ATI RN
Age Specific Care Competency Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse assesses an elderly patient. The nurse should complete the Geriatric Depression Scale if the patient answers which question affirmatively.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because assessing the patient's mood is crucial in detecting depression in the elderly. Depression is common in older adults and can often go undiagnosed. By asking about their mood, the nurse can identify potential signs of depression early on. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not directly relate to assessing depression. Memory issues (B) may indicate cognitive decline, increased alcohol use (C) could suggest substance abuse, and pain (D) may signal physical health concerns, but they are not specific indicators of depression in the elderly.
Question 2 of 5
A patient's body is covered by fine, downy hair. The patient weighs 70 pounds and is 5 feet 4 inches tall. Which term should be documented?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct term to be documented is C: Lanugo. Lanugo is fine, downy hair that can cover a patient's body, often seen in newborns or individuals with certain medical conditions. In this case, the presence of lanugo indicates a potential underlying issue. Amenorrhea (A) refers to the absence of menstruation, not related to the hair. Alopecia (B) is hair loss, the opposite of lanugo. Stupor (D) is a state of reduced consciousness, not related to the hair condition described. Therefore, choice C is the correct answer as it directly matches the description given in the question.
Question 3 of 5
A patient has acute anxiety related to an automobile accident 2 hours ago. The patient needs teaching about drugs from which group?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines are commonly used in the treatment of acute anxiety due to their rapid onset of action and effectiveness in managing symptoms such as panic attacks. They work by enhancing the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, leading to sedative and anxiolytic effects. Tricyclic antidepressants (Choice A) are not the first-line treatment for acute anxiety. Antipsychotic drugs (Choice B) are primarily used for conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, not acute anxiety. Antimanic drugs (Choice C) are used to manage symptoms of mania in conditions like bipolar disorder, not acute anxiety. Therefore, the correct choice is Benzodiazepines due to their rapid efficacy and established role in managing acute anxiety.
Question 4 of 5
A patient who has been taking fluoxetine (Prozac) 60 mg daily for the past 6 months tells the nurse at the medication follow-up clinic that he is considering stopping the Prozac. He states his mood is fine, and now that he is living normally, his wife is concerned that he has no sex drive. Which response would be best?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why answer D is correct: 1. Correctly acknowledges the patient's concern about sexual side effects. 2. Highlights the importance of managing depression to prevent recurrence. 3. Offers a solution by mentioning alternative medications with less impact on sex drive. 4. Empowers the patient by providing information and options for treatment. 5. Addresses both the patient's current situation and long-term mental health needs. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: A: Overlooks the patient's valid concern about sexual side effects and lacks a proactive solution. B: Focuses on timing of medication without addressing the underlying issue of sexual side effects. C: Dismisses the patient's concern and fails to provide a solution or alternative options.
Question 5 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 answer is A: Idea of reference. This term refers to the belief that neutral events are directed at oneself. In this case, the patient's interpretation of doctors talking as a plot against him signifies a misinterpretation of reality. Delusion of infidelity (B) involves belief in a partner's unfaithfulness, which is not applicable here. Auditory hallucination (C) involves hearing voices, not relevant to this scenario. Echolalia (D) is the repetition of words spoken by others, not demonstrated in the patient's behavior. Thus, A is the most appropriate identification for this behavior.