ATI RN
Population Specific Care Questions
Question 1 of 5
The wife of a client newly diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia asks the nurse, 'My husband was well adjusted until a month ago, and then, after a lot of work stress, he got sick. What can I expect? Will he be this sick for the rest of his life?' What information can the nurse provide about prognosis?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Paranoid schizophrenia is a subtype that tends to have a better prognosis compared to other types. Step 2: The statement that the disorder responds well to treatment and may not recur aligns with the typical course of paranoid schizophrenia. Step 3: With proper medication and therapy, individuals with paranoid schizophrenia can experience significant improvement and have periods of stability. Step 4: Recurrence of symptoms is less likely compared to other types of schizophrenia. Step 5: Therefore, choice A is correct as it provides accurate information about the prognosis of paranoid schizophrenia. Summary: Choice B is incorrect because not all types of schizophrenia are chronic relapsing disorders. Choice C is incorrect as outcomes are not solely determined by prehospital disorganization. Choice D is incorrect as partial remission is not the usual outcome for paranoid schizophrenia.
Question 2 of 5
The physician prescribes haloperidol (Haldol), a first-generation antipsychotic drug, for a patient with schizophrenia who displays delusions, hallucinations, apathy, and social isolation. Which symptoms should most be monitored to evaluate the expected improvement from this medication?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the symptoms of delusions and hallucinations are key indicators of improvement in schizophrenia with antipsychotic treatment. These symptoms directly relate to the patient's perception of reality and are core features of the disorder. Monitoring these symptoms provides objective evidence of the medication's effectiveness in addressing the patient's psychotic symptoms. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they mainly indicate negative symptoms of schizophrenia, such as flat affect, social withdrawal, and cognitive deficits. While monitoring these symptoms is important for assessing overall functioning and quality of life, they are not the primary target of improvement with antipsychotic medications. Symptoms like delusions and hallucinations are considered primary targets for evaluating the efficacy of antipsychotic treatment in schizophrenia.
Question 3 of 5
A patient with schizophrenia tells the nurse 'I don't know, it's just all the same. You never know. It comes, it goes, it blows away. Get it?' The best response for the nurse to make would be:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it reflects active listening and acknowledges the patient's communication difficulties without being dismissive. By stating difficulty in understanding, the nurse shows empathy and openness to further clarification. Choice A is incorrect as it may be perceived as judgmental. Choice B is incorrect as it does not address the patient's communication challenges. Choice C is incorrect as it places the responsibility solely on the patient without offering support.
Question 4 of 5
An appropriate short-term goal for a withdrawn, isolated patient diagnosed with schizophrenia is:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Step 1: Interacting with an assigned nurse helps build a therapeutic relationship, essential for engaging withdrawn patients. Step 2: Consistent interaction promotes trust and communication, aiding in the patient's socialization. Step 3: This goal is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound, aligning with the SMART criteria. Summary: A: Participation in all activities may overwhelm the patient. B: Defining barriers to communication is too advanced for someone withdrawn. C: Talking about feelings in a group setting may be too challenging for a withdrawn patient.
Question 5 of 5
A patient tells the nurse, 'I can't go to any unit meetings because when I get in that room, everyone can hear my thoughts.' The nurse can correctly assess this symptom as:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: thought broadcasting. This is when a person believes that others can hear their thoughts. In this scenario, the patient's belief that everyone in the unit meetings can hear their thoughts aligns with the symptom of thought broadcasting. It is a common manifestation of certain psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia. Choice A, concrete thinking, refers to literal thinking without abstract reasoning and is not applicable in this context. Choice B, loose associations, involves disorganized and illogical thought patterns, which are not evident in the patient's statement. Choice D, auditory hallucinations, refers to hearing voices when no external stimulus is present, which is different from the patient's belief that others can hear their thoughts.