ATI RN
Age Specific Care Quiz Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient with the diagnosis of schizophrenia, disorganized type, approaches the nurse and says, "It's beat, it's eat. No room for doom." The nurse can correctly assess this verbalization as:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Clanging. Clanging refers to the association of words based on sound rather than meaning. In this case, the patient's verbalization "It's beat, it's eat. No room for doom" demonstrates a pattern of words that rhyme or have similar sounds but lack coherent meaning. This is characteristic of clanging seen in disorganized schizophrenia. Neologisms (A) are newly created words with unique meanings, which is not evident here. Ideas of reference (C) involve misinterpreting unrelated events as being personally significant, which is not demonstrated in the patient's statement. Associative looseness (D) is a thought disorder where ideas are loosely associated, but the patient's statement does not show this specific feature.
Question 2 of 5
A mother discusses her concerns about genetic transmission of schizophrenia with the nurse saying, 'My son is a fraternal twin. He has been diagnosed with schizophrenia. Will my other son develop schizophrenia, too?' The response that is both sensitive and shows understanding of the genetic component is:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it provides an accurate and sensitive response. Fraternal twins do not share the exact genetic makeup, so the chance of the other twin developing schizophrenia is lower compared to identical twins. This response acknowledges the genetic component of schizophrenia while also offering reassurance based on the understanding of genetic transmission. Choices A and C are incorrect because they do not provide accurate information about the genetic risk of schizophrenia in fraternal twins and may not offer the mother a clear understanding of the situation. Choice B is incorrect as it provides a generalized statistic for identical twins, not fraternal twins, which could lead to unnecessary anxiety for the mother.
Question 3 of 5
A client with undifferentiated schizophrenia is readmitted for an acute exacerbation of the disorder. The goal of hospitalization is symptom stabilization. The nurse has documented that, in addition to experiencing auditory hallucinations, the client seems uninterested in activities, has difficulty completing tasks, seems forgetful, and seems puzzled by information and directions given by staff. The nurse's plans for intervention will be effective if these behaviors are attributed to:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Problems in cognitive functioning. In undifferentiated schizophrenia, cognitive deficits are common, leading to difficulties in memory, attention, problem-solving, and executive functioning. The client's symptoms of forgetfulness, difficulty completing tasks, being puzzled by information, and auditory hallucinations are indicative of cognitive impairment. Interventions should focus on addressing these cognitive deficits to improve the client's ability to function. Incorrect choices: A: Social isolation - This choice does not address the cognitive deficits and symptoms described by the client, such as forgetfulness and difficulty completing tasks. B: Deficient knowledge - While cognitive deficits may contribute to deficient knowledge, the primary concern in this scenario is the client's cognitive functioning impairments. C: Situational low self-esteem - This choice does not explain the cognitive deficits and symptoms experienced by the client, which are more indicative of problems in cognitive functioning.
Question 4 of 5
A catatonic patient admitted in a stuporous condition begins to demonstrate increased motor activity. During his assessment, the psychiatrist raises the patient's arm above his head and releases it. The patient maintains the position his arm was placed in, immobile in that position for 15 minutes, moving only when the nurse gently lowers his arm. What symptom is demonstrated by this assessment technique?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Waxy flexibility involves maintaining a posture imposed by another person, as seen in the patient's arm staying raised. This behavior is indicative of catatonia, a symptom of severe mental illness. Echopraxia involves mimicking movements of others, not maintaining a position. Depersonalization is a feeling of detachment from oneself, not related to physical movements. Thought withdrawal pertains to a symptom in schizophrenia where thoughts are removed by an external force, not related to physical posture.
Question 5 of 5
A patient with schizophrenia has received typical (first-generation) antipsychotics for a year. His hallucinations are less intrusive, but he remains apathetic, has poverty of thought, cannot work, and is socially isolated. To address these symptoms, the nurse might consult the prescribing health care provider to suggest a change to:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: olanzapine (Zyprexa). Olanzapine is an atypical (second-generation) antipsychotic that is known to be effective in treating negative symptoms of schizophrenia, such as apathy, poverty of thought, and social withdrawal. These symptoms are often resistant to typical antipsychotics like haloperidol (A) and chlorpromazine (D), which are more effective for positive symptoms like hallucinations. Diphenhydramine (C) is an antihistamine and not used to treat schizophrenia symptoms. In summary, olanzapine is the best choice to address the specific symptoms described in the scenario.