ATI RN
Age Specific Patient Care Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse who is caring for a 23-year-old client with bulimia knows that the most common method of purging to monitor this client for is:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Vomiting. In bulimia, vomiting is the most common method of purging after binge eating to control weight. Monitoring for signs of vomiting, such as frequent trips to the bathroom after meals or presence of swollen salivary glands, is crucial. Starvation (B) is not a method of purging in bulimia but rather a consequence of restriction in anorexia nervosa. Excessive enema use (C) is not a common method of purging in bulimia and can be harmful. Therefore, the correct choice is A as it aligns with the typical behavior of individuals with bulimia.
Question 2 of 5
What is the primary goal for a nurse treating a patient with anorexia nervosa?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The primary goal for a nurse treating a patient with anorexia nervosa is to restore the patient's nutritional balance and weight. This is because individuals with anorexia nervosa often have severe malnutrition and weight loss, which can lead to serious health complications. By focusing on restoring nutritional balance and weight, the nurse can help improve the patient's physical health and overall well-being. Encouraging the patient to achieve optimal body weight quickly (choice A) may not be realistic or safe, as rapid weight gain can have negative consequences. Involving the patient in daily exercise routines (choice C) may exacerbate the patient's compulsive behaviors around food and exercise. Encouraging the patient to undergo intensive psychotherapy (choice D) is important, but it is not the primary goal in the initial treatment of anorexia nervosa.
Question 3 of 5
When analyzing the behaviors of a 23-year-old who meets the criteria for antisocial personality disorder, the nurse recognizes that the following nursing diagnosis would be pertinent to his care:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for choice C (Impaired social interaction) being the correct answer: 1. Antisocial personality disorder is characterized by a lack of regard for others and a pattern of violating their rights. 2. Individuals with this disorder often have difficulty forming and maintaining healthy relationships. 3. Impaired social interaction reflects the challenges the individual faces in relating to others. 4. This nursing diagnosis would address the core issue of social dysfunction in individuals with antisocial personality disorder. Summary of why the other choices are incorrect: A. Risk for self-mutilation - Not typically associated with antisocial personality disorder, more common in other mental health conditions. B. Disturbed personal identity - Not a primary concern in antisocial personality disorder, which is more about behavior than identity. D. Social isolation - While individuals with antisocial personality disorder may isolate themselves, impaired social interaction is a more direct and specific issue to address in their care.
Question 4 of 5
The mother of a 2-year-old tells the nurse at the well-child clinic that her child likes to take a blanket wherever he goes. The mother asks if she should take the blanket away from the child. The nurse counsels the mother to allow the child to have the blanket because it reminds him of his mother and comforts him. The basis for this counseling is:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Mahler's theory of object relations. Mahler emphasizes the importance of transitional objects like a blanket for young children to provide comfort and security as they develop a sense of self and separation from their primary caregiver. This theory aligns with the situation described, where the child's attachment to the blanket symbolizes the bond with the mother. Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect: B: Freud's developmental theory focuses on psychosexual stages and the role of unconscious processes, not specifically on transitional objects. C: Kernberg's conceptualization of object constancy pertains to personality disorders and object relations in adult psychotherapy, not child development. D: Sullivan's theory of 'good me' is about interpersonal relationships and self-esteem, not directly related to transitional objects in child development.
Question 5 of 5
A patient with anorexia nervosa is being treated with refeeding. Which complication should the nurse monitor for during this phase?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hypophosphatemia and cardiac arrhythmias. During refeeding in anorexia nervosa, there is a risk of rapid shifts in electrolytes, particularly phosphorus, leading to hypophosphatemia which can cause cardiac arrhythmias. This is a critical complication that the nurse should monitor for. Hyperkalemia and hyperglycemia (choice A) are less common in refeeding syndrome. Increased appetite and food cravings (choice C) are expected outcomes of refeeding, not complications. Dehydration and hypotension (choice D) are potential issues but are not specific to refeeding in anorexia nervosa.