ATI RN
Population Specific Care Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which of the following is an effective communication technique that should be included in the teaching plan for the family members of a woman in whom Alzheimer's disease has been diagnosed recently?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Use simple, familiar words, along with short and simple sentences. This is an effective communication technique for individuals with Alzheimer's disease as it helps in enhancing understanding and reduces confusion. Complex language or sentences may be difficult for the patient to comprehend. Choice B is incorrect because encouraging the client to sit during interactions does not directly relate to effective communication techniques. Choice C is incorrect as changing key words can lead to further confusion and may not aid in understanding. Choice D is incorrect because using hand gestures may not always effectively convey the message and can potentially cause more confusion for individuals with Alzheimer's disease.
Question 2 of 5
A rape victim tells the emergency room nurse, 'I feel so dirty. Help me take a shower before anything else.' The nurse should:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Explain that bathing would destroy evidence. This is the best choice because preserving evidence is crucial in cases of sexual assault. Bathing could wash away vital evidence needed for investigation and prosecution. It is important to prioritize the victim's physical and emotional well-being, but preserving evidence for forensic examination takes precedence. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because arranging for the patient to shower, suggesting waiting, or choosing none of the above would risk compromising the evidence needed for justice.
Question 3 of 5
After being raped, a woman was told by her aunt, 'I'm not surprised that happened to you. You were asking for it.' A few days later, a friend told her, 'Well after all, he took you to dinner. He expected something in return.' The victim states, 'I can't believe that people can think that way.' The rape crisis nurse correctly hypothesizes that the client is:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Experiencing cognitive dissonance. Cognitive dissonance refers to the mental discomfort or conflict that occurs when a person's beliefs or attitudes are inconsistent with their actions or experiences. In this scenario, the woman is facing conflicting beliefs - she knows she did not ask for or deserve to be raped, yet the comments from her aunt and friend suggest otherwise. This leads to the woman feeling disbelief and distress. Summary: B: In denial about the rape - This choice does not address the conflicting beliefs the woman is experiencing. C: Seeking validation from others - While seeking validation may be a natural response, it does not capture the essence of cognitive dissonance in this context.
Question 4 of 5
A widow, aged 72 years, lives alone and is visited weekly by her son. She takes digoxin, hydrochlorothiazide, and an antihypertensive drug. She also has a prescription for diazepam (Valium) as needed for moderate to severe anxiety. When the son visited today, he found his mother confused and disoriented, with an unsteady gait. The nurse assessed the patient as having several cognitive problems, including memory and attention deficits and fluctuating levels of orientation. The nurse confirms that the patient's symptoms developed:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Over the past few days. The sudden onset of confusion, disorientation, and cognitive deficits in the elderly patient suggests an acute change in her condition. This acute change is more indicative of a recent event or medication-related issue rather than a gradual decline over weeks or months. The sudden onset could be due to factors such as medication interactions, overdose, or underlying medical conditions. It is crucial to investigate recent changes in medications, lab results, or any other potential triggers that might have led to this acute cognitive decline. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they imply a gradual decline over weeks, months, or no specific timeframe, which does not align with the sudden onset observed in the patient.
Question 5 of 5
The head nurse on a unit that serves persons with cognitive impairment is concerned about her staff, many of whom seem to be becoming 'burned out' by their challenging work. Which response by the head nurse is most likely to minimize staff frustration and burnout on the unit? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because educating staff about realistic expectations for working with persons with cognitive impairment can help them understand the challenges they may face and develop appropriate coping strategies. This knowledge can reduce frustration and burnout by promoting a better understanding of the patients' needs and behaviors. Choice B, arranging for 12-hour shifts, may actually increase staff burnout as longer shifts can be physically and mentally taxing. Choice C, guiding staff to use small, realistic goals, while helpful in patient care, may not directly address staff burnout. Therefore, the most effective approach to minimize staff frustration and burnout in this scenario is education on realistic expectations.