ATI RN
Age Specific Patient Care Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient receiving risperidone (Risperdal) reports severe muscle stiffness midmorning. During lunch he has difficulty swallowing food and speaking, and when vital signs are taken 30 minutes later, he is noted to be stuporous and diaphoretic, with a temperature of 38.8° C, pulse of 110 beats/min, and blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg. The nurse should suspect ______ and should ______.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). The patient's symptoms align with NMS, a rare but serious side effect of antipsychotic medications like risperidone. The severe muscle stiffness, difficulty swallowing, altered mental status, diaphoresis, and elevated temperature, pulse, and blood pressure are all indicative of NMS. The nurse should suspect NMS and take immediate action by placing the patient in a cooling blanket to lower the temperature and transfer him to the ICU for close monitoring and further management. Choice B is incorrect because anticholinergic toxicity typically presents with different symptoms such as dry mouth, dilated pupils, and confusion. Choice C is incorrect as there are no signs of a psychotic relapse, and administering more antipsychotic medication could worsen the NMS. Choice D is incorrect as agranulocytosis presents with symptoms like fever and sore throat, not the combination of symptoms seen in this case.
Question 2 of 5
An emergency department nurse prepares to assist with evidence collection for a sexual assault victim. Prior to photographs and pelvic examination, what documentation is important?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Consent signed by the patient. This is crucial as it ensures the patient's autonomy and willingness to undergo evidence collection. Without proper consent, the procedure would be unethical and potentially illegal. Vital signs (A) may be important for overall assessment but are not directly related to evidence collection. Supervision and credentials of the examiner (C) are necessary but not the most important documentation. The storage location of personal effects (D) is relevant for patient safety but not essential for evidence collection.
Question 3 of 5
A person who was raped comes to the hospital for treatment. The person abruptly decides to decline treatment and leave the facility. Before this person leaves, the nurse should:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because providing written information about physical and emotional reactions respects the individual's autonomy and empowers them to make informed decisions. It also ensures they have resources to understand and cope with potential consequences. Choice A violates the individual's right to refuse treatment. Choice C focuses on specific tests without addressing the person's immediate concerns. Choice D, while important, is not as immediate or relevant as providing information on potential reactions.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is considering making a child abuse or neglect report to protective services. To make the report, the nurse needs to:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because mandatory reporting laws typically require healthcare professionals to report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect. Having suspicions that abuse has occurred is sufficient to make a report, as it is the responsibility of the healthcare provider to protect the child's safety. Obtaining the supervisor's permission (choice A) may delay the report unnecessarily. Having strong evidence (choice B) is not necessary for making a report, as suspicions should be reported for further investigation. Notifying the parents (choice C) may jeopardize the safety of the child if the abuser is aware of the report.
Question 5 of 5
A woman whose husband physically abuses her mentions to the nurse, 'Someday I'll have to leave him.' Which of the following would be the nurse's best response?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: "Could we talk about developing a safety plan?" This response is the best choice as it acknowledges the woman's situation, offers support, and focuses on practical steps to ensure her safety. By suggesting a safety plan, the nurse is addressing the immediate concern of potential harm and empowering the woman to take control of her situation. Incorrect Choices: A: This response is too direct and may not take into account the complexities of the woman's situation. It lacks empathy and does not offer a constructive solution. C: This response shifts the focus away from the woman's safety and onto external factors. It may come across as judgmental and unhelpful. D: This response is dismissive and fails to acknowledge the seriousness of the situation. It does not offer any support or guidance to the woman in need.