ATI RN
Age Specific Considerations in Patient Care Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient with an eating disorder states, 'Now that I've gained 4 pounds, I can't wear shorts until I lose it again.' The nurse documents that the patient is exhibiting which cognitive distortion related to maladaptive eating regulation responses?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Magnification. This cognitive distortion involves exaggerating the significance of a negative event, in this case, gaining 4 pounds. The patient's focus on this small weight gain as a major obstacle to wearing shorts reflects magnification. Superstitious thinking (B) involves believing in unrelated events causing outcomes, which is not evident here. Personalization (C) involves taking responsibility for events beyond one's control, which is not the case in this scenario. Dichotomous thinking (D) involves seeing things in black and white terms, which is not demonstrated in the patient's statement.
Question 2 of 5
Which is a hallmark characteristic of bulimia nervosa?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because bulimia nervosa is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as purging. Binge eating involves consuming a large amount of food in a short period, followed by feelings of loss of control. Purging behaviors like self-induced vomiting or misuse of laxatives are used to prevent weight gain. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because bulimia nervosa typically involves normal or fluctuating weight, not severe weight loss or excessive exercise to burn calories. Persistent restriction of caloric intake is more indicative of anorexia nervosa, not bulimia nervosa.
Question 3 of 5
The client tells the nurse, 'My husband left to go bowling with his buddies, so I had to cut myself.' The nurse using the SET method of communication will use as the initial response:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: "It concerns me to hear that you took that action." The rationale for this is that this response demonstrates empathy and concern for the client's well-being, which is essential in building a therapeutic relationship. It acknowledges the client's statement without judgment and opens the door for further exploration of the client's feelings and reasoning behind the self-harm. Choice A: "Tell me what made you think of that action" may come across as too direct and could be perceived as insensitive or confrontational, potentially shutting down communication. Choice C: "You should have called your psychiatrist" is dismissive and fails to address the client's emotional needs or offer support. Choice D: "What can I do to help you now that you're here?" is forward-thinking and assumes the client is seeking help, which may not be the case. It also does not directly address the concerning behavior of self-harm.
Question 4 of 5
Which nursing strategy leads patients to respond more positivity to limit setting?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because reflecting back to the patient an understanding of their distress shows empathy and validation, which can help build rapport and trust. By acknowledging the patient's feelings, it can help them feel heard and understood, leading to a more positive response to limit setting. Choice A is incorrect because confrontation can lead to defensiveness and resistance. Choice B focuses on exploring underlying dynamics without addressing the immediate behavior. Choice D may come off as judgmental and punitive, potentially escalating the situation.
Question 5 of 5
A patient with paranoid personality disorder is noted to sit alone in a corner of the unit living room. When anyone approaches, the patient is haughty or simply ignores the other person. When staff invite her to join an activity, she tells them, 'I do not care to be with people who do not like me.' A nursing diagnosis that should be considered is:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: impaired social interaction. This patient's behavior of sitting alone, being haughty, and refusing to engage with others indicates difficulty in social interactions. The patient's belief that others do not like her also suggests social challenges. Impaired social interaction relates to difficulty in establishing or maintaining relationships. A: Splitting is a defense mechanism where the patient views people as all good or all bad, which is not evident in this scenario. B: Activity intolerance refers to insufficient physiological or psychological energy to endure or complete required or desired daily activities. This does not apply here. C: Powerlessness refers to the perception of lack of control over a situation, which is not the primary issue in this case.