ATI RN
health assessment test bank Questions
Question 1 of 9
A nurse is assessing a patient who is experiencing dizziness and weakness. The nurse should prioritize which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Blood pressure measurement. Dizziness and weakness can be symptoms of hypotension or low blood pressure. Prioritizing blood pressure measurement is crucial because it can indicate if the patient is at risk of complications like cardiovascular collapse. Pulse oximetry (B) is important for assessing oxygen levels in the blood but may not directly address dizziness and weakness. Blood glucose levels (C) are important but not the priority in this scenario. Cardiac monitoring (D) may be necessary but should come after assessing blood pressure to rule out immediate life-threatening conditions.
Question 2 of 9
Which of the following statements about the mental health examination is true?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because the mental health examination should be integrated into the health history interview. This allows for a comprehensive understanding of the patient's mental health status. Gathering mental health information during the health history interview is crucial as it provides insight into the patient's current mental state, past history, and potential risk factors. This integrated approach is efficient and effective in assessing the patient's mental health needs. A is incorrect because while family input can be valuable, it is not always the best or only resource for information about coping skills. C is incorrect as integrating the mental health examination into the health history interview should not necessarily take an enormous amount of extra time if done efficiently. D is incorrect as a complete mental health examination may not always be necessary to assess the patient's level of functioning; integrating mental health information into the health history interview can often provide sufficient insight.
Question 3 of 9
Which technique should the nurse use to determine the presence of crepitus during a physical examination?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct technique to determine the presence of crepitus during a physical examination is palpation. Crepitus is a crackling or grating sensation that is felt when there is air trapped in the subcutaneous tissue. Palpation involves using the hands to feel for abnormalities such as crepitus. Percussion involves tapping on the body to produce sounds that can help assess underlying structures, not to determine the presence of crepitus. Auscultation is listening to sounds within the body using a stethoscope, which is not relevant for detecting crepitus.
Question 4 of 9
What is the best way to assess a client's nutritional status?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Monitoring serum albumin levels. This is because serum albumin is a protein synthesized by the liver that reflects long-term protein intake and overall nutritional status. Low levels indicate malnutrition or inflammation. Obtaining a dietary history (choice A) is important but may not always reflect the actual nutritional status. Monitoring weight (choice C) is helpful but may not provide a comprehensive view of the client's nutritional status. Providing a meal plan (choice D) is a proactive approach but does not directly assess the client's current nutritional status.
Question 5 of 9
A 59-year-old patient tells the nurse that he is in the clinic to "check up on his ulcerative colitis." He has been having "black stools" in the last 24 hours. How would the nurse document his reason for seeking care?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it accurately reflects the patient's chief complaint of having black stools in the last 24 hours, which is a concerning symptom suggestive of gastrointestinal bleeding. This documentation is specific and focused on the reason for seeking care, prioritizing the urgent nature of the symptom. Choice A is incorrect because it does not mention the presenting symptom of black stools. Choice B is incorrect as it does not directly state the reason for seeking care. Choice C is incorrect as it focuses on the patient's self-diagnosis of ulcerative colitis rather than the current concerning symptom of black stools.
Question 6 of 9
Which medication should be administered first for a client with acute asthma exacerbation?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for choosing Albuterol as the correct answer: 1. Albuterol is a rapid-acting bronchodilator that provides immediate relief by relaxing the airway muscles during asthma exacerbation. 2. It is the first-line medication recommended by guidelines for acute asthma attacks due to its quick onset of action. 3. Albuterol helps in opening the airways, improving airflow, and relieving symptoms like shortness of breath and wheezing. 4. Epinephrine is not the first choice for asthma exacerbation as it can have more systemic side effects. 5. Levalbuterol is a similar medication to Albuterol but may not be as widely available or cost-effective. 6. IV corticosteroids are important for long-term control but take longer to show effects, making them less suitable as the initial treatment for acute exacerbation.
Question 7 of 9
What assessment framework provides additional modesty for clients, such as teenage girls?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Head to toe. This assessment framework allows for modesty by assessing one body part at a time, starting from the head down to the toe. This approach ensures clients, especially teenage girls, feel comfortable and respected during the assessment process. Other choices like A (Body systems) involve assessing multiple body parts simultaneously, potentially compromising modesty. Functional assessment (B) focuses on assessing specific functions rather than individual body parts, which may not address the modesty concern. Focused assessment (C) targets a specific area of concern, which may not provide a comprehensive evaluation while also potentially overlooking modesty concerns.
Question 8 of 9
Which nursing intervention should be prioritized for a client with congestive heart failure (CHF)?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer (C): Promoting activity is the most prioritized nursing intervention for a client with CHF. Activity helps improve cardiac function, decreases fluid accumulation, and enhances overall cardiovascular health. It also prevents complications like muscle weakness and deconditioning. It is crucial in managing CHF symptoms and improving the client's quality of life. Summary of Incorrect Choices: A: Administering diuretics helps in reducing fluid overload but does not address the underlying issue of improving cardiac function through physical activity. B: Limiting fluid intake is important, but promoting activity takes precedence as it directly impacts cardiac function and fluid accumulation. D: Maintaining fluid balance is necessary but is a broad concept that includes various interventions, with promoting activity being more focused and critical in CHF management.
Question 9 of 9
A nurse is caring for a patient with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy. The nurse should educate the patient to prioritize which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Inspecting feet daily for signs of injury. This is crucial for a patient with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy to prevent complications like diabetic foot ulcers. Daily foot inspections can help detect any injuries or changes early to prevent infection or further damage. It is important to prioritize this over other choices because early intervention can prevent serious consequences. Engaging in weight-bearing exercise (choice B) can be beneficial but may not be the priority in this case. Increasing protein intake (choice C) is not directly related to foot care. Using tight-fitting shoes (choice D) can lead to pressure ulcers and should be avoided.