintain a therapeutic environment. A: This option does not address the immediate need to manage the patient's impulsive behavior and may put the friend in a potentially risky situation. B: Inviting the patient to look at fashion magazines does not address the impulsivity and may even reinforce the behavior. D: Asking about the patient's financial situation is not the most appropriate intervention at this time.
Question 5 of 5
A patient who takes lithium phones the nurse at the clinic to say, "I've had diarrhea for 4 days. I feel weak and unsteady when I walk. My usual hand tremor has gotten worse. What should I do?" Which instruction by the nurse is appropriate?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Have someone bring you to the clinic immediately. The patient is experiencing symptoms of lithium toxicity, including diarrhea, weakness, unsteadiness, and worsening hand tremor. These symptoms indicate a potential lithium overdose, which can be life-threatening. Bringing the patient to the clinic immediately is crucial for assessment, monitoring, and intervention. Choice B is incorrect because restricting food and fluids can worsen dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Choice C is incorrect as adding salt to water can exacerbate electrolyte abnormalities in lithium toxicity. Choice D is incorrect as taking antidiarrheal medication can further worsen the symptoms and delay appropriate medical treatment.