A client is scheduled for a prostatectomy, and the anesthesiologist plans to use a spinal (sub-arachnoid) block during surgery. In the operating room, the nurse positions the client according to the anesthesiologist’s instructions. Why does the client require special positioning for this type of anesthesia?

Questions 68

ATI RN

ATI RN Test Bank

Nursing Process Test Questions Questions

Question 1 of 9

A client is scheduled for a prostatectomy, and the anesthesiologist plans to use a spinal (sub-arachnoid) block during surgery. In the operating room, the nurse positions the client according to the anesthesiologist’s instructions. Why does the client require special positioning for this type of anesthesia?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: To prevent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. Rationale: During a spinal block, the anesthesiologist injects anesthesia into the subarachnoid space, which contains CSF. Proper positioning ensures that the anesthesia stays in place and prevents leakage of CSF, which could lead to complications such as post-dural puncture headache. Incorrect choices: A: To prevent confusion - Irrelevant to the procedure. C: To prevent seizures leakage - Seizures are not a concern with spinal blocks. D: To prevent cardiac arrhythmias - Cardiac arrhythmias are not directly related to spinal blocks.

Question 2 of 9

Mrs. Silang, a 52-year old female, is experiencing advanced hepatic cirrhosis now complicated by hepatic encephalopathy. She is confused, restless, and demonstrating asterixis. The nurse has formulated the nursing diagnosis: Altered thought processes related to which of the following?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: increased serum ammonia levels. In hepatic encephalopathy, the liver is unable to metabolize ammonia, leading to its accumulation in the bloodstream, causing altered thought processes. This results in confusion and asterixis. Massive ascites formation (choice A) is related to fluid accumulation in the peritoneal cavity, not directly linked to altered thought processes. Fluid volume excess (choice B) is a general fluid imbalance issue, not specific to hepatic encephalopathy. Altered clotting mechanism (choice D) is more associated with hepatic dysfunction leading to impaired clotting factors, not directly linked to altered thought processes.

Question 3 of 9

Which of the following communication methods is not an option for a patient following laryngectomy surgery?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because learning esophageal speech involves creating sound by pushing air from the mouth into the esophagus and then releasing it. Following laryngectomy surgery, the patient's larynx is removed, making it impossible to produce sound in this manner. Placing a finger over the stoma (A) allows the patient to redirect air through the mouth for speech, using a picture board (B) enables communication through written or visual cues, and using a special valve that diverts air into the trachea (C) allows for voice rehabilitation. In summary, options A, B, and C are valid communication methods post-laryngectomy surgery, while option D is not feasible due to the absence of the larynx.

Question 4 of 9

The nurse knows that Parkinson’s disease a progressive neurologic disorder is characterized by:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Parkinson's disease is characterized by bradykinesia, tremor, and muscle rigidity. Bradykinesia refers to slowness of movement, tremor involves involuntary shaking, and muscle rigidity causes stiffness and resistance to movement. These three symptoms are commonly known as the classic triad of Parkinson's disease. Therefore, selecting "All of the above" (D) is the correct choice as it encompasses all the key features of Parkinson's disease. Choices A, B, and C individually are incorrect because they do not fully capture the comprehensive presentation of symptoms in Parkinson's disease.

Question 5 of 9

After receiving a dose of penicillin, a client develops dyspnea and hypotension. The nurse suspects the client is experiencing anaphylactic shock. What should the nurse do first?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Administering epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylactic shock to reverse hypotension and bronchoconstriction. Intubation may be necessary if airway compromise occurs despite epinephrine. Paging an anesthesiologist (A) is not the priority. Administering penicillin antidote (C) is not indicated in anaphylaxis. Inserting a urinary catheter and infusing IV fluids (D) may be necessary later but not the priority in managing anaphylactic shock.

Question 6 of 9

Which action by the nurse is appropriate?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because observing the patient for abnormal bleeding is an appropriate action to monitor for potential complications of warfarin therapy. This aligns with the nursing role in assessing and monitoring patient responses to treatment. B is incorrect as increasing warfarin dose without physician order can lead to adverse effects. C is incorrect as altering the dose without medical advice can be dangerous. D is incorrect as administering Vitamin K would counteract the effects of warfarin, which is used to prevent blood clotting.

Question 7 of 9

The dietary practice that will help a client reduce the dietary intake of sodium is

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Avoiding the use of carbonated beverages. Carbonated beverages often have high sodium content, which can contribute to increased sodium intake. By avoiding these beverages, the client can significantly reduce their sodium consumption. Explanation: 1. Carbonated beverages often contain added sodium for flavor enhancement. 2. By avoiding carbonated beverages, the client eliminates a significant source of hidden sodium in their diet. 3. This dietary practice directly targets reducing sodium intake without compromising other nutritional aspects of the diet. Summary of other choices: A: Increasing the use of dairy products - Dairy products do not necessarily impact sodium intake significantly. B: Using an artificial sweetener in coffee - Artificial sweeteners do not contribute to sodium intake. D: Using catsup for cooking and flavoring food - Catsup is high in sodium and would not help in reducing sodium intake.

Question 8 of 9

A nurse performs an assessment of a client in a long-term care facility and records baseline data. The nurse reassesses the client a month later and makes revisions in the plan of care. What type of assessment is the second assessment?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Time-lapsed assessment. This type of assessment involves comparing baseline data with new data collected at a later time to evaluate changes in the client's condition. In this scenario, the nurse is reassessing the client a month later to determine if there have been any changes that require adjustments to the care plan. A: Comprehensive assessment is an in-depth assessment done initially to gather detailed information about the client's overall health status. B: Focused assessment is done to gather specific information related to a particular problem or issue. D: Emergency assessment is performed in urgent situations to quickly identify and address life-threatening conditions.

Question 9 of 9

What is the first action the nurse should take?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Check for neurologic status. This is the first action because assessing the patient's neurologic status helps identify any immediate threats to their health and guides further interventions. It is crucial to ensure the patient's safety and prioritize interventions based on their neurologic status. Starting an IV for fluids (A), getting an ECG (B), and placing a Foley catheter (C) are important interventions but should come after assessing the patient's neurologic status to address any urgent issues first.

Access More Questions!

ATI RN Basic


$89/ 30 days

ATI RN Premium


$150/ 90 days