ATI RN
Health Assessment Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is assessing a patient with a history of stroke. The nurse should monitor for signs of which of the following complications?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Patients with a history of stroke are at increased risk for DVT due to immobility and potential damage to blood vessels. The nurse should monitor for signs such as swelling, pain, and redness in the extremities. Pneumonia (A) can occur post-stroke but is not the most common complication. Hypoglycemia (C) is more relevant for diabetic patients. Hypertension (D) is a common comorbidity in stroke patients but monitoring for DVT is crucial due to its immediate life-threatening implications.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The nurse should monitor for which of the following complications?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hyperkalemia. In CKD, the kidneys are unable to effectively excrete potassium, leading to its accumulation in the blood. This can result in dangerous cardiac complications. Hyperkalemia is a common and critical complication in CKD patients. B: Hypokalemia is unlikely in CKD as the kidneys typically retain potassium. C: Hyperglycemia is more commonly associated with diabetes rather than CKD. D: Hypercalcemia is not a common complication of CKD; in fact, CKD often leads to lower calcium levels due to impaired activation of vitamin D.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is teaching a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) about self-management. Which of the following statements by the patient indicates the need for further education?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because using the inhaler every time the patient feels short of breath, even without a flare-up, is not the recommended practice for managing COPD. Inhalers should be used as prescribed by the healthcare provider or only during exacerbations. Here's the rationale: 1. Using the inhaler excessively can lead to overuse of medication and potential side effects. 2. It is important for patients to differentiate between regular management and acute exacerbations. 3. Monitoring oxygen levels (choice D) is essential for COPD management. 4. Quitting smoking (choice A) and deep breathing exercises (choice B) are positive self-management strategies for COPD.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient who is post-operative following abdominal surgery. The nurse should monitor for which of the following complications?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Atelectasis and pneumonia. Following abdominal surgery, patients are at risk for atelectasis (lung collapse) due to shallow breathing and pneumonia due to impaired lung function. A nurse should monitor for signs such as decreased oxygen saturation, increased respiratory rate, and crackles on auscultation. Wound infection (A) is a common post-operative complication but not specific to abdominal surgery. Hyperglycemia (B) may occur due to stress response but is not directly related to abdominal surgery. Dehydration (C) is a concern post-operatively, but respiratory complications like atelectasis and pneumonia are higher priority due to potential life-threatening consequences.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient who is post-operative following a knee replacement. The nurse should prioritize which of the following interventions?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Encouraging early ambulation. This is the priority intervention as it helps prevent complications such as blood clots and pneumonia, promotes circulation, and aids in faster recovery. Ambulation also helps maintain joint mobility and muscle strength. Administering pain medications (B) is important but not the priority. Providing wound care (C) and monitoring for infection (D) are important, but ambulation takes precedence in preventing complications.