ATI RN
Age Specific Populations Questions
Question 1 of 5
Because of the cognitive disturbances associated with schizophrenia, which technique will be useful as the nurse teaches a client about self-management?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because teaching material in small segments is effective for individuals with cognitive disturbances like schizophrenia, as it helps improve comprehension and retention. Breaking down information into manageable parts reduces cognitive overload and enhances learning. Choice B is incorrect as relying solely on verbal instruction may be challenging for individuals with cognitive deficits. Choice C is incorrect because a stimulated and busy environment may hinder learning for someone with schizophrenia due to difficulty focusing. Choice D is incorrect as offering too many choices can be overwhelming and confusing, especially for those with cognitive disturbances.
Question 2 of 5
A patient has not come out of her room for breakfast. The nurse finds the patient moving restlessly about her room in a disorganized manner. The patient is talking to herself, and her verbal responses to the nurse are nonsensical and suggest disorientation. The nurse notices that the patient's skin is hot and dry, and her pupils are somewhat dilated. All these symptoms are significant departures from the patient's recent presentation. The patient is likely experiencing _____, and the nurse should _____.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: anticholinergic toxicity. The patient is displaying symptoms such as restlessness, disorganized behavior, nonsensical verbal responses, disorientation, hot and dry skin, and dilated pupils, which are indicative of anticholinergic toxicity. Step-by-step rationale: 1. Restlessness and disorganized behavior are common symptoms of anticholinergic toxicity. 2. Nonsensical verbal responses and disorientation are also typical signs of anticholinergic toxicity. 3. Hot and dry skin can be caused by decreased sweating due to anticholinergic effects. 4. Dilated pupils are a classic sign of anticholinergic toxicity. 5. Checking vital signs and preparing to use a cooling blanket is the appropriate immediate action to manage anticholinergic toxicity. Summary of other choices: - B: Relapse of psychosis does not explain the physical symptoms like dilated pupils and hot/dry skin. - C: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome presents with
Question 3 of 5
A patient with many positive symptoms of schizophrenia, whose behavior is disorganized and who is highly anxious, tells the nurse in the psychiatric emergency department, 'You have got to help me. I do not know what is going on. I think someone is trying to wipe me out. I have to get a gun.' The patient, a college student, lives alone and has no family or support system in the immediate area. He has not left his room in 2 weeks, has not eaten in several days, and is unkempt. Of the available treatment settings, the nurse should recommend:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: inpatient hospitalization on a locked unit. This option is the most appropriate given the patient's presentation. The patient is experiencing severe positive symptoms of schizophrenia, such as delusions and disorganized behavior, posing a risk to himself and others by expressing intent to obtain a gun. Additionally, the patient is neglecting basic needs, indicating a need for close monitoring and intervention. Inpatient hospitalization on a locked unit provides a structured and secure environment for intensive treatment, ensuring safety and stabilization. Incorrect choices: A: Admission to an unlocked residential crisis unit may not provide the level of monitoring and security needed for a patient with active psychotic symptoms and self-harm potential. C: Attending a day treatment program for 4 weeks does not address the acute safety concerns and level of impairment displayed by the patient. D: Admission to a partial hospital program may not offer the round-the-clock supervision and immediate intervention required for someone at risk of harming themselves or others.
Question 4 of 5
Which point should be included in teaching patients and families about relapse?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why answer B is correct: 1. Caffeine and nicotine are known to reduce the effectiveness of antipsychotic drugs. 2. Teaching patients and families about this can help them understand the importance of avoiding these substances. 3. By avoiding caffeine and nicotine, patients can improve the effectiveness of their treatment and reduce the risk of relapse. 4. This information empowers patients and families to make informed decisions to support treatment outcomes. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: A: Incorrect because relapse can occur due to various factors, not just medication non-adherence. C: Incorrect because relapse is a complex issue that may not be entirely prevented even with support, education, and adherence. D: Incorrect because education about medication side effects is still valuable, even if it may not entirely prevent relapse.
Question 5 of 5
A patient was admitted in a semistuporous catatonic state. Family states that the patient has neither left the apartment nor attended to personal hygiene for several weeks. The patient's last 48 hours have been spent lying in bed, mute and motionless. The nursing diagnosis that should be considered the priority is:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: self-care deficit. This nursing diagnosis should be considered the priority because the patient is unable to attend to personal hygiene and has been lying in bed motionless and mute for 48 hours, indicating a significant impairment in self-care abilities. This is a critical issue that needs immediate attention to prevent further deterioration in the patient's physical and mental health. Choice B: situational low self-esteem is not the priority as the patient's current state is more indicative of physical neglect rather than a self-esteem issue. Choice C: disturbed thought processes may be a contributing factor to the patient's presentation, but the priority at this moment is addressing the self-care deficit to ensure the patient's safety and well-being. Choice D: impaired verbal communication, while important, is not the priority in this scenario as the patient's inability to communicate verbally is secondary to the urgent need for assistance with self-care.