ATI RN
health assessment test bank Questions
Question 1 of 9
A 47-year-old woman who is a recent immigrant to Canada is being seen at the clinic today for her uncontrolled diabetes. The nurse knows that the patient lives with her husband and a large extended family. The nurse concludes that part of the patient's inability to maintain and comply with her diet and diabetic regime is the foods that this patient eats. This conclusion is an example of:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: culturalism. The nurse's conclusion that the patient's inability to maintain her diet and diabetic regime is due to the foods she eats reflects culturalism. Culturalism refers to the belief that a person's behaviors and beliefs are solely determined by their culture. In this case, the nurse is attributing the patient's struggles solely to her cultural background without considering other factors. A: Cultural sensitivity is about being aware and respectful of different cultures, but it does not involve making assumptions based on culture alone. B: Cultural safety is about creating a safe and respectful environment for individuals from different cultures, but it does not involve making assumptions about behavior solely based on culture. C: Cultural perspective involves understanding different cultural viewpoints, but it does not involve making assumptions about behavior solely based on culture. In summary, the nurse's conclusion is an example of culturalism as it oversimplifies the patient's situation by attributing her struggles solely to her cultural background.
Question 2 of 9
Which fetal heart monitor pattern can indicate cord compression?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: variable decelerations. Variable decelerations are abrupt decreases in fetal heart rate that vary in depth, duration, and timing, which can indicate cord compression. The variability in these decelerations suggests that the umbilical cord is being compressed intermittently. Early decelerations (B) are usually caused by head compression during contractions and mirror the contractions, not indicating cord compression. Bradycardia (C) is a slow heart rate, which can be caused by various factors but is not specific to cord compression. Tachycardia (D) is a fast heart rate, which can also be caused by various factors but is not typically associated with cord compression.
Question 3 of 9
A 20-year-old construction worker has suffered heat stroke and has been brought into the emergency department. He has delirium as a result of fluid and electrolyte imbalance. The nurse will assess his:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Level of consciousness and cognitive abilities. In this scenario, the individual is experiencing delirium due to fluid and electrolyte imbalance, which can affect his level of consciousness and cognitive abilities. Assessing these aspects is crucial in determining the severity of the condition and guiding appropriate interventions. Option A (Affect and mood) is incorrect as the primary concern is the individual's cognitive functioning. Option B (Memory and affect) is incorrect as it does not cover the assessment of consciousness. Option C (Thought processes and memory) is incorrect as it does not specifically address the evaluation of the individual's level of consciousness.
Question 4 of 9
What is the nurse's priority when caring for a client experiencing acute renal failure?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer IV fluids. In acute renal failure, the priority is to maintain adequate hydration to support kidney function. IV fluids help improve renal perfusion and urine output. Monitoring vital signs is important but not the priority. Performing a kidney function test can provide valuable information but does not address the immediate need for fluid resuscitation. Administering IV antibiotics may be necessary if there is an infection contributing to renal failure, but hydration takes precedence. In summary, administering IV fluids is crucial to support kidney function in acute renal failure, making it the top priority among the choices given.
Question 5 of 9
What should the nurse assess first in a client with severe abdominal pain?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Assess vital signs. Vital signs provide crucial information on the client's overall condition and can help identify any life-threatening issues. Monitoring vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature can guide immediate interventions and determine the urgency of further assessments or treatments. Administering oxygen (B) would be appropriate after assessing vital signs. Performing an ECG (C) may be indicated later but is not the priority in this acute situation. Monitoring serum glucose levels (D) is not typically the first assessment in a client with severe abdominal pain.
Question 6 of 9
What is the most appropriate action when a client with suspected meningitis presents with a positive Brudzinski sign?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, perform a lumbar puncture. A positive Brudzinski sign indicates meningeal irritation, a hallmark of meningitis. A lumbar puncture is the gold standard for diagnosing meningitis by analyzing cerebrospinal fluid. Placing the client on their back without proper diagnosis or treatment delays could lead to serious complications. Option B is incorrect as antibiotics should be given after confirming the diagnosis. Option C is partially correct but does not address the need for a definitive diagnostic test. Option A is incorrect as pain medication alone does not address the underlying cause of meningitis.
Question 7 of 9
What is the priority action for a client who presents with symptoms of stroke?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Perform a CT scan. This is the priority action because it helps determine if the stroke is ischemic or hemorrhagic, guiding treatment decisions. Monitoring blood pressure (B) is important but not the priority. Administering aspirin (C) can be considered after confirming the type of stroke. Administering thrombolytics (D) is indicated for ischemic stroke but should only be done after ruling out hemorrhagic stroke with a CT scan.
Question 8 of 9
What is the priority nursing intervention for a client with a history of asthma experiencing wheezing?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a client with asthma experiencing wheezing is to administer oxygen. Wheezing indicates airway constriction and decreased oxygenation, making oxygen crucial for adequate tissue perfusion. Administering oxygen helps improve oxygen levels, alleviate respiratory distress, and prevent hypoxemia. Applying a bronchodilator (Choice B) may be beneficial after oxygen is administered. Applying a cold compress (Choice C) is not indicated for asthma exacerbations, and encouraging deep breathing (Choice D) may worsen respiratory distress in a client with wheezing. In summary, administering oxygen is the priority intervention to address the immediate respiratory needs of the client with asthma and wheezing.
Question 9 of 9
What should be the nurse's first action when caring for a client with a traumatic amputation?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct first action is A: Apply pressure and elevate the limb. This is because applying pressure helps control bleeding and elevating the limb reduces blood flow to the area, minimizing further blood loss. This immediate intervention is crucial in managing the traumatic amputation and preventing complications. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: B: Stopping bleeding and controlling shock can be important but not the first action. C: Placing the client in a Trendelenburg position (feet elevated higher than the head) is contraindicated in cases of traumatic amputation as it can increase bleeding. D: Placing the client in a sitting position is not appropriate as it can worsen bleeding and lead to further complications.