ATI RN
foundation of nursing questions and answers Questions
Question 1 of 5
A 6-month-old infant is brought to the ED by his parents for inconsolable crying and pulling at his right ear. When assessing this infant, the advanced practice nurse is aware that the tympanic membrane should be what color in a healthy ear?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Pink. In a healthy ear, the tympanic membrane should appear pink due to the rich blood supply. This color indicates good vascularization and normal functioning of the ear. Yellowish-white (choice A), gray (choice C), and bluish-white (choice D) are incorrect because they do not reflect the normal color of a healthy tympanic membrane. Yellowish-white may indicate fluid behind the eardrum, gray may suggest infection or inflammation, and bluish-white could indicate poor blood flow or trauma. Therefore, the pink color of the tympanic membrane is the most appropriate and indicative of a healthy ear in this case.
Question 2 of 5
A patient diagnosed with Bells palsy is having decreased sensitivity to touch of the involved nerve. What should the nurse recommend to prevent atrophy of the muscles?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Blowing up balloons. Blowing up balloons involves the activation of the facial muscles, which helps prevent muscle atrophy in patients with Bell's palsy. This exercise promotes muscle strength and prevents weakness. Deliberately frowning (B), smiling repeatedly (C), and whistling (D) do not specifically target the facial muscles involved in Bell's palsy and may not be as effective in preventing muscle atrophy.
Question 3 of 5
A patient with Parkinsons disease is undergoing a swallowing assessment because she has recently developed adventitious lung sounds. The patients nutritional needs should be met by what method?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Semisolid food with thick liquids. Patients with Parkinson's disease often have dysphagia, leading to aspiration and respiratory complications. Semisolid food with thick liquids helps prevent aspiration and promotes safer swallowing. TPN (A) is not necessary for meeting nutritional needs unless the patient cannot tolerate oral intake. A low-residue diet (B) may not address the specific swallowing issues in Parkinson's disease. Minced foods and fluid restriction (D) may not provide adequate nutrition and hydration.
Question 4 of 5
A patient diagnosed with a pituitary adenoma has arrived on the neurologic unit. When planning the patients care, the nurse should be aware that the effects of the tumor will primarily depend on what variable?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: The specific hormones secreted by the tumor. Pituitary adenomas are known to secrete hormones that can lead to various endocrine disorders. Understanding the specific hormones secreted by the tumor is crucial in determining the clinical manifestations and planning appropriate treatment. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the primary determinant of the effects of the tumor in this case is the hormonal activity rather than whether the tumor uses aerobic or anaerobic respiration, the patient's pre-existing health status, or whether the tumor is primary or metastatic.
Question 5 of 5
A patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is being visited by the home health nurse who is creating a care plan. What nursing diagnosis is most likely for a patient with this condition?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Impaired verbal communication. In ALS, motor neurons deteriorate leading to muscle weakness and atrophy, including those involved in speech production. This results in impaired verbal communication. Chronic confusion (A) is not a common manifestation of ALS. Impaired urinary elimination (B) and bowel incontinence (D) are not typically associated with ALS, as it primarily affects motor neurons, not autonomic functions.