ATI RN
Age Specific Considerations in Patient Care Questions
Question 1 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 2 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 3 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.
Question 4 of 5
A client has been admitted with disorganized type schizophrenia. The nurse observes blunted affect and social isolation. He occasionally curses or calls another client a 'jerk' without provocation. The nurse asks the client how he is feeling, and he responds, 'Everybody picks on me. They frobitz me.' The nurse would assess 'frobitz' as:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: A neologism. A neologism is a newly coined word or expression that is not easily understood by others. In this case, the client's use of the word 'frobitz' is not a recognized word, indicating it may be a neologism. This is commonly seen in individuals with schizophrenia who create new words or distort existing ones. A: Circumstantial speech involves excessive and unnecessary details before reaching the main point. The client's response is not characterized by this. B: Loose associations involve a lack of logical connections between thoughts. The client's response is not demonstrating this. C: Evidence of delusional thinking would involve fixed, false beliefs that are not based in reality. The client's use of 'frobitz' does not necessarily indicate a delusion. In summary, the use of 'frobitz' by the client is indicative of a neologism, as it is a new and potentially meaningless
Question 5 of 5
In planning aftercare for a client with schizophrenia and whose insurance benefits have been exhausted, the nurse who is concerned about overcoming negative symptoms will make provisions for the client to have stimulation, structure, socialization, and support. Which option would best incorporate these factors?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Attending a psychosocial club. This option best incorporates the necessary factors of stimulation, structure, socialization, and support for the client with schizophrenia. - Stimulation: Psychosocial clubs offer various activities to engage the client's mind and keep them occupied. - Structure: These clubs usually have regular schedules and routines, providing the client with a sense of order and predictability. - Socialization: Interacting with others in the club can help the client improve social skills and combat feelings of isolation. - Support: Being part of a community in the club can provide emotional support and encouragement for the client. Incorrect Choices: - A: Day hospitalization may offer structure and support but may lack the socialization and stimulation provided by a psychosocial club. - C: Living with his elderly mother may provide support but may not offer the necessary stimulation, structure, and socialization outside of the home environment. - D: Spending free time in the mall may offer