A client reports difficulty breathing, stating, 'I can’t catch my breath.' What is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?

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Nursing Process Questions Questions

Question 1 of 9

A client reports difficulty breathing, stating, 'I can’t catch my breath.' What is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because measuring oxygen saturation will provide objective data to assess the client's respiratory status accurately. This step is crucial in identifying the severity of the client's breathing difficulty and determining the appropriate intervention. Encouraging deep breathing exercises (B) may worsen the client's condition if there is an underlying respiratory problem. Simply documenting the client's statement (C) without immediate action can delay necessary interventions. Providing oxygen without further assessment (D) can be harmful if the client's oxygen saturation is already high. Overall, option A is the most appropriate as it involves a proactive and evidence-based approach to address the client's reported breathing difficulty.

Question 2 of 9

Nurse Kara is giving instructions to an elderly client on diabetic foot care. Which teaching is not part of foot care?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Washing feet in hot water is not part of diabetic foot care as it can lead to burns or skin damage. A: Properly fitting shoes help prevent injuries. B: Trimming toenails straight reduces risk of ingrown nails. D: Wearing shoes on hot surfaces protects feet from burns or injuries. Overall, C is incorrect due to its potential harm to the client's feet.

Question 3 of 9

Nurse Carlos teaches a community adult class about the common symptoms of tuberculosis. Which of the following should Nurse Carlos include?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: weight loss. Weight loss is a common symptom of tuberculosis due to the impact of the infection on the body's metabolism and appetite. This symptom is important to recognize as it can be an early indicator of the disease. Dyspnea on exertion (B) is not a common symptom of tuberculosis, as it typically affects the lungs rather than causing difficulty breathing. Increased appetite (C) is not a typical symptom, as TB usually leads to decreased appetite and weight loss. Mental status changes (D) are not directly associated with tuberculosis and are more commonly seen in other conditions affecting the brain. Therefore, weight loss is the most relevant symptom to include in the teaching material for identifying possible cases of tuberculosis.

Question 4 of 9

A seizure characterized by loss of consciousness and tonic spasms of the trunk and extremities rapidly followed by repetitive generalized clonic jerking is classified as:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Generalized seizure. This type of seizure involves both hemispheres of the brain from the onset, leading to loss of consciousness and tonic-clonic jerking. It is characterized by widespread, synchronized electrical discharges. A: Focal seizures start in one area of the brain, leading to localized symptoms without loss of consciousness. B: Jacksonian seizures are a type of focal seizure characterized by a progression of jerking movements from one body part to another. D: Partial seizures involve only one part of the brain, leading to localized symptoms or altered consciousness without loss of awareness.

Question 5 of 9

The nurse is gathering data on a patient. Which data will the nurse report as objective data?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because respirations of 16 is an observable and measurable data point that can be quantified. Objective data are factual, measurable, and based on observable phenomena. In contrast, choices A, B, and D are subjective data as they rely on the patient's feelings or experiences, which are not directly measurable or observable by the nurse. Reporting a headache or feeling nauseated are subjective symptoms that are based on the patient's perception and cannot be verified without further assessment. Therefore, only choice C provides objective data that can be accurately reported by the nurse.

Question 6 of 9

To prevent infection in a patient with a subdural intracranial pressure monitoring system in place, the nurse should;

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Use aseptic technique for the insertion site. Aseptic technique is necessary to prevent infection when accessing the intracranial pressure monitoring system. Aseptic technique involves maintaining a sterile field during the insertion process, reducing the risk of introducing pathogens. Using clean technique for cleansing connections (choice B) may introduce contaminants to the insertion site. Sterile technique for cleansing the insertion site (choice C) is not necessary and may be overly stringent. Closing leaks in the tubing with tape (choice D) does not address the prevention of infection at the insertion site.

Question 7 of 9

The patient is dangling at the bedside and states, “Oh, my stomach is tearing open.” Which of the following actions should the nurse immediately take when dehiscence occurs?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Have patient lie down. When a patient experiences dehiscence (surgical wound separation), lying down helps reduce tension on the wound, minimizing the risk of further tearing. This position also allows the nurse to assess the wound properly. Choice A is incorrect because sitting upright can increase intra-abdominal pressure, worsening the dehiscence. Choice C is incorrect as slowing IV fluids is not a priority in managing dehiscence. Choice D is incorrect because obtaining a sterile suture set should only be done by a healthcare provider and is not the immediate action needed for dehiscence.

Question 8 of 9

A nurse develops a nursing diagnostic statement for a patient with a medical diagnosis of pneumonia with chest x-ray results of lower lobe infiltrates. Which nursing diagnosis did the nurse write?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Impaired gas exchange related to alveolar-capillary membrane changes. This is the most appropriate nursing diagnosis for a patient with pneumonia and lower lobe infiltrates. The rationale is that pneumonia causes inflammation and fluid accumulation in the alveoli, impairing the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs. This directly affects gas exchange. Choice A is incorrect because ineffective breathing pattern is a broad nursing diagnosis that does not specifically address the underlying issue of impaired gas exchange in pneumonia. Choice B is incorrect as the risk of infection related to the chest x-ray procedure is unrelated to the patient's current condition of pneumonia. Choice C is also incorrect as dehydration does not directly correlate with the patient's diagnosis of pneumonia and lower lobe infiltrates.

Question 9 of 9

Which patient should be monitored most closely for dehydration?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, the 50-year-old with an ileostomy, should be monitored most closely for dehydration. Patients with an ileostomy have a higher risk of dehydration due to increased fluid loss through the stoma. Monitoring their fluid intake, output, electrolyte levels, and signs of dehydration is crucial to prevent complications. The other choices are less likely to experience severe dehydration compared to the patient with an ileostomy. The 72-year-old with diabetes mellitus may be at risk for dehydration, but it is not as high a risk as the patient with an ileostomy. The 19-year-old with chronic asthma and the 28-year-old with a broken femur are not as directly related to dehydration compared to the patient with an ileostomy.

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