ATI RN
foundation of nursing questions and answers Questions
Question 1 of 9
A nurse has included the nursing diagnosis of Risk for Latex Allergy Response in a patients plan of care. The presence of what chronic health problem would most likely prompt this diagnosis?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Hypogammaglobulinemia. This chronic health problem predisposes individuals to latex allergies due to reduced levels of immunoglobulins, increasing susceptibility to allergic reactions. Latex contains proteins that can trigger immune responses in individuals with compromised immune systems. Choice A: Herpes simplex is a viral infection and does not directly relate to latex allergies. Choice B: HIV weakens the immune system but is not specifically associated with latex allergies. Choice C: Spina bifida is a congenital condition affecting the spinal cord and does not directly impact the likelihood of latex allergies.
Question 2 of 9
A patient has been diagnosed with AIDS complicated by chronic diarrhea. What nursing intervention would be appropriate for this patient?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Obtain a stool culture to identify possible pathogens. This is the most appropriate nursing intervention because chronic diarrhea in a patient with AIDS can be caused by various pathogens such as parasites, bacteria, or viruses. By obtaining a stool culture, the healthcare team can identify the specific pathogen responsible for the diarrhea and initiate targeted treatment. A: Positioning the patient in the high Fowler's position is not directly related to addressing the underlying cause of chronic diarrhea in this patient. B: Temporarily eliminating animal protein from the patient's diet may not be necessary or effective in treating chronic diarrhea without knowing the specific cause identified through stool culture. C: Making sure the patient eats raw fruit is not recommended as raw fruits can sometimes worsen diarrhea due to their high fiber content and potential for carrying pathogens. In summary, obtaining a stool culture is the most appropriate intervention as it helps identify the specific pathogen causing the diarrhea, while the other options do not directly address the underlying cause.
Question 3 of 9
A 23-year-old woman comes to the free clinic stating I think I have a lump in my breast. Do I have cancer? The nurse instructs the patient that a diagnosis of breast cancer is confirmed by what?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Mammography. Mammography is the gold standard for diagnosing breast cancer as it can detect abnormalities such as lumps or tumors in the breast tissue. It provides detailed images that can help healthcare providers identify suspicious areas that may require further testing or biopsy. Supervised breast self-examination (choice A) is important for early detection but is not a diagnostic tool. Fine-needle aspiration (choice C) is a procedure used to obtain a sample of cells for further analysis but is not definitive for diagnosing breast cancer. Chest x-ray (choice D) is used to evaluate the lungs and heart, not the breast tissue for cancer.
Question 4 of 9
A patient has had a total mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. The patient asks the nurse when she can take a shower. What should the nurse respond?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Not until the drain is removed. After a mastectomy with immediate reconstruction, there is typically a drain in place to collect fluid. Showering before the drain is removed can increase the risk of infection and disrupt the healing process. It is important to wait until the healthcare provider removes the drain to ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of complications. Summary: B: On the second postoperative day - Too early, the drain needs to be removed first. C: Now, if you wash gently with soap and water - Incorrect, the drain should be removed before showering. D: Seven days after your surgery - Incorrect, waiting for a specific number of days is not necessary, it depends on when the drain is removed.
Question 5 of 9
After the completion of testing, a childs allergies have been attributed to her familys cat. When introducing the family to the principles of avoidance therapy, the nurse should promote what action?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Removing the cat from the family's home. This is the most effective way to prevent allergic reactions in the child. By removing the source of allergens (cat), the child will be exposed to fewer allergens, leading to a reduction in symptoms. B: Administering OTC antihistamines treats symptoms but does not address the underlying cause of the allergy. C: Keeping the cat restricted from the child's bedroom helps reduce exposure, but allergens can still spread throughout the house. D: Maximizing airflow may help reduce allergens in the air but does not eliminate the source of the allergy.
Question 6 of 9
A patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is being visited by the home health nurse who is creating a care plan. What nursing diagnosis is most likely for a patient with this condition?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Impaired verbal communication. In ALS, motor neurons deteriorate leading to muscle weakness and atrophy, including those involved in speech production. This results in impaired verbal communication. Chronic confusion (A) is not a common manifestation of ALS. Impaired urinary elimination (B) and bowel incontinence (D) are not typically associated with ALS, as it primarily affects motor neurons, not autonomic functions.
Question 7 of 9
A patient has been diagnosed with glaucoma and the nurse is preparing health education regarding the patients medication regimen. The patient states that she is eager to beat this disease and looks forward to the time that she will no longer require medication. How should the nurse best respond?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: In fact, glaucoma usually requires lifelong treatment with medications. 1. Glaucoma is a chronic condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure. 2. Lifelong treatment is usually necessary to manage intraocular pressure and prevent vision loss. 3. Stopping medication prematurely can lead to worsening of the condition. 4. Therefore, the nurse should educate the patient about the need for ongoing medication to manage glaucoma effectively. Summary: A: Incorrect. Having a positive attitude is beneficial, but it does not shorten the duration of glaucoma treatment. C: Incorrect. The target intraocular pressure is usually below 21 mm Hg, not 50 mm Hg. D: Incorrect. Glaucoma treatment is typically long-term, not limited to 6 months.
Question 8 of 9
A patient has just returned to the surgical floor after undergoing a retinal detachment repair. The postoperative orders specify that the patient should be kept in a prone position until otherwise ordered. What should the nurse do?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct Answer: B Rationale: 1. Prone position post retinal detachment repair helps the gas bubble or silicone oil stay against the retina to support healing. 2. This position prevents the bubble/oil from moving and causing further detachment. 3. Repositioning can jeopardize the surgical repair and lead to complications. 4. Calling the physician (A) is unnecessary as the order is clear. 5. Instructing the patient to prevent bleeding (C) is not related to the positioning after retinal detachment repair. 6. Repositioning after the first dressing change (D) contradicts the initial order and risks complications.
Question 9 of 9
The patient is having lower abdominal surgeryand the nurse inserts an indwelling catheter. What is the rationale for the nurse’s action?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because anesthetics used during surgery can decrease bladder contractility, leading to urinary retention. By inserting an indwelling catheter, the nurse ensures proper drainage of urine and prevents bladder distention. This helps to maintain the patient's comfort and prevent complications such as urinary retention and potential bladder injury. Choice A is incorrect because inserting a catheter is not primarily to prevent uncontrollable voiding during surgery. Choice B is incorrect as local trauma does not promote excessive urine incontinence necessitating catheterization. Choice D is incorrect because the primary purpose of catheter insertion is not to prevent interruption of the procedure by bathroom breaks.