ATI RN
Health Care Utilization by Age Group Questions
Question 1 of 5
The client tells the nurse, 'I thought my psychiatrist was the best doctor in the world. I thought he understood me completely. Now, I hate him! He doesn't understand me at all. He's just dumping me to go on a 2-week vacation.' The nurse assesses the client's description of feelings about the physician as evidence of the use of:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Splitting. Splitting is a defense mechanism where a person sees things as all good or all bad, leading to extreme shifts in perception. In this case, the client initially viewed the psychiatrist as the best doctor but now hates him completely due to feeling abandoned. This sudden shift from idealization to devaluation is characteristic of splitting. Choice B: Projective identification involves attributing one's own unacceptable feelings or traits onto another. This is not evident in the client's description. Choice C: Isolation of affect refers to separating emotions from their source. The client is expressing strong emotions towards the psychiatrist, not isolating them. Choice D: Dissociation involves a disruption in consciousness, memory, identity, or perception. The client is not displaying symptoms of dissociation in this scenario.
Question 2 of 5
To plan effective interventions, the nurse should understand that the underlying reason a patient with paranoid personality disorder is so critical of others probably lies in the patient's:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because paranoid personality disorder is characterized by distrust and suspicion of others, leading individuals to project their own negative traits onto others (projection). This defense mechanism helps them avoid accepting their own shortcomings. Option A is incorrect because the focus is on control, not blame. Option B is incorrect as intellectualization is a defense mechanism that involves avoiding emotions by focusing on rational aspects. Option C is incorrect as it refers to rigidity and not projection of blame. In summary, projection of blame onto others is the underlying reason for the critical behavior in paranoid personality disorder.
Question 3 of 5
A patient with borderline personality disorder has been hospitalized several times after self-injurious behavior and suicide attempts. The patient has entered dialectical behavior therapy on an outpatient basis. During therapy, the advanced practice nurse has been counseling her regarding self-harm behavior management. Today the patient called the nurse and reported 'feeling empty and anxious' and wants to cut herself. Which response would best help in this situation?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct response is C: Assist the patient to identify and choose a coping strategy. This choice is the best because it involves helping the patient develop healthy coping mechanisms to manage her distress. This empowers the patient to take control of her emotions and actions in a positive way. Emergency admissions (choices A and B) may not address the underlying issues and could potentially reinforce maladaptive behaviors. Advising medication (choice D) without addressing the emotional distress directly may not provide long-term solutions. In summary, choice C focuses on empowering the patient and addressing the root of the problem, making it the most appropriate response in this scenario.
Question 4 of 5
Which of the following is the most effective strategy to prevent relapse in anorexia nervosa?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because providing a structured meal plan and ongoing emotional support addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of anorexia nervosa. Structured meal plans help establish healthy eating habits, while emotional support addresses underlying triggers and promotes mental well-being. Focusing solely on weight gain (A) neglects the emotional component of the disorder. Encouraging weight loss (C) reinforces harmful behaviors. Limiting food-related discussions (D) does not address the root causes of anorexia nervosa. In summary, B is the most effective strategy as it tackles both the physical and emotional aspects of the disorder.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient with bulimia nervosa. What should the nurse do to promote a healthy eating pattern?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because encouraging regular meals and snacks with a focus on nutrition helps stabilize blood sugar levels, reduce binge eating episodes, and promote overall health. This approach also supports the patient in developing a balanced relationship with food. A: Providing a strict, rigid eating schedule may increase anxiety and reinforce unhealthy behaviors. B: Allowing the patient to choose meals without guidelines may lead to erratic eating patterns and poor nutrition. D: Promoting food restriction can exacerbate feelings of guilt and perpetuate the cycle of binge eating.