ATI RN
Age Specific Patient Care Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which of these nursing communications would be most effective in teaching a patient about abusive behavior?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it directly addresses the issue of abusive behavior in a clear and non-judgmental manner. By framing the question around a specific scenario of abusive behavior and asking for the patient's perspective, it encourages self-reflection and critical thinking. This approach empowers the patient to recognize and acknowledge the abusive behavior, which is crucial for initiating change. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not specifically address abusive behavior. Choice B focuses on a different type of behavior (childhood aggression), Choice C addresses financial control rather than abuse, and Choice D discusses skepticism in response to a compliment, which is unrelated to abusive behavior. These choices do not effectively target the issue at hand and may lead to confusion or misinterpretation.
Question 2 of 5
An 11-year-old child stays home from school to care for his siblings while his mother works, is demeaned by his father, and has negative self-perceptions. Which indicator would suggest that nursing interventions are succeeding?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because regular school attendance indicates the child's improved well-being and ability to prioritize education over caregiving responsibilities. B: Playing calmly does not necessarily indicate overall improvement in the child's situation. C: The father's silence during nurse visits does not directly reflect the child's well-being or progress. D: The mother correcting negative comments by the child is positive but does not directly address the child's caregiving responsibilities or self-perceptions.
Question 3 of 5
The mother of a client newly diagnosed with schizophrenia is a nurse. She unhappily tells the nurse on the unit, 'I've tried to be a good mother, but my daughter still developed schizophrenia. When I was in school, we were taught that it was the mother's fault if a child became schizophrenic. I wish I knew what I did wrong.' The response that would help the mother evaluate models explaining schizophrenia would be:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct answer: B Rationale: 1. This response acknowledges the mother's distress but shifts the focus to new findings suggesting schizophrenia is biologic in nature. 2. It provides the mother with updated information that contradicts the outdated belief that mothers are to blame for schizophrenia. 3. By highlighting the biological basis of the disorder, it helps the mother understand that it is not her fault. 4. This response encourages the mother to consider scientific evidence rather than blaming herself, promoting a more accurate understanding of the condition. Summary: - Choice A validates the mother's feelings but doesn't offer factual information to challenge her belief. - Choice C aims to provide emotional support but doesn't address the mother's need for accurate information. - Choice D introduces the concept of double-bind communication, which is not directly relevant to helping the mother understand the biological nature of schizophrenia.
Question 4 of 5
A patient was admitted to the mental health unit after arguing with co-workers and threatening to kill them. He is diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. On the unit he is aloof and suspicious. He mentioned that two physicians he saw talking were plotting to kill him. On the basis of data gathered at this point, which two primary nursing diagnoses should the nurse consider?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Disturbed thought processes and Risk for other-directed violence. 1. Disturbed thought processes: The patient's delusions (believing physicians are plotting to kill him) indicate disorganized thinking, a hallmark of paranoid schizophrenia. 2. Risk for other-directed violence: The patient's threatening behavior towards co-workers suggests a potential for violence towards others. Incorrect choices: B: Spiritual distress and Social isolation - Not directly related to the patient's current symptoms of paranoid delusions and threat of violence. C: Risk for loneliness and Knowledge deficit - The patient's issues are more severe than loneliness or knowledge deficit. D: Disturbed personal identity and Nonadherence - While these issues may be relevant in schizophrenia, they are not the primary concerns presented in this scenario.
Question 5 of 5
A patient receiving risperidone (Risperdal) reports severe muscle stiffness midmorning. During lunch he has difficulty swallowing food and speaking, and when vital signs are taken 30 minutes later, he is noted to be stuporous and diaphoretic, with a temperature of 38.8° C, pulse of 110 beats/min, and blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg. The nurse should suspect ______ and should ______.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). The patient's symptoms align with NMS, a rare but serious side effect of antipsychotic medications like risperidone. The severe muscle stiffness, difficulty swallowing, altered mental status, diaphoresis, and elevated temperature, pulse, and blood pressure are all indicative of NMS. The nurse should suspect NMS and take immediate action by placing the patient in a cooling blanket to lower the temperature and transfer him to the ICU for close monitoring and further management. Choice B is incorrect because anticholinergic toxicity typically presents with different symptoms such as dry mouth, dilated pupils, and confusion. Choice C is incorrect as there are no signs of a psychotic relapse, and administering more antipsychotic medication could worsen the NMS. Choice D is incorrect as agranulocytosis presents with symptoms like fever and sore throat, not the combination of symptoms seen in this case.