A nurse is caring for a patient who refuses to comply with a prescribed treatment regimen. What ethical principle should guide the nurse's approach to addressing the patient's refusal?

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ATI RN Test Bank

Foundations and Adult Health Nursing Test Bank Questions

Question 1 of 9

A nurse is caring for a patient who refuses to comply with a prescribed treatment regimen. What ethical principle should guide the nurse's approach to addressing the patient's refusal?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The ethical principle of autonomy emphasizes respecting the patient's right to make their own decisions regarding their treatment. In this scenario, the patient has the right to refuse treatment, and the nurse should respect that decision while also providing information and guidance to help the patient make informed choices. By upholding the principle of autonomy, the nurse can support the patient's decision-making process and work collaboratively with them to address any concerns or barriers to compliance with the treatment regimen. This approach honors the patient's right to self-determination and promotes a trusting relationship between the nurse and the patient.

Question 2 of 9

A postpartum client presents with sudden chest pain, dyspnea, and tachycardia. Which nursing action should be prioritized?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Sudden chest pain, dyspnea, and tachycardia in a postpartum client can be indicative of serious conditions such as pulmonary embolism or myocardial infarction. These conditions are emergencies that require immediate medical attention. Notifying the healthcare provider immediately is the priority to ensure prompt evaluation and intervention to address the potential life-threatening situation. While other nursing interventions such as elevating the head of the bed, providing supplemental oxygen therapy, and administering analgesics may be necessary, they should be done after notifying the healthcare provider to ensure appropriate management of the underlying cause.

Question 3 of 9

Non verbal communication is as strong in conveying information because the nurse can _________.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Nonverbal communication is as strong in conveying information because the nurse can effectively interpret and understand gestures made by the individual they are interacting with. Gestures such as hand movements, facial expressions, eye contact, and body posture can communicate a lot of information without the use of words. By observing these nonverbal cues, nurses can better comprehend the emotions, needs, and feelings of their patients or colleagues, leading to more effective communication and overall better care. Nonverbal communication, including gestures, plays a significant role in creating a holistic understanding of individuals' messages beyond just words.

Question 4 of 9

Following a severe traumatic brain injury, a patient is experiencing alterations in consciousness characterized by periods of wakefulness but with no meaningful interaction with the environment. Which term best describes this state?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A vegetative state, now more commonly referred to as unresponsive wakefulness syndrome, describes a condition where the patient is awake but with no awareness of themselves or their surroundings. This state usually follows a severe brain injury, such as traumatic brain injury. Patients in a vegetative state may have sleep-wake cycles, open their eyes, and even exhibit reflex movements, but they do not demonstrate any meaningful interaction with the environment. Differentiating between coma and vegetative state is important, as coma implies a complete lack of consciousness, while patients in a vegetative state have preserved wakefulness without awareness. Minimally conscious state (choice C) refers to a condition where there are some minimal signs of awareness or purposeful interaction, making it a different state than the one described in the scenario. Locked-in syndrome (choice D) is a condition where the patient is conscious and aware but unable to move or communicate due to paralysis, which is not consistent

Question 5 of 9

Which procedure has to be done to the patient to establish a definitive diagnosis of lung cancer?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Bronchoscopy is a procedure that allows direct visualization of the inside of the airways in the lungs. It is considered the most definitive method to establish a diagnosis of lung cancer as it can directly visualize any abnormal growths or tumors in the bronchial tubes. During bronchoscopy, tissue samples can be collected for biopsy to confirm the presence of cancer cells. This procedure is more accurate compared to other diagnostic methods such as chest x-ray, CT scan, cytological study of sputum, or magnetic resonance imaging in confirming a diagnosis of lung cancer.

Question 6 of 9

A patient presents with gradual, painless visual field loss in both eyes, particularly in the peripheral vision. Tonometry reveals elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Which of the following conditions is most likely responsible for this presentation?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The patient presents with gradual, painless visual field loss in both eyes, particularly in the peripheral vision, which is characteristic of glaucoma. The elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) on tonometry further supports a diagnosis of glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma and typically presents insidiously with a slow progression of vision loss. In open-angle glaucoma, the drainage angle of the eye remains open but becomes less efficient over time, leading to increased intraocular pressure and optic nerve damage. This results in peripheral visual field loss. Closed-angle glaucoma, on the other hand, presents more acutely with sudden eye pain, redness, and blurred vision due to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure from a blocked drainage angle. Age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy typically do not present with elevated IOP or peripheral visual field loss.

Question 7 of 9

When the nurse collects data at one point in time are called which of the following?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When the nurse collects data at one point in time, it is referred to as a cross-sectional study. Cross-sectional studies are observational research designs that provide a snapshot of a population or a sample at a specific point in time. This type of study can help identify associations or relationships between variables at a single time point but cannot establish causality or determine changes over time. In contrast, time series involve collecting data over multiple time points, longitudinal studies follow individuals or samples over time to track changes or outcomes, and crossover studies involve multiple interventions or treatments over different periods.

Question 8 of 9

The patient with diagnosis of schizophrenia who has been taking Clozapine will inform the patients family that the positive effect of this drug is

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic medication primarily used in the treatment of schizophrenia. One of the positive effects of Clozapine is the reduction of psychotic symptoms experienced by the patient, such as hallucinations (not hearing loss). Clozapine is effective in managing both positive symptoms (hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking) and negative symptoms (apathy, social withdrawal, lack of motivation) of schizophrenia. It is known for its efficacy in reducing hallucinations and other psychotic symptoms, helping the patient to lead a more stable and functional life.

Question 9 of 9

The first standard step in oxygen therapy that the nurse should do is________.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The first standard step in oxygen therapy that the nurse should do is to assess the client's condition. Before initiating any oxygen treatment, it is essential to assess the client's respiratory status, oxygen saturation levels, vital signs, and overall condition. This initial assessment helps the nurse to determine the appropriate course of oxygen therapy based on the client's individual needs and current health status. Assessing the client's condition first ensures that the oxygen therapy provided is safe and effective for the specific needs of the client.

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