ATI RN
Nursing Process Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
A client has an external fixation device on his leg due to a compound fracture. The client says that the device and swelling make his leg look ugly. Which nursing diagnosis should the nurse document in his care plan based on the client’s concern?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Disturbed body image. The client expressing concern about the external fixation device making his leg look ugly indicates a disturbance in how he perceives his body image. This can lead to feelings of low self-esteem and impact his overall psychological well-being. Impaired physical mobility (A) is not the priority as the concern is not related to limitations in movement. Risk for infection (C) may be a potential risk with the device but is not directly related to the client's current concern. Risk for social isolation (D) is not directly indicated by the client's statement about the appearance of the leg. Therefore, the most appropriate nursing diagnosis is Disturbed body image (B) based on the client's expressed concern.
Question 2 of 9
Which of the following hormones retains sodium in the body?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Aldosterone. Aldosterone is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that helps regulate sodium and water balance in the body. It acts on the kidneys to increase reabsorption of sodium, leading to water retention and increased blood volume. This helps maintain blood pressure and electrolyte balance. A: Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) mainly acts on the kidneys to increase water reabsorption, not sodium retention. C: Thyroid hormone does not directly influence sodium retention. D: Insulin regulates blood sugar levels by promoting glucose uptake, it does not have a direct role in sodium retention.
Question 3 of 9
The normal life expectancy for 50% of patients ith amyotropic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 5 years. In ALS, 50% of patients have a life expectancy of around 3-5 years from the time of diagnosis. This is due to the progressive nature of the disease, leading to rapid deterioration of motor neurons and muscle function. Choice A (3 years) is too specific and may not apply to exactly 50% of patients. Choice B (10 years) and D (20 years) are too optimistic and do not align with the typical prognosis of ALS, where the majority of patients have a shorter life expectancy. Therefore, based on the average survival rates and disease progression, choice C is the most accurate representation of the normal life expectancy for 50% of ALS patients.
Question 4 of 9
Mr. Mariano was on his way home from a party. Apparently, he got drunk and lost his balance and suffered a vehicular accident. Upon arrival at the hospital, the nurse noticed that his only injury is an open fracture of the left humerus. Which assessment finding by the nurse is critical?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: status of client’s tetanus immunization. It is critical because an open fracture poses a risk of infection, and tetanus prophylaxis is necessary to prevent tetanus infection. Tetanus is caused by a bacterium commonly found in soil and can enter the body through open wounds. Assessing the client's tetanus immunization status helps determine the need for a tetanus booster to prevent potential complications. Incorrect choices: B: Current blood alcohol level - While relevant to the situation, the priority in this case is preventing infection from the open fracture. C: Support systems available at home to assist with care - Important for discharge planning but not the immediate priority. D: Last time client voided - Not critical in this scenario compared to preventing infection from the open fracture.
Question 5 of 9
Which of the ff must the nurse consider when administering IV fluids to clients with hypertension?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because monitoring the site and progress of the infusion every hour is crucial to prevent complications like infiltration or infection in clients with hypertension. Choice A is incorrect as checking BP every hour is excessive. Choice C is incorrect as daily monitoring may not detect issues promptly. Choice D is incorrect as pulse rate monitoring is not directly related to IV fluid administration in this context. Monitoring the site and progress hourly ensures timely intervention if any issues arise.
Question 6 of 9
In the operating room, personnel should be responsible for ensuring cleanliness, proper temperature, humidity, and lighting. Who carries those responsibilities?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: circulating nurse. The circulating nurse is responsible for maintaining cleanliness, ensuring proper temperature, humidity, and lighting in the operating room. They coordinate activities, manage supplies, and ensure a safe environment for the surgical team. The scrub nurse assists the surgeon with instruments and supplies, not environmental conditions. The surgeon's main focus is on performing the surgery, not environmental management. The anesthesiologist is responsible for administering anesthesia and monitoring the patient's vital signs, not the operating room environment.
Question 7 of 9
A client complains of sporadic epigastric pain, yellow skin, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and fatigue. Suspecting gallbladder disease, the physician orders a diagnostic workup, which reveals gallbladder cancer. Which nursing diagnosis may be appropriate for this client?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Anticipatory grieving. This nursing diagnosis is appropriate because the client's symptoms, such as weight loss, fatigue, and diagnosis of gallbladder cancer, indicate a serious health condition that may lead to emotional distress. Anticipatory grieving involves feelings of loss and sadness related to an anticipated loss, such as the diagnosis of cancer. The client may experience fear, anxiety, and sadness due to the potential impact of the illness on their life. Choice B (Disturbed body image) is incorrect because the client's symptoms are more indicative of a serious health concern rather than body image issues. Choice C (Impaired swallowing) is incorrect as the symptoms described do not suggest difficulty with swallowing. Choice D (Chronic low self-esteem) is also incorrect as the symptoms are more likely related to physical health issues rather than self-esteem concerns.
Question 8 of 9
After assessing a patient, a nurse develops a standard formal nursing diagnosis. What is the rationale for the nurse’s actions?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because developing a standard formal nursing diagnosis helps nurses focus on their scope of practice, which involves identifying and addressing the patient's nursing care needs. By formulating a specific nursing diagnosis, nurses can prioritize interventions and provide individualized care. Choice A is incorrect as nursing diagnoses are not exclusive to nurses. Choice B is incorrect because nursing and physician roles overlap. Choice C is incorrect as clinical judgment should be based on evidence and critical thinking, not solely on intuition.
Question 9 of 9
A client with autoimmune thrombocytopenia and a platelet count of 8,000/ul develops epistaxis and melena. Treatment with corticosteroids and immunoglobulins has been unsuccessful, and the physician recommends a splenectomy. The client states, “I don’t need surgery-this will go away on its own”. In considering her response to the client, the nurse must depend on the ethical principle of:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Autonomy. Autonomy is the ethical principle that upholds an individual's right to make decisions about their own healthcare. In this scenario, the client is expressing her desire to not undergo surgery, which is her right as an autonomous individual. The nurse must respect her decision even if it goes against medical advice. Beneficence (A) is the ethical principle of doing good for the patient, but in this case, respecting the client's autonomy takes precedence. Advocacy (B) involves supporting the client's best interests, which could align with autonomy in this case. Justice (D) refers to fairness and equal treatment, but it is not directly applicable to the client's decision regarding surgery.