ATI RN
foundation of nursing practice questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
A nurse is assessing a patient with an acoustic neuroma who has been recently admitted to an oncology unit. What symptoms is the nurse likely to find during the initial assessment?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A nurse assessing a patient with an acoustic neuroma would likely find symptoms such as loss of hearing, tinnitus, and vertigo. Acoustic neuroma, also known as vestibular schwannoma, is a noncancerous tumor that develops on the vestibulocochlear nerve, which carries sound and balance signals from the inner ear to the brain. The most common symptoms of an acoustic neuroma include progressive hearing loss, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and dizziness or imbalance (vertigo). Therefore, option A is the most appropriate choice for the symptoms that the nurse is likely to find in a patient with an acoustic neuroma.
Question 2 of 9
The priority nursing intervention when admitting a pregnant patient who has experienced a bleeding episode in late pregnancy is to
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When admitting a pregnant patient who has experienced a bleeding episode in late pregnancy, the top priority nursing intervention is to assess fetal heart rate (FHR) and maternal vital signs. This assessment will help the nurse determine the extent of the blood loss and its impact on both the mother and the fetus. Monitoring uterine contractions is important as well, but not the priority in this situation. Placing clean disposable pads to collect any drainage is important for ongoing assessment and management but can be done after assessing the FHR and vital signs. Performing a venipuncture for hemoglobin and hematocrit levels is necessary for further evaluation but can be done after the initial assessment of FHR and vital signs. Checking the patient and fetal well-being is crucial in situations of bleeding in late pregnancy to ensure timely and appropriate intervention.
Question 3 of 9
A patients rapid cancer metastases have prompted a shift from active treatment to palliative care. When planning this patients care, the nurse should identify what primary aim?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The primary aim when transitioning a patient with rapid cancer metastases from active treatment to palliative care is to prevent and relieve suffering. Palliative care focuses on enhancing quality of life, managing symptoms, and addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. By prioritizing the prevention and relief of suffering, healthcare providers can work towards improving the patient's comfort and overall well-being during this difficult time. This approach aligns with the goals of palliative care, which aim to provide holistic support and care for patients facing serious illnesses like cancer.
Question 4 of 9
The nurse is caring for a 52-year-old woman whose aunt and mother died of breast cancer. The patient states, My doctor and I talked about Tamoxifen to help prevent breast cancer. Do you think it will work? What would be the nurses best response?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse's best response should be to provide accurate information and manage the patient's expectations realistically. Tamoxifen is known to have a slight protective effect in reducing the risk of developing breast cancer in high-risk individuals like the patient in the scenario. However, it is not a guarantee against developing breast cancer. It is essential for the nurse to convey this information to the patient to ensure that she understands the benefits and limitations of Tamoxifen therapy. Additionally, discussing potential side effects and risks associated with Tamoxifen, such as an increased risk of osteoporosis, is important for the patient to make an informed decision about her health care.
Question 5 of 9
A nurse at an allergy clinic is providing education for a patient starting immunotherapy for the treatment of allergies. What education should the nurse prioritize?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The nurse should prioritize educating the patient on the importance of keeping appointments for desensitization procedures. Immunotherapy involves gradually increasing exposure to allergens to build tolerance and reduce allergic reactions. Missing desensitization appointments can lead to interruptions in treatment and potentially decrease the effectiveness of the therapy. It is crucial for the patient to adhere to the scheduled appointments as prescribed by the healthcare provider to ensure the success of the immunotherapy treatment.
Question 6 of 9
A patient who is scheduled for a skin test informs the nurse that he has been taking corticesteroids to help control his allergy symptoms. What nursing intervention should the nurse implement?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The patient should continue taking his corticosteroids regularly prior to testing. Corticosteroids can suppress the body's immune response and affect the results of skin tests by potentially causing a false-negative result. Instructing the patient to maintain his regular corticosteroid regimen will help ensure accurate testing results. It is essential to consult with the healthcare provider to determine the appropriate timing for testing in relation to corticosteroid use.
Question 7 of 9
A small-bore feeding tube is placed. Which technique will the nurse use tobestverify tube placement?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: At present, the most reliable method for verification of placement of small-bore feeding tubes is x-ray examination. X-ray allows for direct visualization of the tube's placement within the gastrointestinal tract, ensuring it is correctly positioned in the stomach without any risk of inadvertent placement in the lungs, pharynx, or esophagus. This method provides a definitive confirmation of tube placement, which is crucial for patient safety during enteral feeding. While pH testing and aspiration of contents can be useful as supplementary methods, x-ray remains the gold standard for verifying tube placement due to its precision and accuracy. Auscultation, on the other hand, is no longer recommended as a reliable method for tube placement verification, as it may lead to misinterpretation of sounds and potential errors in placement assessment.
Question 8 of 9
Patients who are enrolled in hospice care through Medicare are often felt to suffer unnecessarily because they do not receive adequate attention for their symptoms of the underlying illness. What factor most contributes to this phenomenon?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The factor that most contributes to patients in hospice care not receiving adequate attention for their symptoms of the underlying illness is the unwillingness of patients and families to acknowledge that the patient is terminal. When patients and families are in denial or struggle to accept the terminal nature of the illness, they may avoid focusing on symptom management and comfort care that is essential in hospice care. This can prevent healthcare providers from effectively addressing and managing the patient's symptoms, leading to unnecessary suffering for the patient. Accepting the terminal nature of the illness allows for a shift in focus towards providing quality end-of-life care that prioritizes symptom management and comfort for the patient.
Question 9 of 9
Which routine nursing assessment is contraindicated for a patient admitted with suspected placenta previa?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Vaginal examination of the cervix may result in perforation of the placenta and subsequent hemorrhage in a patient admitted with suspected placenta previa. It is important to avoid any unnecessary manipulation of the cervix to prevent complications. Assessing cervical dilation and effacement should be avoided until placenta previa is ruled out to prevent harm to the patient.