ATI RN
foundation of nursing practice questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A 60-year-old patient with a diagnosis of prostate cancer is scheduled to have an interstitial implant for high-dose radiation (HDR). What safety measure should the nurse include in this patients subsequent plan of care?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The patient undergoing interstitial implant for high-dose radiation (HDR) for prostate cancer will emit radiation that poses a risk to others. Limiting the time that visitors spend at the patient's bedside is essential to minimize their exposure to radiation. It is important to follow safety measures to protect both the patient and others from potential harm. Other options such as teaching the patient to perform basic care independently, assigning male nurses, or situating the patient in a shared room with other brachytherapy patients do not directly address the safety concern of radiation exposure to visitors.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is part of the health care team at an oncology center. A patient has been diagnosed with leukemia and the prognosis is poor, but the patient is not yet aware of the prognosis. How can the bad news best be conveyed to the patient?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When delivering bad news to a patient, it is important to create an environment that is supportive, compassionate, and conducive to effective communication. Having the patient at eye level when discussing difficult information helps to establish a sense of equality and respect between the healthcare provider and the patient. This can increase the patient's comfort level and help them feel more connected and engaged in the conversation. Additionally, eye level communication allows for better non-verbal cues to be exchanged, such as eye contact and facial expressions, which are important for conveying empathy and understanding during such sensitive discussions. It is crucial for the patient to be met at eye level, both physically and emotionally, when discussing a poor prognosis like the diagnosis of leukemia.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient who has terminal lung cancer and is unconscious. Which assessment finding would most clearly indicate to the nurse that the patients death is imminent?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Mottling of the lower limbs is a common physical sign seen in patients approaching death. This occurs when there is poor circulation leading to a bluish or purplish discoloration of the skin, particularly on the extremities. The appearance of mottling indicates that the body is no longer able to maintain adequate blood flow to the extremities, signaling that the patient is in the final stages of life. It is a significant finding that strongly suggests imminent death in patients with terminal illness, such as in this case of a patient with terminal lung cancer who is unconscious.
Question 4 of 5
A patients rapid cancer metastases have prompted a shift from active treatment to palliative care. When planning this patients care, the nurse should identify what primary aim?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The primary aim when transitioning a patient with rapid cancer metastases from active treatment to palliative care is to prevent and relieve suffering. Palliative care focuses on enhancing quality of life, managing symptoms, and addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. By prioritizing the prevention and relief of suffering, healthcare providers can work towards improving the patient's comfort and overall well-being during this difficult time. This approach aligns with the goals of palliative care, which aim to provide holistic support and care for patients facing serious illnesses like cancer.
Question 5 of 5
Patients who are enrolled in hospice care through Medicare are often felt to suffer unnecessarily because they do not receive adequate attention for their symptoms of the underlying illness. What factor most contributes to this phenomenon?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The factor that most contributes to patients in hospice care not receiving adequate attention for their symptoms of the underlying illness is the unwillingness of patients and families to acknowledge that the patient is terminal. When patients and families are in denial or struggle to accept the terminal nature of the illness, they may avoid focusing on symptom management and comfort care that is essential in hospice care. This can prevent healthcare providers from effectively addressing and managing the patient's symptoms, leading to unnecessary suffering for the patient. Accepting the terminal nature of the illness allows for a shift in focus towards providing quality end-of-life care that prioritizes symptom management and comfort for the patient.