ATI RN
Age Specific Care Questions
Question 1 of 5
Therapeutic nutrition begins for a patient with anorexia nervosa who is 70% of ideal body weight. Which nursing intervention is most important to add to the plan of care?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Observe for adverse effects associated with refeeding. This is important because refeeding syndrome can occur when a severely malnourished individual is reintroduced to nutrition too quickly, leading to potentially life-threatening electrolyte imbalances. Monitoring for signs such as fluid retention, electrolyte abnormalities, and changes in vital signs is crucial in preventing these complications. Choice A: Communicating empathy is important in building trust and rapport with the patient, but it is not the most critical intervention in this scenario. Choice C: Teaching the patient about the psychological origins of the disorder is important for long-term treatment, but it is not the most immediate concern when starting therapeutic nutrition. Choice D: Directing the patient to balance energy expenditure and caloric intake is important for overall health, but it is not the priority when the patient is severely malnourished and at risk for refeeding syndrome.
Question 2 of 5
Which instruction has priority when teaching a patient taking clozapine (Clozaril)?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Report sore throat and fever immediately. This is because clozapine can cause a serious condition called agranulocytosis, which is characterized by a dangerously low white blood cell count. Sore throat and fever can be early signs of this condition, so it is crucial to report them immediately to prevent serious complications. Avoiding unprotected sex (choice A) is important for overall health but is not directly related to clozapine use. Reducing foods high in polyunsaturated fats (choice C) is not a priority as it does not impact the safety or effectiveness of clozapine. Using over-the-counter preparations for rashes (choice D) is not advised as rashes can be a side effect of clozapine, and professional medical advice should be sought.
Question 3 of 5
Police bring a patient to the mental health unit. The patient was directing traffic and shouting rhymes on a busy city street. The patient's spouse reports that the patient has not slept or eaten for 3 days. Which assessment findings have priority concern for this patient's plan of care?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Hyperactivity, not eating, and not sleeping are priority concerns as they indicate potential mania or hypomania, which can be dangerous and require immediate intervention. Not eating and sleeping for days can lead to physical and mental health complications. Pressured speech and grandiosity (Choice A) are symptoms of mania but not as urgent as lack of eating and sleeping. Poor concentration and decision making (Choice C) are also symptoms of mania, but not as immediately concerning as the lack of eating and sleeping. Insulting behavior (Choice D) is not a priority concern for immediate intervention in this scenario.
Question 4 of 5
A patient has not come out of her room for breakfast. The nurse finds the patient moving restlessly about her room in a disorganized manner. The patient is talking to herself, and her verbal responses to the nurse are nonsensical and suggest disorientation. The nurse notices that the patient's skin is hot and dry, and her pupils are somewhat dilated. All these symptoms are significant departures from the patient's recent presentation. The patient is likely experiencing _____, and the nurse should _____.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Anticholinergic toxicity. The patient's symptoms of restlessness, disorganized behavior, nonsensical speech, disorientation, hot and dry skin, dilated pupils, and significant departure from recent presentation are classic signs of anticholinergic toxicity. Anticholinergic medications can lead to central nervous system and peripheral anticholinergic effects, causing confusion, delirium, hyperthermia, and dilated pupils. Checking vital signs and preparing to use a cooling blanket are appropriate initial interventions to address the symptoms. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not align with the patient's symptoms and presentation. Choice B (Relapse of her psychosis) does not fully explain the physical symptoms such as hot and dry skin, dilated pupils, and disorientation. Choice C (Neuroleptic malignant syndrome) typically presents with muscle rigidity, hyperthermia, autonomic instability, and altered mental status, which are not completely consistent
Question 5 of 5
A 28-year-old female client was admitted 3 days ago after she ran nude through the streets shouting that she was the 'Queen of Hearts.' Since admission, the client remains delusional, shouts obscenities, and demonstrates loosely associated thoughts. Based on these data, the nurse should develop a nursing diagnosis of:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Disturbed thought processes. The client's behavior of being delusional, shouting obscenities, and demonstrating loosely associated thoughts indicates a disturbance in thought processes. This nursing diagnosis focuses on the client's cognitive functioning and perception of reality. A: Risk for violence is not the most appropriate diagnosis in this case as there is no direct evidence of the client being a risk to herself or others. B: Defensive coping does not address the client's specific symptoms of delusions and disorganized thinking. D: Impaired memory is not the most appropriate diagnosis as the client's symptoms are more indicative of a broader disturbance in thought processes rather than just memory deficits. Therefore, choice C is the most suitable nursing diagnosis based on the client's presentation of delusional behavior and disorganized thoughts.