ATI RN
Age Specific Care Competency Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse interviews a patient abducted and raped at gunpoint by an unknown assailant. The patient says, "I can't talk about it. Nothing happened. I have to forget." What is the patient's present coping strategy?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Denial. The patient's statement of "I can't talk about it. Nothing happened. I have to forget" indicates a denial coping strategy. Denial is a defense mechanism where individuals refuse to acknowledge a stressful situation or event. In this case, the patient is attempting to block out the traumatic experience of being abducted and raped by denying its existence. This coping mechanism helps the individual temporarily avoid the emotional distress associated with the event. A: Somatization involves expressing emotional distress through physical symptoms, which is not evident in the patient's statement. B: Repression is the unconscious blocking of unpleasant memories, whereas the patient is consciously trying to forget the event. C: Projection involves attributing one's own thoughts or feelings to others, which is not demonstrated in the patient's statement. In summary, the patient's use of denial as a coping strategy is evident in their attempt to minimize the traumatic experience by refusing to acknowledge it.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse caring for a school-age child who has been sexually abused by a close family member realizes that the child may resist disclosing the experience of being sexually abused because the child:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Fears being blamed or disbelieved. This is because children who have been sexually abused often fear that they will not be believed or may be blamed for what happened. This fear can prevent them from disclosing the abuse. Choice A is incorrect because repeated questioning may not be the primary reason for the child's resistance. Choice C is incorrect because the child's fear of being pitied at school is not typically a main concern when disclosing sexual abuse. Choice D is incorrect because embarrassment about facing family members may be a factor, but the fear of blame or disbelief is usually a more significant barrier to disclosure in cases of sexual abuse.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is interviewing a client who presents with a dislocated shoulder. She demonstrates signs of anxiety and poor eye contact and turns to her partner for answers, allowing him to answer for her. Bruises on her breast and upper arm are visible. The nurse asks the partner to go to the admitting office to give insurance information. While the partner is out of the room, which question is most important to ask?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: "Have you ever been physically or emotionally hurt by someone?" This question is important as it directly addresses the potential abuse the client may be experiencing. It allows the nurse to assess for any history of abuse, which could be contributing to the client's anxiety and behavior. It also opens up an opportunity for the client to disclose any abuse they may be facing. Choice A is incorrect because the length of the relationship with the partner is not as crucial as addressing the potential abuse. Choice C is also incorrect because it is too direct and may not encourage the client to open up about their experiences. Choice D is incorrect as it assumes the client wants to press charges without first assessing the situation and the client's wishes.
Question 4 of 5
A client in the cardiac clinic tells the nurse that he is concerned about his mother, age 75, who lives alone and seems more forgetful. Which statement would be most indicative that the mother may have Alzheimer's disease?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because forgetting to pay bills is a common early symptom of Alzheimer's disease due to cognitive decline affecting memory and executive functions. This behavior indicates difficulty with organizing and managing tasks, a hallmark of Alzheimer's. Choices A and B suggest independence and engagement, which are not necessarily indicative of Alzheimer's. Choice D hints at potential safety concerns but does not directly point to cognitive decline related to Alzheimer's.
Question 5 of 5
A client with moderate to severe dementia does not remember her son's name. The son repeatedly questions the mother when he visits the dementia facility, asking, 'Do you know my name?' The mother invariably becomes agitated. The nurse can most effectively intervene by explaining to the son:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rationale: 1. Correct Answer (B): Explains the son's mother's inability to retain information due to severe dementia, causing agitation. Validates son's feelings and provides insight into the mother's behavior. 2. Incorrect Answer (A): Falsely suggests the mother is punishing the son by forgetting, potentially causing misunderstanding and blame. 3. Incorrect Answer (C): Implies the son should solely focus on reorienting the mother, overlooking the emotional impact and distress caused by repetitive questioning. 4. Incorrect Answer (D): Suggests limiting visits based on the son's distress, rather than addressing the root cause of agitation caused by the mother's dementia.