ATI RN
Age Specific Considerations in Patient Care Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient has recently been under significant stress and worked long hours. At home, the patient watches television and eats until going to bed. The patient is too tired to exercise and has gained 25 pounds in 1 month. A desired outcome for the patient is to recognize anxiety that precedes binge eating and reduce it. Which intervention addresses the outcome
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Teach stress-reduction techniques such as relaxation and imagery. This intervention directly addresses the desired outcome of recognizing anxiety that precedes binge eating and reducing it. By teaching stress-reduction techniques, the patient can learn to identify triggers, manage stress, and reduce the likelihood of turning to binge eating. Relaxation and imagery can help the patient relax and focus on positive thoughts, thus breaking the cycle of stress-induced binge eating. Option B is incorrect because while exercise is beneficial for overall health, it does not directly address recognizing and reducing anxiety that leads to binge eating. Option C is incorrect as feeling more in control of the environment may help, but it does not specifically target anxiety reduction related to binge eating. Option D is incorrect as attending a support group may be helpful for some aspects of recovery, but it does not focus on recognizing and reducing anxiety specifically.
Question 2 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 3 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 4 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 5 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