ATI RN
Age Specific Populations Questions
Question 1 of 5
An 18-year-old referred to the mental health center often cooks gourmet meals but eats only tiny portions. The patient wears layers of loose clothing saying, "I like the style." The patient's weight dropped from 130 to 95 pounds. She has amenorrhea. Which diagnosis is most likely?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Anorexia nervosa. This diagnosis fits the patient's symptoms of restrictive eating, significant weight loss, amenorrhea, and denial of the severity of the situation. The patient's behavior of cooking gourmet meals but eating tiny portions and wearing layers of clothes to hide weight loss are classic signs of anorexia nervosa. The other choices are incorrect because: A: Eating disorder not otherwise specified does not fully capture the severity and specific symptoms exhibited by the patient. C: Bulimia nervosa involves binge-eating followed by compensatory behaviors, which are not described in the scenario. D: Binge eating disorder involves recurrent episodes of binge eating without compensatory behaviors, which is not indicated.
Question 2 of 5
A pediatric nurse at the clinic interviews a 14-year-old client who is dressed in baggy clothes and two sweaters on a warm day. The client admits to not having had her period for 4 months. The nurse notes fine downy hair along the client's cheeks. Vital signs are T, 36.6; P, 64; and BP, 84/50. Which additional objective sign would best support the nurse's assessment that the client has anorexia nervosa?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Weight 15% below normal for her height. In anorexia nervosa, individuals have a fear of gaining weight leading to severe weight loss. A weight 15% below normal for her height indicates significant weight loss, a hallmark feature of anorexia nervosa. This is supported by the client's baggy clothes, two sweaters on a warm day, and absence of menstrual periods, which are common signs of anorexia nervosa. Choice B: Eroded dental enamel is a sign of bulimia nervosa, not anorexia nervosa. Choice C: Parotid gland enlargement is seen in bulimia nervosa due to frequent vomiting, not anorexia nervosa. Choice D: Dehydration is a general sign and not specific to anorexia nervosa.
Question 3 of 5
Which disorder is often difficult to detect and consequently often goes untreated?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Bulimia. Bulimia is often difficult to detect as individuals may engage in secretive binge eating and purging behaviors. Unlike anorexia nervosa where visible weight loss may be noticeable, individuals with bulimia may maintain a normal weight, making it harder to identify. Bulimia also tends to be associated with feelings of shame and guilt, leading individuals to hide their behaviors. Pica (A) involves eating non-food items and can be more easily observed. Obesity (C) is often noticeable due to visible weight gain. Anorexia nervosa (D) is also easier to detect as individuals may exhibit extreme weight loss and visible physical symptoms.
Question 4 of 5
The coping mechanism that patients with anorexia nervosa use maladaptively is:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: denial. Patients with anorexia nervosa often deny the seriousness of their low weight, distorted body image, or the potential health consequences of their eating behaviors. This denial helps them avoid facing their underlying issues and enables them to continue harmful behaviors. Choice B (projection) involves attributing one's own thoughts or feelings onto others, not relevant to anorexia. Choice C (introjection) involves internalizing external beliefs or values, not a common maladaptive coping mechanism in anorexia. Choice D (rationalization) involves creating logical explanations to justify inappropriate behaviors, not the primary defense mechanism in anorexia.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse would evaluate that a family education plan for preventing childhood eating problems has met the stated objectives if which outcome is evident?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it demonstrates that parents are actively engaged and interested in learning about healthier eating patterns for their children, aligning with the objective of preventing childhood eating problems. This outcome indicates a willingness to make positive changes in the family's approach to nutrition. A: While providing structured meal times and snacks is important, this choice does not necessarily reflect an understanding of healthier eating patterns or prevention of eating problems. C: Using food as a reward can actually contribute to unhealthy eating habits and does not align with the goal of preventing childhood eating problems. D: Keeping a diary to record signs of hunger is useful, but it does not directly address the objective of learning about healthier eating patterns.