during a routine health screening a grieving widow whose husband died 15 months ago reports emptiness a loss of self difficulty thinking of the future during a routine health screening a grieving widow whose husband died 15 months ago reports emptiness a loss of self difficulty thinking of the future
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

ATI Mental Health Practice A

1. During a routine health screening, a grieving widow whose husband died 15 months ago reports emptiness, a loss of self, difficulty thinking of the future, and anger at her dead husband. The nurse suggests bereavement counseling. The widow is most likely suffering from:

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The widow's symptoms align more closely with an adjustment disorder rather than major depression, normal grieving, or posttraumatic stress disorder. The widow's prolonged struggle in coping with the loss, characterized by emptiness, loss of self, difficulty envisioning the future, and anger towards her deceased husband, indicates an inability to adapt to the loss. These symptoms are indicative of an adjustment disorder, which typically arises in response to a significant life stressor and persists beyond what is considered a normal grieving process. Bereavement counseling can help the widow navigate her emotions and coping strategies during this challenging period.

2. A healthcare professional assesses a client who is experiencing an acute asthma attack. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A silent chest in a client experiencing an acute asthma attack indicates severe airway obstruction and impending respiratory failure. It is a critical finding that requires immediate intervention as it signifies a lack of airflow and ventilation. Loud wheezing, increased respiratory rate, and use of accessory muscles are common signs of an asthma attack and indicate the body's attempt to compensate. However, a silent chest suggests a dangerous lack of airflow that necessitates urgent medical attention to prevent respiratory arrest.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who had a total thyroidectomy and has a serum calcium level of 7.6 mg/dL. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Tingling of the extremities. Tingling is a common symptom of hypocalcemia, which is expected with low calcium levels after a thyroidectomy. Option A, shortened QT intervals, is associated with hypercalcemia rather than hypocalcemia. Option B, hypoactive deep tendon reflexes, is not typically related to hypocalcemia. Option D, constipation, is not a common finding associated with low calcium levels.

4. Development is best understood as __________.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Development is best understood as a series of complex exchanges between nature (genetic factors) and nurture (environmental influences). This perspective emphasizes the interaction and interplay between genetic predispositions and environmental experiences in shaping an individual's development. Choices A and B are too extreme as they suggest that development is solely determined by genetics or solely influenced by the environment, which is not the case. Choice C is incorrect as development is not viewed as an unsolvable puzzle but rather as a dynamic process influenced by multiple factors.

5. Which of the following interventions are appropriate for a client experiencing a panic attack? Select one that does not apply.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: During a panic attack, it is crucial to provide immediate support to the client. Appropriate interventions include staying with the client and remaining calm, encouraging deep breathing, and moving the client to a quiet environment. However, mindfulness meditation, which involves focusing on the present moment and may require a certain level of concentration, may not be feasible or effective during an acute panic attack. The priority is to help the client feel safe and supported, which the other interventions address more directly. Mindfulness meditation might not be suitable during a panic attack due to the heightened state of anxiety and the need for immediate calming techniques.

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