ATI RN
Age Specific Care Competency Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is sitting with a patient diagnosed as having schizophrenia, disorganized type, who starts to laugh uncontrollably, although nothing funny has occurred. The nurse should say:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it acknowledges the patient's behavior in a non-confrontational manner and invites the patient to share their experience. By saying "You're laughing. Tell me what's happening," the nurse shows empathy and encourages open communication. Choice A may unintentionally minimize the patient's experience. Choice B may come off as accusatory. Choice C doesn't actively engage the patient in conversation. Encouraging the patient to express their feelings can help establish trust and facilitate therapeutic communication.
Question 2 of 5
A novice nurse tells the assigned mentor, 'I admitted a patient today who has several bizarre delusions. I wanted to tell the patient that the ideas and conclusions simply are not logical. What do you think will happen if I do?' Which reply by the mentor is best?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it emphasizes the importance of developing trust and rapport with the patient before addressing their delusions. By using empathy and calmness, the nurse can create a safe environment for the patient to feel understood and supported. This approach can help the patient be more receptive to feedback about the discrepancies in their thinking. Choice A is incorrect because simply giving the patient something to think about may not address the underlying issues causing the delusions. Choice B is incorrect as it assumes the patient will view the nurse negatively, which may not always be the case. Choice D is incorrect as it suggests going along with the patient's delusions, which can potentially reinforce and perpetuate their false beliefs.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse has been working with a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia who experiences auditory hallucinations. The patient relates, 'When I first heard the voices they said nice things about me. Lately, they've changed and they say bad things.' What information has the least impact on therapeutic patient care at this point in the hospitalization?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A Rationale: A: Asking about trust in the nurse is not immediately relevant as the patient's primary concern is the change in voice content. Building trust is important but addressing the content of hallucinations takes priority. B: This is relevant as commanding voices could pose a safety risk. C: Monitoring frequency helps assess severity and response to treatment. D: Understanding triggers for hallucinations is important for managing symptoms.
Question 4 of 5
The client has become unable to recognize formerly familiar objects and people in his environment. The client is experiencing:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Agnosis - inability to recognize familiar objects or people. This is because the client's inability to recognize formerly familiar objects and people in his environment aligns with the definition of agnosis. Affect (choice A) refers to experienced feelings and emotions, which is not the issue described in the question. Apraxia (choice C) is difficulty carrying out purposeful tasks, not related to recognition of objects or people. Anhedonia (choice D) is a lack of pleasure, which is also not applicable to the client's situation. Therefore, the best fit for the client's experience is agnosis.
Question 5 of 5
Which intervention would be the best initial approach for a nurse to take when a young adult patient is verbally abusive?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct initial approach is to identify the patient's verbal abuse to set standards for future dialogue. This approach addresses the behavior directly, establishes boundaries, and communicates expectations for respectful communication. Asking the patient to define 'verbally abusive language' (choice A) may not effectively address the current behavior. Providing examples of assertive communication (choice B) may not directly address the abusive behavior. Removing privileges (choice D) may escalate the situation and is not a constructive communication strategy. By identifying the patient's verbal abuse, the nurse can address the behavior effectively and work towards a respectful and therapeutic relationship.