ATI RN
Nursing Process Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 9
A client in a late stage of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) shows signs of AIDS-related dementia. Which nursing diagnosis takes highest priority?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Ineffective cerebral tissue perfusion. In the late stage of AIDS, the client is at risk for neurological complications, including AIDS-related dementia due to decreased blood flow to the brain. This nursing diagnosis takes the highest priority as it directly addresses the client's impaired brain perfusion, which can lead to serious cognitive and functional deficits. Prioritizing this diagnosis ensures timely interventions to optimize cerebral blood flow and prevent further deterioration. Summary: A: Self-care deficient: Bathing/hygiene - important but not the highest priority compared to addressing neurological complications. B: Dysfunctional grieving - while emotional support is essential, it is not the priority when dealing with a life-threatening physiological issue. D: Risk for injury - while important, it is secondary to addressing the underlying cause of the dementia in this scenario.
Question 2 of 9
The nurse understands that for the parathyroid hormone to exert its effect, what must be present?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Increased calcium level. Parathyroid hormone functions to increase blood calcium levels. When calcium levels are low, the parathyroid gland releases PTH to stimulate the release of calcium from bones and increase calcium absorption from the intestines and kidneys. This helps to maintain normal calcium levels in the blood. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because decreased phosphate level, functioning thyroid gland, and adequate vitamin D level are not direct requirements for the action of parathyroid hormone.
Question 3 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. This is crucial as it can indicate various underlying health issues affecting Mr. Reyes. Assessing for this helps in detecting potential neurological, metabolic, or cardiac issues. A: Decreased carotid pulses - While important, it is not as critical as altered level of consciousness in this scenario. C: Bleeding from oral cavity - This is important to address but does not take priority over assessing Mr. Reyes' level of consciousness. D: Absence of deep tendon-reflexes - This is more specific to neurological assessments and may not be as urgent as assessing his level of consciousness.
Question 4 of 9
The nurse is interviewing a patient with a hearing deficit. Which area should the nurse use to conduct this interview?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: The waiting area with the television turned off. This setting provides a quiet environment, minimizing distractions for the patient with a hearing deficit. It allows the nurse to communicate effectively by speaking clearly and facing the patient directly. Option A is incorrect because a closed door may not be enough to reduce background noise. Option C is incorrect as pain medication may affect the patient's ability to concentrate. Option D is incorrect because the occupational therapist working on leg exercises may create additional noise and distractions.
Question 5 of 9
The nurse is instructing a client with newly diagnosed hypoparathyroidism about the regimen used to treat this disorder. The nurse should state that the physician probably will prescribe daily supplements of calcium and:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Vitamin D. In hypoparathyroidism, there is a deficiency of parathyroid hormone leading to low calcium levels. Vitamin D helps in the absorption of calcium from the intestines, thus aiding in maintaining normal calcium levels. It is often prescribed along with calcium supplements to support bone health and prevent complications. Folic acid (A) is not directly related to the treatment of hypoparathyroidism. Potassium (B) is not typically prescribed for this condition and can be harmful in high levels. Iron (D) is not directly involved in calcium metabolism and is not part of the standard treatment regimen for hypoparathyroidism.
Question 6 of 9
The nurse is providing breast cancer education at a community facility. The American Cancer Society recommends that women get with mammograms:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Yearly after age 40. This recommendation aligns with the American Cancer Society guidelines that suggest women should start getting annual mammograms at age 40. This age is important as it is when the risk of breast cancer increases. Yearly screenings help in early detection and better treatment outcomes. The other choices (B, C, D) are incorrect because they do not follow the ACS guidelines. Option B is incorrect as it does not specify an age for starting mammograms. Option C is incorrect as it suggests starting after the first menstrual period, which might be too early. Option D is incorrect as it recommends screenings every 3 years between ages 20 and 40, which is not in line with the ACS recommendation for yearly screenings after age 40.
Question 7 of 9
A client seeks care for hopeless that has lasted for 1 month. To elicit the most appropriate information about this problem, the nurse should ask which question.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: “Have you strained your voice recently?” This question is relevant to the client's symptom of hopeless, as vocal strain can contribute to this issue. Asking about voice strain helps to identify a potential cause and guides further assessment and intervention. Choice A is not directly related to the client's primary concern and does not address the underlying cause of hopeless. Choice C is unrelated to the client's symptom and does not provide information that is pertinent to addressing the issue at hand. Choice D is also unrelated to the client's symptom of hopeless and does not address potential contributing factors.
Question 8 of 9
A nurse is documenting the progress of a client who has been recovering from a myocardial infarction. Which of the following would be most appropriate to include in the evaluation?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it directly reflects the client's progress in physical activity, a key indicator of recovery post-myocardial infarction. Walking 500 meters without chest pain shows improved cardiovascular function and exercise tolerance. Vital signs and lab results from admission (A) are important for initial assessment but not for ongoing evaluation. Physician notes (C) may provide insights but do not directly measure the client's progress. Medications prescribed (D) are important but do not reflect the client's specific improvement in physical activity.
Question 9 of 9
A 78 year old male has been working on his lawn for two days, although the temperature has been above 90 degree F. he has been on thiazide diuretics for hypertension. His lab values are K 3.7 mEq/L, Na 129 mEq/L, Ca 9 mg/dl, and Cl 95 mEq/L. What would be a priority action for this man?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Monitor for fatigue, muscle weakness, restlessness, and flushed skin. The patient is at risk for dehydration due to the combination of high temperature, age, and thiazide diuretic use. Thiazide diuretics can lead to electrolyte imbalances, including hypokalemia, which can cause symptoms such as muscle weakness and fatigue. Monitoring for signs of dehydration and electrolyte imbalances is crucial in this scenario to prevent complications. A: Making sure he drinks 8 glasses of water a day is not the priority as he is already at risk for dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. C: Hyperchloremia is not a common concern in this scenario based on the given lab values. D: Neurologic changes may occur in severe cases of electrolyte imbalances but monitoring for physical symptoms such as fatigue and muscle weakness is more relevant at this stage.