A patient has anorexia nervosa. The history shows the patient virtually stopped eating 5 months ago and lost 25% of body weight. The serum potassium is 2.7 mg/dL. Which nursing diagnosis applies?

Questions 129

ATI RN

ATI RN Test Bank

Psychiatric Emergency Questions

Question 1 of 5

A patient has anorexia nervosa. The history shows the patient virtually stopped eating 5 months ago and lost 25% of body weight. The serum potassium is 2.7 mg/dL. Which nursing diagnosis applies?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements related to refusal to eat, as evidenced by loss of 25% of body weight and hypokalemia. Rationale: 1. Imbalanced nutrition: The patient's history of virtually stopping eating and losing 25% of body weight indicates a lack of adequate nutrition intake. 2. Less than body requirements: The significant weight loss and prolonged period of decreased food intake support this nursing diagnosis. 3. Refusal to eat: The patient's behavior of stopping eating aligns with this diagnosis. 4. Loss of 25% of body weight: This is a critical indicator of severe malnutrition. 5. Hypokalemia: Low serum potassium levels (2.7 mg/dL) are associated with inadequate nutrition intake and support the diagnosis of imbalanced nutrition. Summary: A: Incorrect. The patient's history does not mention abuse of laxatives. B: Incorrect. There is no mention of self-induced vomiting or

Question 2 of 5

Janet, a psychiatric client diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, has just been hospitalized for threatening suicide. According to Mahler's theory, Janet did not receive the critical 'emotional refueling' required during the rapprochement phase of development. What are the consequences of this deficiency?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because according to Mahler's theory, during the rapprochement phase, the child learns to balance independence and dependence. If Janet did not receive critical 'emotional refueling' during this phase, she may struggle with abandonment fears and internalized rage. This can lead to difficulties in forming stable relationships and intense fear of being abandoned. Choices A and B are not directly related to the consequences of deficient emotional refueling in Mahler's theory. Choice C, while related to trust issues, does not specifically address the internalized rage and fears of abandonment resulting from the deficiency during the rapprochement phase.

Question 3 of 5

Danny has been diagnosed with schizophrenia. On the unit he appears very anxious, paces back and forth, and darts his head from side to side in a continuous scanning of the area. He has refused to eat, making some barely audible comment related to 'being poisoned.' In planning care for Danny, which of the following would be the primary focus for nursing?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: To decrease anxiety and develop trust. This is the primary focus for nursing care for Danny because his symptoms of anxiety, paranoia, and refusal to eat are indicative of his distress and lack of trust in his environment. By decreasing his anxiety and building trust, the nurse can establish a therapeutic relationship with Danny, which is essential for effective treatment and care. Setting limits on his behavior (B) may escalate his anxiety and worsen his symptoms. Ensuring group therapy attendance (C) may not be effective if Danny is not in a mental state to participate. Attending to hygiene needs (D) is important but secondary to addressing his underlying anxiety and trust issues.

Question 4 of 5

What is beneficence?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Answer A is correct as beneficence refers to the duty to act for the benefit and well-being of others. This principle emphasizes promoting the good of individuals and ensuring their welfare. It aligns with the ethical responsibility to actively do good and provide positive outcomes. Answer B (duty to avoid harm) is related to nonmaleficence, not beneficence. Answer C (duty to respect autonomy) pertains to autonomy, not beneficence. Answer D (duty to distribute resources equally) is related to distributive justice, not beneficence.

Question 5 of 5

What do atypical antipsychotics treat?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Atypical antipsychotics primarily target negative symptoms such as social withdrawal, lack of motivation, and flattened affect. They are less effective on positive symptoms like hallucinations and delusions. This is due to their mechanism of action, which involves targeting serotonin and dopamine receptors in the brain. Choices A and C are incorrect because atypical antipsychotics are not as effective in treating positive symptoms. Choice D is incorrect because atypical antipsychotics are not commonly used to treat anxiety disorders.

Access More Questions!

ATI RN Basic


$89/ 30 days

ATI RN Premium


$150/ 90 days

Similar Questions