ATI RN
Age Specific Considerations in Patient Care Questions
Question 1 of 5
A teacher comes to the mental health clinic saying a co-worker recently confronted her about behaviors that are annoying to other co-workers. She is now experiencing moderate to severe levels of anxiety. The co-worker told the patient that others find her very difficult because she is a perfectionist and micromanages the tasks of others on the teaching team, always demanding that things should be done according to her plans. The co-worker mentioned that the patient made everyone feel as though everything they tried was inadequate, and they feel frustrated and angry. The patient states she likes her co-workers and only wanted to help them be successful. The nurse realizes the patient's behaviors are most consistent with:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. This is because the patient's behaviors of being a perfectionist, micromanaging tasks, demanding things be done according to her plans, and making others feel inadequate align with the diagnostic criteria for obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. Individuals with this disorder are preoccupied with orderliness, perfectionism, and control. Choice B: narcissistic personality disorder, is incorrect because the patient's behaviors are not characterized by a sense of grandiosity, a lack of empathy, or a need for admiration, which are hallmark features of narcissistic personality disorder. Choice C: histrionic personality disorder, is incorrect as individuals with this disorder typically display attention-seeking behavior, emotional instability, and excessive emotionality, none of which are evident in the patient's presentation. Choice D: schizoid personality disorder, is incorrect as individuals with this disorder tend to be socially detached, have limited emotional expression, and prefer solitary activities, which do not align with the
Question 2 of 5
Which of the following is a common physical sign in patients with bulimia nervosa?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Dental erosion and swollen parotid glands are common physical signs in patients with bulimia nervosa. Dental erosion is caused by repeated exposure of teeth to stomach acid during purging. Swollen parotid glands result from repeated vomiting. Hypotension and bradycardia (A) are more common in anorexia nervosa. Rapid weight gain and increased appetite (C) are not typical in bulimia nervosa; rather, patients often maintain a normal weight. Severe muscle wasting and low body temperature (D) are not commonly associated with bulimia nervosa.
Question 3 of 5
What is the most appropriate nursing goal for a patient with bulimia nervosa?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: To eliminate binge-purge episodes and restore healthy eating habits. This goal is appropriate as it addresses the core issue of bulimia nervosa, which is the cycle of bingeing and purging. By focusing on eliminating these episodes and promoting healthy eating habits, the patient can achieve long-term recovery. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not address the underlying psychological and behavioral aspects of bulimia nervosa. Weight loss and body image issues (B) may exacerbate the disorder, monitoring calorie intake and restricting food consumption (C) can reinforce the cycle of bingeing and purging, and encouraging excessive exercise (D) can lead to further health complications.
Question 4 of 5
A client with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder seeks treatment for depression after the recent breakup of a relationship. The client constantly procrastinated about proposing marriage and said his girlfriend complained that he did not show her affection and that he was too controlling. Now he describes inability to sleep, poor concentration, and loss of energy since the breakup. Which outcome is a priority for the client? The client will:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Identify feelings of sadness related to the failed relationship. This is the priority outcome because the client's current symptoms of depression, such as inability to sleep, poor concentration, and loss of energy, are likely related to the breakup. By identifying and processing feelings of sadness, the client can begin to work through the grief and emotional distress caused by the failed relationship, which can help alleviate the depressive symptoms. Choice A (Demonstrate assertive behavior) is not the priority outcome as the client's primary issue is related to depression and processing emotions, not assertiveness. Choice B (Express hope for developing a new relationship in the future) may be important for the client's overall well-being, but it is not the immediate priority for addressing the current depressive symptoms. Choice D (List three new ways to reduce stress) may be helpful in managing symptoms, but it does not address the core issue of processing emotions related to the breakup.
Question 5 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.