ATI RN
Nursing Process Exam Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
A client has a routine Papanicolaou (Pap) test during a yearly gynecologic examination. The result reveals a class V finding. What should the nurse tell the client about this finding?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because a class V finding on a Pap test indicates severe dysplasia or carcinoma in situ, which requires further evaluation through a biopsy to confirm the presence of abnormal cells. This finding is not normal and necessitates immediate action for diagnosis and potential treatment. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not address the urgency and seriousness of a class V finding, which mandates prompt follow-up to rule out or confirm the presence of precancerous or cancerous cells.
Question 2 of 9
An adult has a Hickman type central venous catheter and needs to have blood drawn from it. Which of the following should the nurse do first?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because flushing the central venous catheter with a heparinized solution before blood withdrawal is essential to maintain catheter patency and prevent clot formation. This step ensures the catheter is clear of any blockages, allowing for accurate blood sampling. Choice A is incorrect because assembling supplies should come after preparing the catheter. Choice B is incorrect as discarding blood before flushing the catheter may lead to inaccurate test results. Choice D is incorrect as replacing the catheter cap without flushing may lead to clot formation and catheter malfunction.
Question 3 of 9
While interviewing an older female patient of Asian descent, the nurse notices that the patient looks at the ground when answering questions. What should the nurse do?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Consider cultural differences during this assessment. In many Asian cultures, avoiding direct eye contact is a sign of respect and humility, especially when speaking to authority figures. By being aware of this cultural norm, the nurse can avoid misinterpreting the patient's behavior as a sign of depression or dishonesty. Asking the patient to make eye contact (choice B) may make the patient uncomfortable and disrupt the therapeutic relationship. Continuing with the interview and documenting depression (choice C) without considering cultural differences can lead to inaccurate assessment and inappropriate interventions. Notifying the health care provider for a psychological evaluation (choice D) is premature and unnecessary without first understanding the cultural context of the patient's behavior.
Question 4 of 9
An elderly nursing home resident who has always been alert and oriented is now showing signs of dehydration and has become confused. Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely involved?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Hypomagnesemia. Dehydration can lead to electrolyte imbalances, and hypomagnesemia can cause confusion in elderly patients. Magnesium plays a crucial role in brain function and its deficiency can result in cognitive impairment. Hyponatremia (A) typically presents with symptoms like weakness and confusion but not necessarily dehydration. Hypercalcemia (B) and hyperkalemia (C) are less likely to cause confusion in this scenario. Therefore, hypomagnesemia is the most likely electrolyte imbalance involved in the elderly nursing home resident's confusion.
Question 5 of 9
Mr. Galino is diagnosed to have Raynaud’s disease. Nurse Oliver gives instructions to the client to stop smoking because it causes:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: vasoconstriction, vasospasms. 1. Raynaud's disease involves exaggerated vasoconstriction and vasospasms of blood vessels in response to cold or stress. 2. Smoking aggravates vasoconstriction and vasospasms by constricting blood vessels further. 3. This can worsen symptoms for individuals with Raynaud's disease. 4. Choices A, C, and D do not directly relate to the mechanism of Raynaud's disease and smoking.
Question 6 of 9
When administering oxygen to a client, under which of the ff situations should the nurse discontinue the administration and notify the physician?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. When the client is in a state of respiratory arrest, immediate medical intervention is required. Discontinuing oxygen administration and notifying the physician is crucial to address the life-threatening situation. A: Improving color is a positive sign. B: Decreased consciousness may indicate a need for further assessment but does not require immediate discontinuation of oxygen. D: Inability to use the diaphragm may require intervention but does not indicate an immediate threat as respiratory arrest does.
Question 7 of 9
Of the following types of nursing diagnoses, which one is validated by the presence of major defining characteristics?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Actual nursing diagnosis. An actual nursing diagnosis is validated by the presence of major defining characteristics, such as signs and symptoms exhibited by the patient. This helps in identifying the specific health issues that the patient is currently experiencing. In contrast, a risk nursing diagnosis is focused on potential health problems that the patient may develop in the future. Possible nursing diagnosis involves uncertain or unclear health issues that require further assessment. Wellness diagnosis is aimed at enhancing health and promoting well-being, rather than addressing existing health problems. Therefore, the presence of major defining characteristics is crucial in confirming an actual nursing diagnosis.
Question 8 of 9
The patient asks the nurse, “What is hypertension?” Which of the following is the best response to explain hypertension?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because hypertension is primarily determined by peripheral vascular resistance, which refers to the resistance in the blood vessels that the heart must overcome to pump blood effectively. This is a key factor in the development of high blood pressure. Choice A is incorrect as it simplifies the concept to just the pumping action of the heart. Choice B is incorrect because hypertension is not just about having high readings on separate occasions but rather a sustained elevation in blood pressure. Choice C is incorrect as stress, activity, and emotions can influence blood pressure but are not the sole determinants of hypertension.
Question 9 of 9
When caring for Mr. Reyes, the nurse should assess for
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, Altered level of consciousness, because it is a critical assessment in determining Mr. Reyes's neurological status and overall well-being. Assessing for altered level of consciousness helps identify potential neurological issues, such as brain injury or stroke, which require immediate intervention. A: Decreased carotid pulses - This is related to cardiovascular assessment, not specific to Mr. Reyes's neurological status. C: Bleeding from oral cavity - While important to assess for, it is not directly related to Mr. Reyes's neurological status. D: Absence of deep tendon-reflexes - This is a specific neurological assessment, but altered level of consciousness takes priority in this scenario.