A patient was admitted in a semistuporous catatonic state. Family states that the patient has neither left the apartment nor attended to personal hygiene for several weeks. The patient's last 48 hours have been spent lying in bed, mute and motionless. The nursing diagnosis that should be considered the priority is:

Questions 81

ATI RN

ATI RN Test Bank

Target Healthcare Questions

Question 1 of 5

A patient was admitted in a semistuporous catatonic state. Family states that the patient has neither left the apartment nor attended to personal hygiene for several weeks. The patient's last 48 hours have been spent lying in bed, mute and motionless. The nursing diagnosis that should be considered the priority is:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: self-care deficit. The patient's symptoms indicate a lack of ability to perform self-care activities, which poses a risk to their health and well-being. This is a priority as addressing this issue will directly impact the patient's physical health and overall functioning. Situational low self-esteem (B) is not the priority as it focuses on the patient's emotional state rather than their immediate physical needs. Disturbed thought processes (C) and impaired verbal communication (D) may be present but are not the priority over the patient's inability to perform self-care activities.

Question 2 of 5

A rape victim tells the emergency room nurse, "I feel so dirty. Help me take a shower before the doctor examines me." The nurse should:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Explain that bathing would destroy evidence. This is the correct choice because bathing can potentially wash away crucial forensic evidence that can be collected during a sexual assault examination. Preserving evidence is essential for legal proceedings and ensuring justice for the victim. Choice A is incorrect because arranging for the patient to shower would destroy evidence. Choice C is incorrect as giving the patient a basin of water and towels would still risk destroying evidence. Choice D is also incorrect as it does not address the importance of preserving evidence in cases of sexual assault.

Question 3 of 5

A new client admits to having been battered by her live-in boyfriend several times over the past 2 years. She states to the nurse, 'We plan to get married next June, and I think things will be better then. He is always so sorry afterward, that I think I can trust him to change.' Which intervention should be included in the client's teaching plan?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Assist her in developing an emergency plan, since the pattern of violence is likely to continue. This choice is correct because it focuses on safety planning, which is crucial for individuals in abusive relationships. By helping the client develop an emergency plan, the nurse is acknowledging the seriousness of the situation and providing practical strategies to ensure her safety. It is important to have a plan in place in case of future violence. Explanation for the incorrect choices: A: Supporting her hope that the battering will end after they are married is not appropriate as it may give false hope and does not address the immediate safety concerns. B: Enrolling in a self-defense class may not be effective in situations of domestic violence as it can escalate the violence and may not address the underlying issues causing the abuse. C: Emphasizing that the battering pattern usually remains the same in frequency and severity over time is not as helpful as developing a concrete safety plan to address the immediate danger.

Question 4 of 5

Which symptom reported by a client, age 35, who was sexually abused as a child reflects the diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Reexperiencing the traumatic event. This symptom is a key criterion for diagnosing PTSD according to the DSM-5. It includes flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive thoughts related to the traumatic event. This symptom indicates that the client is experiencing distressing memories of the past abuse, which is a common feature of PTSD. Choice B is incorrect because it describes agoraphobia, a separate anxiety disorder, not specific to PTSD. Choice C is incorrect as seeking advice is not a diagnostic criterion for PTSD. Choice D is incorrect because ruminating over the abuse with others may reflect coping mechanisms or seeking support, but it does not necessarily indicate PTSD.

Question 5 of 5

A client diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease has a catastrophic reaction during an activity involving simultaneous playing of music and working on a craft project. The client starts shouting 'no, no, no' and rushes out of the room. The nurse should:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The nurse should follow the client, reassure her, and redirect her to a quieter activity. This approach acknowledges the client's feelings and provides support to help her calm down. Isolating the client (Choice A) may escalate the situation and not address the underlying cause of the reaction. Discontinuing the activity program (Choice C) is not the best option as it may limit the client's engagement and therapeutic benefits. Giving medication and restricting activity (Choice D) should be a last resort and not the initial response to a behavioral reaction. In summary, Choice B focuses on comforting and redirecting the client, promoting a positive and supportive environment.

Access More Questions!

ATI RN Basic


$89/ 30 days

ATI RN Premium


$150/ 90 days

Similar Questions