ATI RN
Use of Psychotropic Medications Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient is complaining of pain in his joints that is worse in the morning, better after he moves around for a while, and then gets worse again if he sits for long periods. The nurse should assess for other signs of what problem?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, Rheumatoid arthritis. The patient's symptoms of joint pain being worse in the morning, improving with movement, and worsening with prolonged sitting are classic signs of rheumatoid arthritis. This autoimmune condition typically presents with morning stiffness that improves with activity. Tendinitis (A) primarily involves inflammation of tendons, not joints. Osteoarthritis (B) usually presents with joint pain that worsens with activity. Intermittent claudication (D) refers to pain or cramping in the legs due to decreased blood flow, not joint pain.
Question 2 of 5
A patient's annual physical examination reveals a lateral curvature of the thoracic and lumbar segments of his spine; however, this curvature disappears with forward bending. The nurse knows that this abnormality of the spine is called:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Functional scoliosis. This type of scoliosis is characterized by a lateral curvature of the spine that disappears with forward bending. The key characteristic here is the reversibility of the curve upon bending, indicating that the curvature is not fixed but rather due to factors such as muscle imbalance or leg length discrepancy. Structural scoliosis (A) involves fixed curvature that does not correct with bending. Herniated nucleus pulposus (C) refers to a spinal disc issue, not a curvature of the spine. Dislocated hip (D) is a separate condition involving the hip joint, not related to spinal curvature.
Question 3 of 5
A man who has had gout for several years comes to the clinic with a problem with his toe. On examination, the nurse notices the presence of hard, painless nodules over the great toe; one has burst open with a chalky discharge. This finding is known as:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Tophi. Tophi are deposits of uric acid crystals that accumulate in the joints of individuals with chronic gout. The presence of hard, painless nodules over the great toe that burst open with a chalky discharge is a classic presentation of tophi in a patient with gout. Tophi are not painful but can cause joint deformities and damage if left untreated. A: Callus is a thickened and hardened area of skin that forms in response to repeated pressure or friction. Calluses are not associated with gout or chalky discharge. B: Plantar wart is a benign growth on the sole of the foot caused by a viral infection. Plantar warts do not typically present with chalky discharge or nodules. C: Bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of the big toe. Bunions are not associated with gout or chalky discharge. In summary, the presence of
Question 4 of 5
A patient with a lack of oxygen to his heart will have pain in his chest and possibly in the shoulder, arms, or jaw. The nurse knows that the best explanation why this occurs is which one of these statements?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the sensory cortex does not have the ability to localize pain in the heart. When the heart lacks oxygen, pain signals are perceived in other areas like the chest, shoulder, arms, or jaw due to a phenomenon called referred pain. The heart and these other areas share nerve pathways, leading to the brain interpreting the pain as originating from these other regions. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not address the specific mechanism of referred pain and the role of the sensory cortex in interpreting pain signals from different parts of the body.
Question 5 of 5
A 70-year-old woman tells the nurse that every time she gets up in the morning or after she's been sitting, she gets 'really dizzy' and feels like she is going to fall over. The nurse's best response would be:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the symptoms described by the patient suggest orthostatic hypotension, a condition where blood pressure drops when changing positions. Instructing the patient to get up slowly can help prevent dizziness and falls. Choice A is incorrect as tiredness does not directly address the dizziness upon standing. Choice B is incorrect as dehydration is not the likely cause of the symptoms described. Choice C is incorrect because a complete neurologic examination is not the first step for addressing orthostatic hypotension.