ATI RN
foundation of nursing questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A 62-year-old woman diagnosed with breast cancer is scheduled for a partial mastectomy. The oncology nurse explained that the surgeon will want to take tissue samples to ensure the disease has not spread to adjacent axillary lymph nodes. The patient has asked if she will have her lymph nodes dissected, like her mother did several years ago. What alternative to lymph node dissection will this patient most likely undergo?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Sentinel node biopsy. This procedure involves identifying and removing the sentinel lymph node(s) which is the first lymph node(s) that cancer cells are likely to spread to from the primary tumor. This method helps determine if cancer has spread beyond the primary site without the need for a full axillary lymph node dissection. It is less invasive, has fewer side effects, and provides accurate staging information. Lymphadenectomy (A) refers to the removal of multiple lymph nodes, which is more extensive than necessary in this case. Needle biopsy (B) and open biopsy (C) are not specific to lymph node evaluation and do not provide accurate staging information for breast cancer.
Question 2 of 5
In the past three to four decades, nursing has moved into the forefront in providing care for the dying. Which phenomenon has most contributed to this increased focus of care of the dying?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Demographic changes in the population. This is because as the population ages, there is a higher prevalence of chronic illnesses and an increased number of people facing end-of-life care needs. This has led to a greater demand for palliative and hospice care services, shifting the focus of nursing towards providing care for the dying. A: Increased incidence of infections and acute illnesses is not the primary factor contributing to the increased focus on care for the dying. While these conditions do require nursing care, they do not directly explain the shift in focus. B: Increased focus of health care providers on disease prevention is important but does not directly explain the increased attention on care for the dying. Disease prevention aims to reduce the incidence of illnesses, not necessarily address end-of-life care needs. C: Larger numbers of people dying in hospital settings may be a consequence of the increased focus on care for the dying, but it is not the underlying phenomenon driving the shift in nursing care towards end-of
Question 3 of 5
An adult oncology patient has a diagnosis of bladder cancer with metastasis and the patient has asked the nurse about the possibility of hospice care. Which principle is central to a hospice setting?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: The patient and family should be viewed as a single unit of care. In hospice care, the focus is on providing holistic care not only to the patient but also to their family members. This approach recognizes that the patient's well-being is interconnected with that of their loved ones. By viewing the patient and family as a single unit of care, hospice providers can address not just the physical symptoms but also the emotional, social, and spiritual needs of both the patient and their family. This principle emphasizes the importance of supporting the patient and their family through the end-of-life journey. Summary: - Choice B is incorrect as hospice care aims to manage symptoms effectively to improve quality of life. - Choice C is incorrect as hospice care typically involves a collaborative interdisciplinary team working towards common goals. - Choice D is incorrect as hospice care often prioritizes providing end-of-life care in a comfortable setting preferred by the patient.
Question 4 of 5
A medical nurse is providing end-of-life care for a patient with metastatic bone cancer. The nurse notes that the patient has been receiving oral analgesics for her pain with adequate effect, but is now having difficulty swallowing the medication. What should the nurse do?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A Rationale: 1. Requesting the physician to order analgesics by an alternative route is the correct choice as the patient is having difficulty swallowing the medication. 2. Alternative routes could include subcutaneous, intravenous, transdermal, or rectal routes to ensure the patient receives adequate pain relief. 3. Crushing the medication (choice B) may alter the absorption rate and effectiveness of the medication. 4. Administering the medication with the meal tray (choice C) may not address the swallowing issue and could lead to inadequate pain relief. 5. Administering the medication rectally (choice D) is not ideal as it may not be the most appropriate route for analgesics in this situation.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse in a pediatric ICU is caring for a child who is dying of sickle cell anemia. The childs mother has been unable to eat or sleep and can talk only about her impending loss and the guilt she feels about the childs pain and suffering. What intervention has the highest priority?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Allowing the patient to express her feelings without judging her. This intervention has the highest priority as it focuses on providing emotional support and creating a safe space for the mother to express her emotions without feeling judged. In this situation, the mother is experiencing intense guilt and grief, and allowing her to talk about her feelings can help her process her emotions and cope with the impending loss. By listening actively and without judgment, the nurse can demonstrate empathy and compassion, which are crucial in supporting the mother through this difficult time. Summary: B: Helping the patient to understand the phases of the grieving process may be helpful, but it is not the highest priority at this moment. C: Reassuring the patient that the child's death is not her fault is important, but the priority is to address the mother's emotional needs first. D: Arranging for genetic counseling is not the highest priority at this time as the immediate focus should be on providing emotional support to the mother