ATI RN
Age Specific Populations Questions
Question 1 of 5
When planning nursing care for a client with a dependent personality disorder, the nurse recognizes which of the following as characteristic behavior for someone with this disorder? The client:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because individuals with dependent personality disorder typically believe they cannot function without the help of others. This is a key characteristic of the disorder as they rely heavily on others for decision-making and day-to-day tasks. This behavior stems from an intense fear of separation and abandonment. Choice A (perceiving behavior as embarrassing) is incorrect as it is more aligned with social anxiety disorder rather than dependent personality disorder. Choice C (exaggerating dangers) is incorrect as it is more characteristic of individuals with anxiety disorders. Choice D (demanding excessive attention) is incorrect as it is more typical of individuals with histrionic personality disorder.
Question 2 of 5
What should the nurse do when a patient with anorexia nervosa expresses a fear of gaining weight?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because providing information about the importance of weight gain for health helps educate the patient on the risks of anorexia nervosa. By doing so, the nurse can address the patient's fears in a supportive and informative manner, promoting a better understanding of the need for weight gain. Choice A is incorrect because minimizing the patient's fears may invalidate their feelings and hinder therapeutic communication. Choice C is incorrect as encouraging weight loss can exacerbate the patient's condition and reinforce unhealthy behaviors. Choice D is incorrect because agreeing with the patient's concerns perpetuates the harmful beliefs associated with anorexia nervosa.
Question 3 of 5
A psychiatric technician remarks to the nurse, 'That client with dependent personality disorder is so clingy! I almost hate to see her coming my way.' The response by the nurse that will be helpful to the technician is:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: The client fears having to function independently without direction from someone else. This response is helpful because it provides insight into the underlying fear and motivation of the client's behavior. Clients with dependent personality disorder often have an excessive need to be taken care of and fear being alone or making decisions independently. This response acknowledges the client's struggle with autonomy and offers understanding without judgment. Choice A is incorrect because it normalizes the technician's negative feelings, which does not address the client's needs. Choice B is incorrect because it makes a generalizing and negative statement about clients with personality disorders, which is stigmatizing and unhelpful. Choice D is incorrect because it describes features more commonly associated with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, not dependent personality disorder.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse reports to the interdisciplinary team that an antisocial patient lies to other patients, verbally abuses a patient with Alzheimer's disease, flatters his primary nurse, and is detached and superficial during counseling sessions. Which behavior should be the priority focus of limit setting?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Verbally abusing other patients should be the priority focus of limit setting. This behavior poses a direct threat to the safety and well-being of other patients. By addressing verbal abuse first, the nurse can establish boundaries and maintain a safe environment for all patients. Lying to other patients (A) may be addressed but is not as immediate a concern. Flattering the nursing staff (B) is manipulative but not as harmful as verbal abuse. Superficiality during counseling sessions (D) may indicate other issues but is not as urgent as addressing the verbal abuse.
Question 5 of 5
The characteristic in individuals with personality disorders that makes it most necessary for staff to schedule frequent meetings is:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because individuals with personality disorders often evoke countertransference and conflict in staff due to their challenging behaviors and interpersonal dynamics. This can lead to potential misunderstandings and ineffective treatment if not addressed through frequent meetings. Option A is incorrect as flexibility and unconventional responses to stress are not typically the primary concern necessitating frequent meetings. Option B is incorrect as a desire for emotional intimacy is not necessarily a reason for staff to schedule frequent meetings. Option D is incorrect as an impaired ability to develop trusting relationships might be a symptom of a personality disorder, but it is not the characteristic that most necessitates frequent meetings.