ATI RN
health assessment test bank Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient who is post-operative following abdominal surgery. The nurse should prioritize which of the following in the immediate post-operative period?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Encouraging deep breathing and coughing exercises. This is prioritized in the immediate post-operative period to prevent respiratory complications like atelectasis and pneumonia. Deep breathing helps to expand the lungs and coughing helps clear secretions. Administering pain medication (A) is important but not the top priority. Monitoring for signs of infection (C) is crucial but usually done after ensuring respiratory stability. Providing solid food (D) is contraindicated initially to prevent post-operative complications like ileus.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Which of the following lab results would the nurse expect to be elevated in this patient?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Blood urea nitrogen (BUN). In CKD, the kidneys are unable to effectively filter waste products, leading to an increase in BUN levels. Elevated BUN indicates impaired kidney function. Calcium, potassium, and sodium levels may also be affected in CKD, but they are more likely to be imbalanced rather than consistently elevated. Calcium levels may be low due to impaired vitamin D activation, potassium levels may be high due to decreased excretion, and sodium levels can fluctuate based on fluid status. Therefore, while these lab values may be abnormal in CKD, BUN is the most consistently elevated marker of kidney dysfunction.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient who is post-operative following a lung resection. The nurse should monitor for which of the following signs of complications?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increased respiratory rate and dyspnea. After a lung resection, complications like atelectasis or pneumonia can occur, leading to respiratory distress. Monitoring respiratory rate and dyspnea helps detect these issues early. Incorrect choices: B: Constipation and abdominal distension are not directly related to post-operative lung resection complications. C: Nausea and vomiting are more likely related to gastrointestinal issues rather than lung resection. D: Muscle weakness and fatigue are not specific signs of complications following a lung resection.
Question 4 of 5
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 5 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient who has had a myocardial infarction. Which of the following medications should the nurse expect to be prescribed for this patient?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor commonly prescribed post-myocardial infarction to reduce strain on the heart and prevent further damage. Step 2: ACE inhibitors like Lisinopril help lower blood pressure and improve heart function. Step 3: By reducing the workload on the heart, Lisinopril can help prevent complications post-MI. Step 4: Acetaminophen (B) is a pain reliever and does not address the cardiovascular issues post-MI. Step 5: Furosemide (C) and Hydrochlorothiazide (D) are diuretics typically used for managing fluid retention, not the primary focus after an MI. Summary: Lisinopril is the correct choice as it helps improve heart function and prevent complications post-MI, unlike the other options which do not directly address the cardiovascular issues associated with MI.