A nurse is caring for a patient with diabetes who is experiencing hypoglycemia. The nurse should prioritize which of the following interventions?

Questions 37

ATI RN

ATI RN Test Bank

health assessment exam 2 test bank Questions

Question 1 of 9

A nurse is caring for a patient with diabetes who is experiencing hypoglycemia. The nurse should prioritize which of the following interventions?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Providing a source of fast-acting carbohydrate. In hypoglycemia, the priority is to quickly raise the patient's blood sugar levels to prevent potential complications like seizures or loss of consciousness. Fast-acting carbohydrates, such as glucose tablets or juice, can rapidly increase blood sugar levels. Administering insulin (A) would further lower blood sugar levels, worsening the situation. Administering an oral hypoglycemic agent (C) is not appropriate in an acute hypoglycemic episode. Monitoring blood pressure (D) is important but not the priority in this situation.

Question 2 of 9

A nurse is assessing a patient who is post-operative following abdominal surgery. The nurse should prioritize which of the following interventions?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because deep breathing and coughing exercises help prevent complications such as atelectasis and pneumonia after abdominal surgery. By promoting lung expansion and clearing secretions, these exercises enhance oxygenation and prevent respiratory issues. Administering pain medication (A) is important but not the priority. Monitoring for infection (C) and providing wound care (D) are also crucial but come after ensuring respiratory function.

Question 3 of 9

A nurse is caring for a patient with chronic heart failure. The nurse should monitor for which of the following signs of worsening heart failure?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Pitting edema and weight gain. In chronic heart failure, worsening symptoms indicate fluid retention. Pitting edema in the extremities and weight gain are signs of fluid overload, indicating worsening heart failure. It is crucial for the nurse to monitor these signs to prevent exacerbation. Fatigue and shortness of breath (Choice A) are common symptoms in heart failure but not specific to worsening condition. Increased urine output (Choice B) is not typically seen in worsening heart failure as the kidneys may be compromised. Decreased blood pressure (Choice C) can occur in acute decompensation but is not a consistent sign of worsening chronic heart failure.

Question 4 of 9

A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of asthma. The nurse should educate the patient to avoid which of the following triggers?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cold, dry air. Cold, dry air is a common trigger for asthma exacerbations, as it can irritate the airways and lead to bronchoconstriction. This trigger can worsen asthma symptoms and increase the risk of an asthma attack. Educating the patient to avoid cold, dry air can help prevent asthma flare-ups. Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect: A: Exercise-induced asthma is triggered by physical activity but can be managed with proper warm-up and medication. It is not typically something to avoid altogether. C: Caffeine is a mild bronchodilator and can actually help alleviate asthma symptoms in some cases. D: Environmental allergens can trigger asthma in some individuals, but they vary from person to person, so avoidance strategies would depend on specific allergens identified through testing.

Question 5 of 9

A nurse is caring for a patient who has just had a stroke. Which of the following should the nurse monitor for?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Respiratory depression. After a stroke, the patient may experience impaired breathing due to neurological damage affecting the respiratory center in the brain. Monitoring for signs of respiratory depression, such as shallow breathing or decreased oxygen saturation, is crucial to prevent respiratory failure. Severe headache (A) may be a symptom of stroke but is not the highest priority for monitoring. Dehydration (B) is important to prevent but not typically a direct consequence of stroke. Sudden loss of vision (D) may occur with certain types of strokes but is not as critical to monitor as respiratory depression.

Question 6 of 9

A patient has been in the critical care unit for 10 days. He has just been moved to the medical"“surgical unit, and the admitting nurse is planning to perform a mental health examination. During the cognitive function tests, the nurse would expect that he:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. After being in critical care for 10 days, it is expected that the patient may be disoriented to time but still be oriented to place and person. This is a common occurrence due to the stressful and disorienting environment of the critical care unit. The patient's cognition may be temporarily affected, leading to difficulty in remembering the date accurately. The patient's ability to recognize their surroundings and identify themselves and others should still be intact. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because disruption in thought content, expressing relief, and clouding of consciousness are not typical cognitive function issues expected in this scenario.

Question 7 of 9

A nurse is caring for a patient who is post-operative following a knee replacement. The nurse should monitor for signs of which of the following complications?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). After knee replacement surgery, the patient is at a higher risk for developing DVT due to immobility and altered blood flow. Monitoring for signs such as calf pain, swelling, and redness is crucial to prevent complications like pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism (Choice A) is a potential complication of untreated DVT. Gastrointestinal bleeding (Choice B) is not directly related to knee replacement surgery. Hypoglycemia (Choice D) is not a common complication post-knee replacement. Monitoring for DVT is essential in preventing life-threatening complications for the patient.

Question 8 of 9

A nurse is teaching a patient with diabetes about managing foot care. Which of the following statements by the patient indicates proper understanding?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: "I will inspect my feet daily for cuts or blisters." This statement indicates proper understanding because daily foot inspection is crucial for early detection of any wounds, which can prevent complications in diabetic patients. Incorrect choices: B: Avoiding trimming toenails can lead to ingrown nails and potential injury. C: Wearing tight shoes can increase the risk of blisters and discomfort. D: Ignoring small wounds can lead to infections and more serious foot issues. In summary, choice A is correct as it promotes proactive foot care, while the other choices can potentially harm the patient's foot health.

Question 9 of 9

The public's concept of health has changed since the 1950s. Which of the following statements most accurately describes this change?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because it reflects the shift towards a holistic view of health focusing on preventive measures and lifestyle choices. In the 1950s, the emphasis was more on treating diseases rather than preventing them through healthy habits. Choice B is incorrect as it only focuses on identifying pathogens, not overall health. Choice C is incorrect because it emphasizes physician-centered healthcare rather than individual responsibility. Choice D is incorrect as it only considers the absence of symptoms, not overall well-being. Therefore, A is the best choice as it aligns with the modern understanding of health promotion and disease prevention.

Access More Questions!

ATI RN Basic


$89/ 30 days

ATI RN Premium


$150/ 90 days