ATI RN
Population Specific Care Questions
Question 1 of 5
When a patient with paranoid schizophrenia has a recurrence of positive symptoms after stopping his antipsychotic medication because of its postural hypotension (orthostasis) side effect, he is readmitted to the mental health unit. What measure should the nurse suggest to help the patient address this side effect?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because wearing elastic support hose, drinking adequate fluids, and changing positions slowly can help prevent postural hypotension associated with antipsychotic medications. Elastic support hose can improve blood circulation and prevent blood pooling in the legs. Adequate fluid intake can help maintain blood volume and blood pressure. Changing positions slowly can prevent sudden drops in blood pressure upon standing. Choice A (anticholinergic drug) is incorrect as it may worsen symptoms of schizophrenia. Choice B (sugarless gum or candy) is unrelated to postural hypotension. Choice C (increasing sleep and rest breaks) may help with fatigue but does not address postural hypotension directly.
Question 2 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 3 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An appropriate short-term goal for a withdrawn, isolated patient diagnosed with schizophrenia is: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Rationale: Step 1: Interacting with an assigned nurse helps build a therapeutic relationship, essential for engaging withdrawn patients.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 B: Defining barriers to communication is too advanced for someone withdrawn.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 4 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.
Question 5 of 5
The client in whom schizophrenia has been diagnosed usually is medicated with an ____ drug.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Antipsychotic. Antipsychotic drugs are specifically designed to treat symptoms associated with schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and delusions. These drugs help regulate dopamine levels in the brain, which are often imbalanced in individuals with schizophrenia. Antianxiety drugs (A) are not typically used to treat schizophrenia as they target different symptoms. Antidepressants (C) may be used in conjunction with antipsychotics, but they are not the primary treatment for schizophrenia. Antihypertensive drugs (D) are used to treat high blood pressure and are not indicated for schizophrenia.