ATI RN
Health Assessment Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
A 17-year-old single mother is describing how difficult it is to raise a 2-year-old by herself. During the course of the interview, she states, "I can't believe my boyfriend left me to do this by myself! What a terrible thing to do to me!" Which of the following responses by the nurse uses empathy?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it reflects empathy by acknowledging the mother's feelings without judgment or personal bias. The nurse shows understanding and compassion by recognizing the difficulty of the situation. Incorrect answer A lacks empathy as it simply restates the mother's feeling without demonstrating understanding. Answer B also lacks empathy as it focuses on the boyfriend's actions rather than the mother's feelings. Answer D shows some empathy by acknowledging the difficulty but fails to address the mother's emotional state directly. In summary, answer C is correct because it shows empathy by acknowledging the mother's emotions and validating her experience without judgment or redirection.
Question 2 of 9
Which electrolyte is lost with intestinal suctioning in a client with an ileus?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: sodium chloride. Intestinal suctioning in a client with an ileus leads to loss of fluids rich in sodium chloride. This loss can result in electrolyte imbalances and dehydration. Calcium (A), magnesium (B), and potassium (C) are not typically lost in significant amounts through intestinal suctioning in the context of an ileus. Therefore, sodium chloride is the most likely electrolyte to be lost in this scenario.
Question 3 of 9
A nurse is caring for a patient with pneumonia. Which of the following interventions should the nurse prioritize?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Administering oxygen as prescribed. Oxygen therapy is a critical intervention in pneumonia to improve oxygenation and prevent hypoxia. Priority is given to interventions that address the immediate physiological needs of the patient. Encouraging fluid intake (A) is important but not as urgent as oxygen therapy. Encouraging ambulation (C) can be beneficial for overall health but may not be suitable for a patient with pneumonia. Providing pain medication (D) is important for comfort but is not the priority in this case.
Question 4 of 9
A nurse is caring for a patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The nurse should monitor for which of the following complications?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hyperkalemia. In CKD, the kidneys are unable to effectively excrete potassium, leading to its accumulation in the blood. This can result in dangerous cardiac complications. Hyperkalemia is a common and critical complication in CKD patients. B: Hypokalemia is unlikely in CKD as the kidneys typically retain potassium. C: Hyperglycemia is more commonly associated with diabetes rather than CKD. D: Hypercalcemia is not a common complication of CKD; in fact, CKD often leads to lower calcium levels due to impaired activation of vitamin D.
Question 5 of 9
During an interview, the nurse notices that the patient is avoiding eye contact. What would be the best action for the nurse to take?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because asking open-ended questions helps the patient express their feelings without feeling pressured. This approach allows the patient to share at their own pace and comfort level. Choice A may make the patient feel uncomfortable or pressured. Choice B may not address the underlying issue of the patient's avoidance of eye contact. Choice D is more direct and may not be effective if the patient is not ready to discuss their emotions. Ultimately, using open-ended questions promotes a safe and supportive environment for the patient to open up willingly.
Question 6 of 9
Tests have shown that a patient has sensorineural hearing loss. During the assessment, it would be important for the nurse to:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: assess for middle ear infection as a possible cause. Sensorineural hearing loss is usually caused by damage to the inner ear or the nerve pathway to the brain. Middle ear infection can sometimes lead to conductive hearing loss, but it's important to rule out this possibility during assessment. Speaking loudly (A) is not effective for sensorineural hearing loss. Asking about medications (C) may be relevant but not as crucial as assessing for a possible cause. Looking for external ear obstruction (D) is more relevant for conductive hearing loss, not sensorineural.
Question 7 of 9
A patient asks the nurse, "Why do I have to stop smoking before my surgery?" What is the most appropriate response by the nurse?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: "Smoking increases the risk of complications during surgery." Smoking constricts blood vessels, reduces oxygen levels, and impairs the body's ability to heal. This can lead to increased risks of infections, delayed wound healing, and other complications during and after surgery. Choice B is vague and does not address the specific risks associated with smoking. Choice C is too general and does not emphasize the immediate risks related to surgery. Choice D implies a benefit after surgery rather than focusing on the risks associated with smoking before surgery.
Question 8 of 9
A 31-year-old patient tells the nurse that he is experiencing a progressive loss of hearing. He says that it does seem to help when people speak more loudly or if he turns up the volume. The most likely cause of his hearing loss is:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: otosclerosis. Otosclerosis is a condition where abnormal bone growth in the middle ear causes hearing loss. In this case, the patient's symptoms of progressive hearing loss improving with louder sounds suggest conductive hearing loss, which is commonly seen in otosclerosis. Other choices are incorrect because presbycusis is age-related hearing loss, trauma to the bones would typically result in sudden hearing loss, and frequent ear infections are more likely to cause temporary hearing loss rather than progressive loss.
Question 9 of 9
The patient's record, laboratory studies, objective data, and subjective data together form the:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: database. The patient's record, laboratory studies, objective data, and subjective data collectively form the database in healthcare. This term refers to a comprehensive collection of all pertinent information about a patient that is used for analysis, diagnosis, and treatment planning. The other choices are incorrect because B: admitting data specifically refers to information gathered at the time of admission, C: financial statement pertains to financial information, and D: discharge summary summarizes the patient's care and treatment at the time of discharge, not the entire patient record.