ATI RN
Age Specific Populations Questions
Question 1 of 5
The physician and advanced practice nurse are considering which antipsychotic medication to prescribe for a patient with schizophrenia who demonstrates auditory hallucinations, apathy, anhedonia, and poor social functioning. The patient is overweight and has hypertension. Bearing these facts in mind, the drug the nurse should advocate would be:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: aripiprazole (Ability). Aripiprazole is a second-generation antipsychotic that is less likely to cause weight gain and metabolic side effects compared to other antipsychotics like clozapine (A), olanzapine (C), and haloperidol (B). Given that the patient is overweight and has hypertension, aripiprazole would be a better choice to minimize the risk of exacerbating these conditions. Additionally, aripiprazole has a lower risk of sedation, which can be beneficial for a patient with apathy and anhedonia, allowing for improved social functioning. Aripiprazole's unique mechanism of action as a partial dopamine agonist can also be advantageous for managing auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia. Therefore, aripiprazole is the most suitable choice for this patient based on their clinical presentation and comorbidities.
Question 2 of 5
A rape victim asks a nurse, "How do I know whether this attack was my fault?" Which response by the nurse is therapeutic?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it demonstrates empathy and understanding towards the victim by helping them differentiate between vulnerability and blame. By supporting the victim in separating these issues, the nurse can empower them to recognize that the assault was not their fault, thus promoting healing and recovery. Choice B is incorrect because making decisions for the victim undermines their autonomy and does not address the victim's emotional needs. Choice C is incorrect as it offers false reassurance and does not address the victim's feelings of guilt or self-blame. Choice D is incorrect as it may come off as interrogative and could potentially retraumatize the victim by making them feel responsible for the assault.
Question 3 of 5
A victim of a violent rape was treated in the emergency department. As discharge preparation begins, the victim says softly, "I will never be the same again. I can't face my friends. There is no reason to go on." Select the nurse's most appropriate response.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: "Are you thinking of harming yourself?" This response is the most appropriate because the victim is expressing hopelessness and suicidal ideation, which indicates a need for immediate intervention and assessment for safety. By asking directly about self-harm, the nurse can assess the severity of the situation and take appropriate actions to ensure the victim's safety. Summary of other choices: B: This response minimizes the victim's feelings and does not address the seriousness of the situation. C: This response ignores the victim's emotional distress and does not address the potential for self-harm. D: This response dismisses the victim's current feelings and does not provide immediate support for the expressed hopelessness.
Question 4 of 5
To provide nursing care to abused children and their families, the nurse must first:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because examining personal feelings regarding the trauma of child abuse and neglect is crucial for nurses to provide effective care without bias or judgment. Understanding one's emotions enables empathetic and non-judgmental care. Choice A is important but not the first step. Choice B should only be considered after a thorough assessment. Choice C is not the nurse's primary responsibility; they should actively participate in the care.
Question 5 of 5
A client tells the nurse he has just finished an important business meeting, when in fact he has been napping. Upon what rationale should the nurse's response be based?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because reinforcing reality helps the client maintain maximum functioning. By gently guiding the client back to reality, the nurse can support their cognitive abilities and prevent further confusion or disorientation. Choice A is incorrect because ignoring memory deficits does not address the issue at hand. Choice B is incorrect as confronting delusions may lead to increased distress. Choice D is incorrect as it does not address the situation effectively and may not help the client maintain cognitive functioning.