ATI RN
health assessment practice questions Questions
Question 1 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 2 of 9
During the examination of a patient in her third trimester of pregnancy, the nurse notices that the patient's thyroid gland is slightly enlarged. No enlargement had been noted previously. The nurse suspects that:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why choice C is correct: 1. Enlargement of the thyroid gland during pregnancy is a normal finding due to hormonal changes. 2. The thyroid gland enlarges to meet the increased demands of thyroid hormone production. 3. This condition is known as gestational thyrotoxicosis and is usually benign. 4. No further testing is needed for thyroid cancer unless other concerning symptoms are present. Summary: A: Not relevant as iodine deficiency is not typically associated with thyroid enlargement in pregnancy. B: Incorrect as early signs of goitre would involve more pronounced symptoms than just slight enlargement. D: Unnecessary as thyroid cancer is not a common concern in this scenario of a slightly enlarged thyroid in the third trimester of pregnancy.
Question 3 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.
Question 4 of 9
During ear examination, the patient reports that he is hears a buzzing sound that is"driving me crazy!" The nurse recognizes that this symptom is:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: tinnitus. Tinnitus is the perception of sound without an external source, often described as ringing, buzzing, or hissing. In this case, the patient reporting a buzzing sound aligns with tinnitus. Vertigo (A) is a sensation of spinning or dizziness, not a sound perception. Pruritus (B) is itching, not a sound perception. Cholesteatoma (D) is a benign growth in the middle ear, not specifically related to sound perception. Therefore, tinnitus is the most appropriate choice based on the patient's symptom of hearing a buzzing sound.
Question 5 of 9
What is the nurse's first action when a client is experiencing an acute asthma attack?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer bronchodilators. During an acute asthma attack, bronchodilators are the first-line treatment to quickly relieve bronchospasm and improve airflow. They work by relaxing the muscles around the airways, allowing the client to breathe easier. Administering corticosteroids (choices B and C) is important but typically done after bronchodilators to reduce airway inflammation. Encouraging fluid intake (choice D) is not the priority in an acute asthma attack, as the focus should be on addressing the breathing difficulty promptly.
Question 6 of 9
Which nursing measure is most appropriate to meet the expected outcome of positive body image in a client with Kawasaki disease?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: explaining progression of the disease to the client and family. This measure helps the client and family understand the disease, leading to better coping and acceptance, thus promoting a positive body image. Administering immune globulin (A) is not directly related to body image. Assessing extremities (B) and heart sounds (D) are important for monitoring the disease but do not directly impact body image.
Question 7 of 9
Which of the following factors should a nurse consider when assessing a patient's risk for developing pressure ulcers?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Patient's age and mobility. Age and mobility are key factors in pressure ulcer development as elderly and immobile patients are at higher risk due to decreased circulation and pressure on skin. Family medical history (B) is not directly linked to pressure ulcers. Frequency of hospital visits (C) is not a determining factor, and patient's education level (D) does not directly impact pressure ulcer risk. In summary, assessing age and mobility helps identify high-risk patients for developing pressure ulcers.
Question 8 of 9
A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of diabetes and peripheral neuropathy. The nurse should educate the patient to prioritize which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Inspecting feet daily for signs of injury. This is crucial for patients with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy to prevent complications like infections and ulcers. By inspecting their feet daily, the patient can identify any injuries or abnormalities early and seek prompt medical attention. This proactive approach can help prevent serious consequences such as amputations. Summary of incorrect choices: B: Taking medications only when experiencing symptoms - This is not recommended as medications for diabetes and neuropathy are often prescribed to prevent complications and manage the conditions on a daily basis. C: Exercising to increase foot circulation - While exercise is beneficial, patients with peripheral neuropathy may have decreased sensation in their feet, increasing the risk of injury during exercise. D: Wearing tight-fitting shoes to avoid blisters - Tight-fitting shoes can cause pressure points and increase the risk of foot injuries, especially in patients with neuropathy.
Question 9 of 9
A nurse is caring for a patient who is post-operative following abdominal surgery. Which of the following signs and symptoms would the nurse consider as an early indicator of infection?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Fever. Fever is an early indicator of infection as it is the body's natural response to fighting off pathogens. When the body detects an infection, it raises its temperature to create an inhospitable environment for the pathogens. Pain at the surgical site (B) is common post-operatively but may not necessarily indicate infection. Redness at the incision site (C) can be a sign of inflammation but is not specific to infection. Increased heart rate (D) can occur due to various reasons post-operatively, not just infection. Fever is a systemic response and a more reliable early indicator of infection in this context.