ATI LPN
LPN Fundamentals of Nursing Course Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client hospitalized with severe depression and suicidal ideation refuses to talk with the nurse. The nurse recognizes that the suicidal client has difficulty:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Clients with severe depression and suicidal ideation often struggle to express anger outwardly due to internalized emotions, a common psychological barrier in this condition. Depression can suppress verbal communication, particularly about intense feelings like anger, which may be directed inward, heightening suicidal risk. Low self-worth is a symptom they might feel but not the primary difficulty in expression. Remorse or guilt may be present, yet these are less tied to communication challenges than suppressed anger. Dependence on others might occur but isn't the core issue here. Nurses must recognize this pattern to address underlying emotions safely, using therapeutic techniques to encourage expression, reducing isolation and risk.
Question 2 of 5
When assessing the urinary output of a client who has had extracorporeal lithotripsy, the nurse can expect to find:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Cherry-red urine clearing over time is expected post-extracorporeal lithotripsy, reflecting initial hematuria from stone fragmentation, then resolution as bleeding subsides a normal progression. Orange tinge, persistent dark red, or smoky urine suggest other issues. Nurses monitor this to confirm procedure success, reassuring clients while watching for prolonged bleeding or infection.
Question 3 of 5
The home health nurse is visiting a client with a halo fixator. Which activity can the client safely perform?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Taking a walk around the block is safe with a halo fixator, promoting mobility without risking cervical stability, as the device immobilizes the neck post-injury driving or bending (e.g., cooking, movie seating) strains it. Nurses encourage this activity, teaching balance and caution, ensuring recovery while preventing fixator displacement or injury.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is performing an assessment on a client with a closed head injury. An early indicator of increased intracranial pressure is:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Decreased level of consciousness is an early sign of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) in closed head injury, reflecting brain compression before late signs like widening pulse pressure (Cushing's triad) emerge blood pressure and pupils may remain normal initially. Nurses prioritize this subtle change, reporting it promptly, as it guides interventions like mannitol or hyperventilation to reduce ICP and prevent herniation.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is preparing a client with Addison's disease for discharge. The nurse should tell the client to:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Reporting excessive weight gain signals fluid retention in Addison's disease, indicating adrenal insufficiency worsening fluid limits, symptom-only dosing, and temperature avoidance aren't key. Nurses teach this, ensuring medication adherence, critical for managing this endocrine condition.