ATI RN
Age Specific Considerations in Patient Care Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient with borderline personality disorder has been making steady progress but one day gets a phone call from her boyfriend, who breaks off their relationship. Although she has not self-injured in over 2 months, she makes repeated lacerations on her forearm. Which statement about this and most maladaptive behaviors seen in personality disorders is most accurate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: However dysfunctional, most behavior is the person's best effort to cope. In this scenario, the patient's self-injury following the breakup is a maladaptive coping mechanism to deal with emotional distress. Individuals with personality disorders often engage in maladaptive behaviors as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions or stress. This behavior may not be effective or healthy, but it is their attempt to manage their internal struggles. A: People with personality disorders rarely achieve lasting improvement - This statement is incorrect as individuals with personality disorders can make progress with therapy and support. C: People with personality disorders are at the mercy of others' actions - This statement is incorrect as individuals with personality disorders have agency over their behaviors, even if they struggle with emotional regulation. D: What appears to be improvement can be manipulation instead - This statement is incorrect as improvement in behavior should not be automatically attributed to manipulation; it could genuinely reflect progress in coping skills.
Question 2 of 5
A patient is admitted with a tentative diagnosis of delirium. The patient repeatedly mistakes one of the nursing staff for a family member. The nurse documents that this patient is experiencing a disturbance in which area of functioning?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Perception. In this scenario, the patient's repeated mistake of identifying a nursing staff as a family member indicates a disturbance in perception, specifically in the recognition and interpretation of sensory information. This confusion is not related to consciousness (A), as the patient is awake and aware. It is also not solely an issue of attention (B), as attention involves the ability to focus on specific stimuli rather than the interpretation of those stimuli. While cognition (D) encompasses various mental processes, such as memory and problem-solving, the primary issue in this case is the misinterpretation of sensory input, aligning with the disturbance in perception.
Question 3 of 5
A group of teenagers are discussing their individual problems associated with having an eating disorder. Which findings would the nurse attribute to purging?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer (C - Polyuria): 1. Purging involves self-induced vomiting or misuse of laxatives/diuretics. 2. Vomiting can lead to electrolyte imbalances, causing increased urine production (polyuria). 3. Polyuria is a common sign of purging behaviors due to electrolyte disturbances. Summary of Incorrect Choices: A: Excessive facial hair - Not directly related to purging behavior. B: Elevated blood pressure - Could be related to stress or other factors, not specific to purging. D: Dental enamel erosion - More likely associated with frequent vomiting (purging) rather than polyuria.
Question 4 of 5
In an art therapy session, a client with anorexia nervosa was asked to draw a picture of herself. Which drawing would likely depict the client's view of herself?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because individuals with anorexia nervosa often have a distorted body image and see themselves as larger than they actually are. Drawing a grossly obese figure lacking feminine characteristics reflects the distorted self-perception common in anorexia nervosa. Choice A is incorrect as it portrays a positive body image. Choice B may be close, but it focuses more on malnourishment rather than distorted body image. Choice D is incorrect as it reflects admiration for a shapely figure, which may not align with the client's self-perception.
Question 5 of 5
The mother of a teenager diagnosed with an eating disorder asks, 'How long will my daughter have this problem?' The nurse answers with the knowledge that:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because long-term therapy combined with medication results in the best outcomes for individuals with eating disorders. Therapy helps address underlying psychological issues, while medication can help manage symptoms. Recovery is a complex process that often requires ongoing support. Choice A is incorrect as recovery is not always guaranteed after one severe episode. Choice B is incorrect as many individuals do show improvement over time. Choice C is incorrect as weight restoration alone may not address all aspects of the disorder.