A nurse adds the following diagnosis to a patient’s care plan: Constipation related to decreased gastrointestinal motility secondary to pain medication administration as evidenced by the patient reporting no bowel movement in seven days, abdominal distention, and abdominal pain. Which element did the nurse write as the defining characteristic?

Questions 68

ATI RN

ATI RN Test Bank

Nursing Process Questions and Answers PDF Questions

Question 1 of 9

A nurse adds the following diagnosis to a patient’s care plan: Constipation related to decreased gastrointestinal motility secondary to pain medication administration as evidenced by the patient reporting no bowel movement in seven days, abdominal distention, and abdominal pain. Which element did the nurse write as the defining characteristic?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Decreased gastrointestinal motility. This is the defining characteristic because it directly links the cause (pain medication administration) to the effect (constipation). The patient's lack of bowel movement, abdominal distention, and pain are all consequences of decreased gastrointestinal motility. Pain medication slows down the movement of the intestines, leading to constipation. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because while they are related to the patient's condition, they are not the defining characteristic that connects the cause to the effect in this specific scenario.

Question 2 of 9

A 23 y.o. woman is seen at an outpatient clinic for a routine Pap smear. When questioned, she states she is deciding whether to engage in sexual activity with a man she is just getting to know. She asks how she can tell if he has an STD. Which response by the nurse is best?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Step 1: The correct answer is D because it emphasizes the importance of medical examination and diagnostic testing to determine if the man has an STD. Step 2: Visual inspection (choice B) is not reliable as some STDs may not present with visible symptoms. Step 3: Relying solely on appearance and condom use (choices A and C) does not guarantee protection against all STDs. Step 4: Choice D is the best option as it advocates for seeking professional medical advice for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Question 3 of 9

Nurse Beverly is giving preoperative instructions to Ian who is scheduled for an Ileostomy. Which of the following would be included?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because an Ileostomy involves diverting the small intestine to an opening in the abdominal wall, so the urine will not be affected. The pouch collects waste from the small intestine. Nasogastric tube (B) is not typically required for an Ileostomy. Laparoscope (C) is used for visualizing the abdomen, not the bowel. Drinking liquids (D) so soon after surgery can be risky and is not recommended.

Question 4 of 9

Which of the ff is the characteristic of a ketogenic diet that is suggested for children with seizures?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Correct Answer: B (High fat diet) Rationale: 1. Ketogenic diet for seizures aims to produce ketones for brain energy, achieved through high fat intake. 2. High fat intake helps induce ketosis, which may help reduce seizures in some children. Incorrect Choices: A: High carbohydrate diet - Contradicts the purpose of a ketogenic diet. C: High protein diet - Excessive protein can hinder ketosis and is not the primary focus of a ketogenic diet. D: Low fat diet - Opposite of the high fat requirement for a ketogenic diet to induce ketosis.

Question 5 of 9

A nurse is caring for a patient with a nursing diagnosis of Constipation related to slowed gastrointestinal motility secondary to pain medications. Which outcome is most appropriate for the nurse to include in the plan of care?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The most appropriate outcome for the nurse to include in the plan of care is for the patient to have one soft, formed bowel movement by the end of the shift. This outcome directly addresses the nursing diagnosis of Constipation related to slowed gastrointestinal motility secondary to pain medications. By aiming for a soft, formed bowel movement, the nurse is working towards alleviating the constipation issue caused by the pain medications. This outcome is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART), making it an appropriate goal for the patient's care plan. Choice B is incorrect because walking unassisted to the bathroom does not directly address the constipation issue. Choice C is incorrect as offering laxatives or stool softeners is a nursing intervention and not an outcome. Choice D is incorrect as withholding pain medications may not be in the best interest of the patient's overall care and does not directly target the constipation issue.

Question 6 of 9

A client receiving chemotherapy has a nursing diagnosis of Deficient diversional activity related to decreased energy. Which statement indicates an accurate understanding of appropriate ways to deal with this deficit?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because bowling with the team after discharge promotes social interaction and physical activity, addressing both the diversional activity deficit and the decreased energy. Playing card games (A) may not involve physical activity. Taking a long trip (B) may be overwhelming and tiring. Eating in a restaurant daily (D) does not address the need for meaningful activities or social interaction.

Question 7 of 9

Mrs. Go is suspected of experiencing respiratory distress from a left-sided pneumothorax. She should be positioned:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: in a semi-fowler's position. This position helps to improve ventilation and oxygenation by allowing the unaffected lung to expand fully. It also prevents further compression of the affected lung. Trendelenburg position (B) could worsen the pneumothorax by causing more pressure on the affected lung. Prone position (C) is not recommended as it can further compress the affected lung. Placing the patient on the right side (D) would not be beneficial in this case as it does not facilitate lung expansion on the affected side.

Question 8 of 9

According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, which nursing diagnosis has the lowest priority for a client admitted to the intensive care unit with a diagnosis of congestive heart failure?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Risk for body image disturbance. In the context of Maslow's hierarchy of needs, physiological needs take precedence over psychological needs. For a client in the intensive care unit with congestive heart failure, ensuring physiological needs like airway clearance, urinary elimination, and coping are addressed first is crucial for survival. Body image disturbance is a higher-level psychological need and can be addressed once basic physiological needs are met. Therefore, addressing the risk for body image disturbance would have the lowest priority compared to the other options provided.

Question 9 of 9

How many liters per minute of oxygen should be administered to the patient with emphysema?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 2 L/min. In emphysema, there is impaired gas exchange due to damaged lung tissue, resulting in decreased oxygen levels. Administering too high a flow rate can lead to oxygen toxicity. The standard oxygen therapy for emphysema is 1-2 L/min to maintain oxygen saturation without causing harm. Higher flow rates like 10 L/min (B) and 6 L/min (C) are excessive and can lead to oxygen toxicity. 95 L/min (D) is dangerously high and not suitable for oxygen therapy in emphysema. Therefore, A is the correct choice for safe and effective oxygen administration in emphysema.

Access More Questions!

ATI RN Basic


$89/ 30 days

ATI RN Premium


$150/ 90 days