ATI RN
Age Specific Care Questions
Question 1 of 5
A young, newly married adult says, 'My spouse never lets me out of sight. I'm not allowed to do anything on my own, and I'm constantly accused of cheating.' Which nursing communication is most therapeutic for this patient?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: "How does your spouse's behavior make you feel?" This question focuses on the patient's emotions, allowing them to express their feelings and validating their experiences. It shows empathy and encourages the patient to explore and understand their own emotional responses to the situation. Choice A focuses on addressing the behavior directly without acknowledging the patient's emotions. Choice C asks for more examples of controlling behavior, which may feel judgmental. Choice D suggests that the spouse's behavior is justified, which can further invalidate the patient's feelings. Overall, choice B is the most therapeutic as it promotes emotional exploration and support.
Question 2 of 5
A woman tells the nurse that her husband abuses her most often when he is intoxicated, just as his father had beaten him and his mother. The woman is aware of the location of a safe house and has considered leaving home with her two children, but she cites being brought up to believe 'you keep quiet and stay together, no matter what happens.' She states the husband is always apologetic and remorseful after an incident. What evidence exists that the husband is at risk of becoming a perpetrator of physical abuse? He:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because the husband's history of being abused as a child increases his risk of becoming a perpetrator of physical abuse. Research shows that individuals who have been abused are more likely to perpetrate abuse themselves. This is due to a cycle of violence where behaviors learned in childhood are repeated in adulthood. In this case, the husband's abusive behavior towards his wife mirrors his own upbringing where his father abused his mother. This pattern suggests that the husband may continue the cycle of abuse. Choice A (is unable to make lasting behavioral changes) is incorrect because it does not directly correlate with the risk of becoming a perpetrator of physical abuse. Choice C (is without a job) is also incorrect as employment status does not necessarily indicate a propensity for abuse. Choice D (experiences remorse) is incorrect as feeling remorse after abusive incidents does not negate the risk of becoming a perpetrator of physical abuse.
Question 3 of 5
In planning aftercare for a client with schizophrenia and whose insurance benefits have been exhausted, the nurse who is concerned about overcoming negative symptoms will make provisions for the client to have stimulation, structure, socialization, and support. Which option would best incorporate these factors?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, attending a psychosocial club. This option best incorporates the factors of stimulation, structure, socialization, and support. Psychosocial clubs offer a structured environment with various activities to stimulate the client's mind and prevent social isolation. It provides opportunities for socialization and peer support, which are crucial for individuals with schizophrenia. Day hospitalization may offer structure but lacks the socialization aspect. Living with his elderly mother may provide support but not necessarily the stimulation and structure needed. Spending free time in the mall does not provide the structured environment, socialization, or support necessary for aftercare in schizophrenia.
Question 4 of 5
Police bring a 63-year-old woman to the emergency room, reporting that her behavior is disorganized and disruptive, that her speech makes little sense, and that she does not seem able to take care of herself. The woman has had elective surgeries at the hospital previously and was seen in the ER last week after a fall; records show no history of similar symptoms or mental illness. The ER physician speaks with the patient but does not examine her medically, diagnoses her with schizophrenia, and orders admission to the inpatient psychiatric unit. Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it demonstrates critical thinking and patient advocacy. By reminding the physician that schizophrenia typically develops earlier in life and suggesting a medical work-up, the nurse is advocating for a comprehensive approach to ruling out potential medical causes for the patient's symptoms before jumping to a psychiatric diagnosis. This approach aligns with best practices in patient care and ensures that all possible underlying causes are considered and addressed appropriately. Choice A is incorrect because it does not address the need for a medical work-up to rule out physical causes of the symptoms. Choice B is incorrect as it focuses on validating the diagnosis and initiating medication rather than investigating potential medical issues. Choice D is incorrect as it only addresses the patient's vital signs, overlooking the need for a thorough medical evaluation.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is explaining to the family of a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia that the disorder is considered to have neurobiological origins. When the patient's mother asks, 'What part of the brain is dysfunctional?' the nurse should reply, 'Research has implicated the:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: prefrontal and limbic cortices. The prefrontal cortex is involved in decision-making, planning, and social behavior, functions commonly impaired in schizophrenia. The limbic cortex regulates emotions and memory, areas affected in schizophrenia. Medulla (A, C) controls basic functions like breathing, not implicated in schizophrenia. Cerebellum (B) coordinates movement, unrelated to schizophrenia. Hypothalamus (C) regulates hormones, not directly linked to schizophrenia. In summary, D is correct as prefrontal and limbic cortices are key brain regions affected in schizophrenia, while the other choices are not directly involved in the disorder.