While caring for a hospitalized client with schizophrenia, the nurse observes that the client is listening to the radio. The client tells the nurse that the radio commentator is speaking directly to him. The nurse interprets this finding as which of the following?

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RN Mental Health Schizophrenia ATI Questions

Question 1 of 5

While caring for a hospitalized client with schizophrenia, the nurse observes that the client is listening to the radio. The client tells the nurse that the radio commentator is speaking directly to him. The nurse interprets this finding as which of the following?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Referential thinking. This is because when the client believes that the radio commentator is speaking directly to them, it indicates referential thinking, where the individual perceives unrelated events or objects as having personal significance. This is a common symptom of schizophrenia. A: Autistic thinking refers to self-absorption and detachment from reality, not related to perceiving external stimuli as personal messages. B: Concrete thinking is a literal interpretation of external stimuli, not attributing personal significance to them. D: Illusional thinking involves experiencing false perceptions or beliefs, not necessarily attributing external stimuli as directly related to oneself.

Question 2 of 5

While talking with a client with an eating disorder, the client states, 'I've gained 2 pounds, so soon I'll be over 100 pounds.' The nurse interprets this as which of the following?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Dichotomous thinking. This is because the client is exhibiting a black-and-white type of thinking by assuming that gaining 2 pounds will immediately push them over 100 pounds, without considering the possibility of any in-between weights. Dichotomous thinking involves viewing situations in extreme, polarized terms, such as all-or-nothing, good-or-bad. In this case, the client's statement reflects a rigid and unrealistic perspective on weight gain. A: Magnification - This choice involves blowing things out of proportion or exaggerating the importance of certain events or attributes, which is not the case in the client's statement. B: Selective abstraction - This choice refers to focusing on a single detail while ignoring the broader context, which is not evident in the client's statement. C: Overgeneralization - This choice involves drawing broad conclusions based on limited evidence, which is not the case as the client's statement is specific to their weight gain.

Question 3 of 5

A child diagnosed with autism is hospitalized in an inpatient mental health unit. When developing the plan of care for this child, which of the following would the nurse most likely include?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Correct Answer: B - Providing a consistent, structured environment with predictable routines Rationale: Children with autism thrive in structured environments with predictable routines. Consistency helps reduce anxiety and promote feelings of safety and security. By providing a structured environment, the child's behavior can be better managed, leading to improved outcomes. Incorrect Choices: A: Ensuring that a variety of caregivers are available for the child - This may disrupt the child's routine and cause further distress. C: Allowing the child frequent visits off the unit to provide stimulation - This can overwhelm a child with autism due to sensory sensitivities. D: Sending the child to the 'time out' area if the child repeats phrases continually - Time-outs are not effective for children with autism and may increase their anxiety and self-stimulatory behaviors.

Question 4 of 5

A nurse is readmitting a client with a co-occurring diagnoses of schizophrenia and alcohol abuse who has relapsed. The client says, I'm just a failure. I'll never be anything but just a drunk. Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because it validates the client's experience while offering hope and encouragement for learning from the relapse. It normalizes relapse as part of the recovery process and emphasizes the opportunity for growth and prevention in the future. Option B is incorrect as it reinforces a negative self-image and fatalistic view of alcoholism. Option C incorrectly links schizophrenia with alcohol abuse, potentially stigmatizing the client. Option D is not as therapeutic as A, as it does not address the client's negative self-perception or provide guidance for coping with relapse.

Question 5 of 5

A 26-month-old displays negative behavior, refuses toilet training, and often says, 'No!' Which psychosocial crisis is evident?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Autonomy versus shame and doubt. At 26 months, the child is in the toddler stage according to Erikson's psychosocial development theory. During this stage, children are developing a sense of autonomy and independence. The negative behavior, refusal of toilet training, and saying 'No!' are all indicative of the child asserting their autonomy and testing boundaries. If the child is met with criticism or punishment for their attempts at independence, they may develop feelings of shame and doubt. This aligns with the psychosocial crisis of Autonomy versus shame and doubt. Summary of other choices: A: Trust versus mistrust - This crisis occurs in infancy, where the primary focus is on developing trust in the caregiver. Not applicable in this scenario. B: Initiative versus guilt - This crisis occurs in early childhood, focusing on taking initiative in activities. Not relevant to the behaviors described. C: Industry versus inferiority - This crisis occurs in middle childhood, emphasizing the development of

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