ATI RN
Age Specific Considerations in Patient Care Questions
Question 1 of 5
What is the most appropriate nursing goal for a patient with bulimia nervosa?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: To eliminate binge-purge episodes and restore healthy eating habits. This goal is appropriate as it addresses the core issue of bulimia nervosa, which is the cycle of bingeing and purging. By focusing on eliminating these episodes and promoting healthy eating habits, the patient can achieve long-term recovery. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not address the underlying psychological and behavioral aspects of bulimia nervosa. Weight loss and body image issues (B) may exacerbate the disorder, monitoring calorie intake and restricting food consumption (C) can reinforce the cycle of bingeing and purging, and encouraging excessive exercise (D) can lead to further health complications.
Question 2 of 5
A patient with borderline personality disorder has been making steady progress but one day gets a phone call from her boyfriend, who breaks off their relationship. Although she has not self-injured in over 2 months, she makes repeated lacerations on her forearm. Which statement about this and most maladaptive behaviors seen in personality disorders is most accurate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: However dysfunctional, most behavior is the person's best effort to cope. In this scenario, the patient's self-injury following the breakup is a maladaptive coping mechanism to deal with emotional distress. Individuals with personality disorders often engage in maladaptive behaviors as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions or stress. This behavior may not be effective or healthy, but it is their attempt to manage their internal struggles. A: People with personality disorders rarely achieve lasting improvement - This statement is incorrect as individuals with personality disorders can make progress with therapy and support. C: People with personality disorders are at the mercy of others' actions - This statement is incorrect as individuals with personality disorders have agency over their behaviors, even if they struggle with emotional regulation. D: What appears to be improvement can be manipulation instead - This statement is incorrect as improvement in behavior should not be automatically attributed to manipulation; it could genuinely reflect progress in coping skills.
Question 3 of 5
Of the following interventions, which one would likely be most useful when attempting to prevent or lessen the symptoms associated with sundown syndrome?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because interacting frequently with the patient during evening hours can help provide comfort and reassurance, reducing anxiety and agitation associated with sundown syndrome. Interacting can stimulate the patient's senses and distract from negative symptoms. Choice A is incorrect because a quiet and dimly lit room alone may not address the underlying emotional and psychological needs of the patient during sundown syndrome. Choice C is incorrect because a large protein-based bedtime snack may not directly impact the behavioral symptoms of sundown syndrome. Choice D is incorrect because while a soft stuffed animal can provide some comfort, it may not address the need for human interaction and engagement during the evening hours to prevent or lessen sundown syndrome symptoms.
Question 4 of 5
A patient is admitted with a tentative diagnosis of delirium. The patient repeatedly mistakes one of the nursing staff for a family member. The nurse documents that this patient is experiencing a disturbance in which area of functioning?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Perception. In this scenario, the patient's repeated mistake of identifying a nursing staff as a family member indicates a disturbance in perception, specifically in the recognition and interpretation of sensory information. This confusion is not related to consciousness (A), as the patient is awake and aware. It is also not solely an issue of attention (B), as attention involves the ability to focus on specific stimuli rather than the interpretation of those stimuli. While cognition (D) encompasses various mental processes, such as memory and problem-solving, the primary issue in this case is the misinterpretation of sensory input, aligning with the disturbance in perception.
Question 5 of 5
A group of teenagers are discussing their individual problems associated with having an eating disorder. Which findings would the nurse attribute to purging?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer (C - Polyuria): 1. Purging involves self-induced vomiting or misuse of laxatives/diuretics. 2. Vomiting can lead to electrolyte imbalances, causing increased urine production (polyuria). 3. Polyuria is a common sign of purging behaviors due to electrolyte disturbances. Summary of Incorrect Choices: A: Excessive facial hair - Not directly related to purging behavior. B: Elevated blood pressure - Could be related to stress or other factors, not specific to purging. D: Dental enamel erosion - More likely associated with frequent vomiting (purging) rather than polyuria.