ATI RN
advanced health assessment test bank Questions
Question 1 of 9
A nurse is caring for a patient with diabetes. The nurse should monitor for which of the following complications?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Hyperglycemia. In diabetes, hyperglycemia occurs when blood sugar levels are too high. This can lead to various complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state. Monitoring for hyperglycemia is crucial to prevent these serious complications. A: Hypoglycemia is low blood sugar and can also occur in diabetes, but it is not the primary complication to monitor for in this case. B: Hyperkalemia is high potassium levels and is not a common complication of diabetes unless there are other underlying issues. C: Hypotension is low blood pressure, which can be a complication of diabetes but is not as directly related to glucose management as hyperglycemia. In summary, monitoring for hyperglycemia is essential in diabetes care to prevent serious complications associated with high blood sugar levels.
Question 2 of 9
A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of chronic asthma. The nurse should prioritize monitoring for which of the following complications?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Respiratory failure. For a patient with chronic asthma, the priority complication to monitor for is respiratory failure as it can be life-threatening. Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that can lead to severe bronchoconstriction and impaired gas exchange, potentially resulting in respiratory failure. Monitoring for signs such as increased respiratory rate, use of accessory muscles, decreased oxygen saturation, and altered mental status is crucial. Pneumothorax (A) is a possible complication but less common in chronic asthma. Hyperglycemia (B) and chronic renal failure (D) are not directly related to asthma and are not the primary complications to monitor for in this case.
Question 3 of 9
Which of the following is the best indicator of a patient's nutritional status?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Serum albumin levels. Serum albumin is a protein produced by the liver and is a key indicator of a patient's nutritional status. Low levels of serum albumin indicate malnutrition or protein deficiency. Monitoring serum albumin levels provides an objective measure of the patient's overall nutritional status. Choice A (Patient's weight) can be influenced by factors other than nutrition, such as fluid retention or muscle mass. Choice C (Patient's food preferences) does not provide direct information on the patient's actual nutritional intake. Choice D (Number of meals consumed per day) does not account for the quality or quantity of nutrients consumed in those meals.
Question 4 of 9
A First Nations woman has come to the clinic for diabetes follow-up teaching. During the interview, the nurse notices that the patient never makes eye contact and speaks mostly looking down at the floor. Which of the following statements about this situation is true?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the patient's behavior of not making eye contact and looking down can be a sign of active listening and respect in some cultures, including many First Nations cultures. This behavior may indicate that the patient is focusing on what the nurse is saying and showing attentiveness. Making eye contact may be considered disrespectful or challenging in some cultures, so the lack of eye contact does not necessarily mean the patient has something to hide, is ashamed, or is nervous. Choice A assumes the patient is nervous or embarrassed without evidence. Choice B is an assumption without any basis, and choice C does not consider cultural differences in communication styles.
Question 5 of 9
A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The nurse should monitor for which of the following complications?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, hypercapnia. In COPD, impaired lung function leads to inadequate oxygen exchange, causing increased carbon dioxide levels in the blood (hypercapnia). This can result in respiratory acidosis and further exacerbate respiratory distress. Monitoring for hypercapnia is crucial in COPD management to prevent respiratory failure. Incorrect choices: A: Pulmonary embolism - While patients with COPD are at increased risk for blood clots, pulmonary embolism is not a direct complication of COPD. B: Pneumothorax - Although individuals with COPD may develop pneumothorax due to weakened lung tissue, it is not a common complication. D: Asthma attack - Asthma and COPD are distinct conditions with different pathophysiology. Asthma attacks are not a typical complication of COPD.
Question 6 of 9
A man has come in to the clinic because he is afraid he might have skin cancer. During the skin assessment, the nurse notices several areas of pigmentation that look greasy, dark, and "stuck on' on his skin. Which of the following is the best prediction?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: He probably has seborrheic keratosis, which do not become cancerous. Seborrheic keratosis typically appear as greasy, dark, and "stuck on" pigmented growths on the skin, commonly seen in older adults. They are benign and do not progress to skin cancer. This conclusion is based on the characteristics of seborrheic keratosis and the fact that they are not associated with malignancy. Choice A (senile lentigines) is incorrect because although they are also common in older adults, they are flat and dark spots rather than raised growths. Choice B (actinic keratoses) is incorrect as they are precancerous lesions related to sun exposure, leading to a risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma, not basal cell carcinoma. Choice C (acrochordons) are skin tags and not precursors to squamous cell carcinoma.
Question 7 of 9
A nurse is caring for a patient with pneumonia. The nurse should prioritize which of the following assessments?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Oxygen saturation levels. This assessment is crucial in pneumonia to ensure adequate oxygenation. Low oxygen levels can lead to respiratory distress. Pain levels (B) are important but not a priority over oxygenation. Bowel sounds (C) are not directly related to pneumonia. Level of consciousness (D) is also important but not as critical as ensuring proper oxygen levels for a patient with pneumonia. Oxygen saturation levels should be prioritized to prevent complications and ensure the patient's respiratory status is stable.
Question 8 of 9
A nurse is teaching a patient about managing chronic pain. Which of the following strategies should the nurse emphasize?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Implementing physical therapy and exercises. This is crucial for managing chronic pain as it helps improve strength, flexibility, and overall function. Physical therapy can also address underlying issues contributing to pain. Choice A could worsen pain if not done appropriately. Choice B may be necessary but should not be the sole approach. Choice D can be beneficial but may not address the root cause of pain like physical therapy does.
Question 9 of 9
A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of alcohol abuse. The nurse should be aware that this patient is at increased risk for which of the following complications?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Chronic liver disease. Patients with a history of alcohol abuse are at increased risk for chronic liver disease due to the toxic effects of alcohol on the liver. Alcohol can lead to fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. The liver plays a crucial role in metabolizing alcohol, and excessive alcohol consumption can overwhelm the liver's ability to detoxify the body. Chronic kidney disease (B), pulmonary embolism (C), and stroke (D) are not directly associated with alcohol abuse. Kidney disease is more commonly linked to conditions like diabetes and hypertension, pulmonary embolism is often related to blood clotting disorders, and stroke can be caused by factors such as hypertension and atherosclerosis.