ATI RN
advanced health assessment test bank Questions
Question 1 of 9
A nurse is caring for a patient who is post-operative following abdominal surgery. The nurse should encourage the patient to:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step 1: Post-operative patients are at risk for developing pneumonia due to decreased lung expansion and secretion retention. Step 2: Deep breathing exercises help improve lung expansion and prevent pneumonia. Step 3: Therefore, encouraging the patient to perform deep breathing exercises is essential. Summary: - A: Avoiding deep breathing exercises is incorrect as it can lead to respiratory complications. - B: Taking shallow breaths can worsen lung function and increase the risk of pneumonia. - D: Limiting mobility can lead to complications like blood clots and pneumonia.
Question 2 of 9
A 30-year-old female patient is describing feelings of hopelessness and depression. She has attempted self-mutilation and has a history of prior suicide attempts. She describes difficulty sleeping at night and has lost 4.5 kg (10 lb) in the past month. Which of the following is the nurse's best response in this situation?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: "Are you feeling so hopeless that you feel like hurting yourself now?" This response directly addresses the patient's suicidal ideation and assesses the immediate risk of harm. It shows the nurse's concern for the patient's safety and allows for further evaluation and intervention if necessary. Option A is incorrect because asking about owning a lethal weapon does not directly address the patient's current mental state and immediate risk of harm. Option B is incorrect as it focuses on external factors rather than the patient's internal feelings of hopelessness and suicidal thoughts. Option D is incorrect as it minimizes the seriousness of the patient's symptoms and may lead to overlooking the urgency of the situation.
Question 3 of 9
The nurse is obtaining the health history of an 87-year-old woman. Which of the following areas of questioning would be most useful at this time?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Rationale: 1. Current health promotion activities are important to assess the patient's preventive measures. 2. At 87 years old, focusing on current habits can help identify areas for improvement. 3. Obstetrical history is irrelevant as the patient is postmenopausal. 4. Childhood illnesses are less relevant compared to current health status. 5. General health for the past 20 years may not reflect current health behaviors.
Question 4 of 9
A nurse is teaching a patient with osteoarthritis about managing their condition. Which of the following statements by the patient indicates the need for further education?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because avoiding physical activity to prevent joint strain is not recommended for managing osteoarthritis. Exercise is crucial for strengthening joints and improving flexibility. Choice A is correct as heat or cold therapy can help relieve joint pain. Choice B is correct as taking pain medication regularly can help manage symptoms. Choice C is correct as regular exercise is important for maintaining joint health. In summary, avoiding physical activity is not a recommended approach for managing osteoarthritis, unlike the other choices which are beneficial for the condition.
Question 5 of 9
The inspection phase of the physical assessment:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because the inspection phase of a physical assessment involves visually examining the patient's body, which can reveal a surprising amount of information. This step is crucial in identifying visible abnormalities, such as skin discoloration, swelling, or asymmetry. It helps in assessing the patient's overall appearance, posture, and body movements. This detailed observation can provide valuable insights into the patient's health status and aid in making an accurate diagnosis. Choice A is incorrect because the inspection phase actually provides significant information. Choice C is incorrect as it downplays the importance of thorough observation. Choice D is incorrect because the discomfort level for the expert practitioner is not a defining factor in the inspection phase.
Question 6 of 9
The nurse has implemented several planned interventions to address the nursing diagnosis of acute pain. Which of the following would be the next appropriate action?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The next appropriate action is to evaluate the individual's condition and compare actual outcomes with expected outcomes (Choice C). This step is crucial in determining the effectiveness of the implemented interventions in addressing the nursing diagnosis of acute pain. By evaluating the individual's condition, the nurse can assess whether the interventions have been successful in alleviating the pain. Comparing actual outcomes with expected outcomes helps in identifying any discrepancies and adjusting the plan of care accordingly to ensure optimal patient outcomes. Establishing priorities (Choice A) is important but would come before implementing interventions. Identifying expected outcomes (Choice B) is necessary before implementing interventions but does not directly address the need for evaluation. Interpreting data and making inferences (Choice D) is part of the assessment phase and not the next appropriate action after implementing interventions.
Question 7 of 9
A patient is diagnosed with anemia. The nurse is educating the patient about dietary sources of iron. Which of the following foods is the best source of iron?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Chicken liver. Chicken liver is the best source of heme iron, which is more easily absorbed by the body compared to non-heme iron found in plant-based foods like spinach or oranges. Eggs do contain iron, but in smaller amounts compared to chicken liver. Oranges, on the other hand, are a source of vitamin C which can enhance iron absorption but do not contain significant amounts of iron themselves.
Question 8 of 9
During the health assessment, the nurse notes that a patient is anxious and worried about upcoming surgery. What is the nurse's first priority in this situation?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Assess the patient's emotional state and provide reassurance. The first priority is to address the patient's anxiety and worry, as this can impact their overall well-being and ability to cope with the upcoming surgery. By assessing the emotional state, the nurse can understand the patient's concerns and provide appropriate support and reassurance. Discussing the risks and benefits (choice B) may be important but not the immediate priority. Encouraging relaxation (choice C) may not address the underlying anxiety. Calling the surgeon (choice D) is not necessary at this point as the nurse should first focus on the patient's emotional needs.
Question 9 of 9
A patient with heart failure is experiencing shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the legs. The nurse should monitor for signs of which of the following complications?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Worsening heart failure. Shortness of breath, fatigue, and leg swelling are common symptoms of heart failure. Monitoring for signs of worsening heart failure, such as increased dyspnea, weight gain, and decreased exercise tolerance, is crucial. Pulmonary embolism (A) presents with sudden chest pain and shortness of breath, not typically associated with chronic heart failure. Renal failure (B) may present with decreased urine output and electrolyte imbalances. Liver failure (C) may present with jaundice and changes in mental status. However, given the symptoms presented by the patient, monitoring for worsening heart failure is the most appropriate choice.