ATI RN
Health Care Utilization by Age Group Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which of the following signs indicates that a patient with an eating disorder may need immediate hospitalization?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Serum potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L. This indicates severe hypokalemia, which can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias in patients with eating disorders. Hospitalization is necessary for immediate monitoring and intervention to prevent serious complications. Choices B, C, and D do not indicate imminent life-threatening risks requiring immediate hospitalization.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse would assess for which feature in a patient diagnosed with bulimia nervosa?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because abuse of diuretics and laxatives is a common behavior in individuals with bulimia nervosa to control weight. This behavior is known as purging. Choice A is incorrect as personality traits vary among individuals with bulimia nervosa. Choice C is incorrect as disinterest in sexual activity is not a typical feature of this disorder. Choice D is incorrect as individuals with bulimia nervosa often experience episodes of binge eating, indicating they do experience hunger at times.
Question 3 of 5
A client with antisocial personality disorder yells, 'Shut up about that, or I'll punch you in the nose!' and shakes his fist at another client in a group meeting after the client speaks negatively of illicit drug use. The nurse quickly determines that the client is at risk to act violently against others as evidenced by his aggressive behavior, verbal threats, and a history of impulsivity. Which is the best approach for the nurse to use?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Explore alternate ways to handle frustrating topics in the group. This approach focuses on addressing the underlying issue of the client's aggressive behavior by finding healthier ways to manage emotions and conflicts. It promotes therapeutic communication and helps the client develop coping strategies. Secluding the client (choice A) may escalate the situation and reinforce negative behavior. Putting the client in restraints (choice B) is a physical intervention that should only be used as a last resort for safety reasons. Telling the client to leave the group (choice D) may not address the root cause of the behavior and could lead to further isolation and resentment. Ultimately, exploring alternate ways to handle frustrating topics is the most therapeutic and effective approach in this scenario.
Question 4 of 5
What is a key consideration when treating a patient with anorexia nervosa?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because addressing the psychological and emotional factors is crucial in treating anorexia nervosa. This disorder is not solely about weight or food intake; it often involves deeper psychological issues such as body image distortion, low self-esteem, and control issues. By focusing on the underlying psychological and emotional factors, therapists can help patients understand and cope with these issues, leading to more effective and sustainable recovery. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they overlook the complexity of anorexia nervosa and may even exacerbate the patient's condition by neglecting the root causes of the disorder.
Question 5 of 5
The client tells the nurse, 'I thought my psychiatrist was the best doctor in the world. I thought he understood me completely. Now, I hate him! He doesn't understand me at all. He's just dumping me to go on a 2-week vacation.' The nurse assesses the client's description of feelings about the physician as evidence of the use of:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Splitting. Splitting is a defense mechanism where a person sees things as all good or all bad, leading to extreme shifts in perception. In this case, the client initially viewed the psychiatrist as the best doctor but now hates him completely due to feeling abandoned. This sudden shift from idealization to devaluation is characteristic of splitting. Choice B: Projective identification involves attributing one's own unacceptable feelings or traits onto another. This is not evident in the client's description. Choice C: Isolation of affect refers to separating emotions from their source. The client is expressing strong emotions towards the psychiatrist, not isolating them. Choice D: Dissociation involves a disruption in consciousness, memory, identity, or perception. The client is not displaying symptoms of dissociation in this scenario.