ATI RN
health assessment in nursing test bank Questions
Question 1 of 9
A nurse is caring for a patient with hypertension. Which of the following lifestyle changes would the nurse prioritize to help manage the patient's blood pressure?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Losing weight and increasing physical activity help manage blood pressure by reducing excess body weight, improving heart function, and enhancing blood flow. This leads to lower blood pressure levels. A: Increasing sodium intake would worsen hypertension by promoting fluid retention and raising blood pressure. C: Consuming more processed foods often includes high levels of sodium, unhealthy fats, and additives that can negatively impact blood pressure. D: Limiting fluid intake is not a primary lifestyle change for managing hypertension; adequate fluid intake is important for overall health and blood pressure regulation.
Question 2 of 9
A visiting nurse is making an initial home visit to a patient who has a number of chronic medical problems. Which type of database is most appropriate to collect in this setting?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: A complete health database because of the nurse's primary responsibility for monitoring the patient's health. In this initial home visit, the nurse needs to gather comprehensive information about the patient's medical history, current health status, medications, allergies, and lifestyle factors to establish a baseline for ongoing care. This complete health database will help the nurse make informed decisions and provide personalized care. Choice A (follow-up database) is incorrect as it is used to evaluate changes over time, not for the initial assessment. Choice B (episodic database) is incorrect because the patient's chronic medical problems require a more comprehensive approach. Choice D (emergency database) is incorrect as it is used for urgent situations, not for routine assessments.
Question 3 of 9
While auscultating for heart sounds, the nurse hears an unfamiliar sounWhat should the nurse do next?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Document the findings on the patient's record. This is the appropriate action because documenting the unfamiliar sound ensures that the information is accurately recorded for future reference. Waiting 10 minutes (B) may not address the issue, as the sound could still be present. Asking another nurse to double-check (C) may lead to subjective interpretations. Asking the patient to take deep breaths (D) may not be relevant to identifying the unfamiliar sound. Recording the finding is crucial for tracking changes in the patient's condition and communicating with other healthcare professionals.
Question 4 of 9
A patient has been diagnosed with schizophrenia. During a recent interview, he shows the nurse a picture of a man holding a decapitated head. He describes this picture as horrifying but laughs loudly when looking at it. This behaviour is a display of:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Inappropriate affect. Inappropriate affect refers to emotions that are not congruent with the situation. In this case, the patient's laughing while describing a horrifying image indicates a disconnect between his emotions and the context. This behavior is commonly seen in schizophrenia, where there is a lack of appropriate emotional response. A: Confusion does not accurately describe the patient's behavior, as he is able to describe the picture and his emotional response to it. B: Ambivalence refers to conflicting emotions or attitudes, which is not evident in the patient's behavior. C: Depersonalization involves feeling detached from oneself or reality, which is not evident in the patient's behavior. In summary, the patient's inappropriate laughter in response to a horrifying image is indicative of inappropriate affect, a common feature of schizophrenia.
Question 5 of 9
During an interview, the nurse asks the patient to tell more about their shortness of breath. What is the verbal skill used?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Open-ended question. This verbal skill allows the patient to provide detailed information and express their feelings freely. By asking the patient to talk more about their shortness of breath, the nurse encourages a comprehensive response. Reflection (A) involves paraphrasing the patient's words, not eliciting more information. Facilitation (B) involves encouraging the patient to continue but does not necessarily prompt open-ended responses. Direct question (C) typically elicits a specific answer and limits the patient's response.
Question 6 of 9
A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of diabetes. The nurse should monitor for signs of which of the following complications?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hyperglycemia. Patients with diabetes are at risk for high blood sugar levels. Monitoring for hyperglycemia is crucial to prevent complications like diabetic ketoacidosis. Hypoglycemia (B) is low blood sugar, dehydration (C) is not directly related to diabetes unless it causes hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state, and hypotension (D) is low blood pressure, which is not a common complication of diabetes. Regular monitoring for hyperglycemia helps in preventing diabetic complications.
Question 7 of 9
Which of the following responses might the nurse expect during the functional assessment of a patient whose leg is in a cast?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the nurse would expect the patient to demonstrate functional independence in activities like transferring from a wheelchair to the bed despite having a leg in a cast. This response indicates good mobility and strength, which are positive signs of recovery. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not directly address the functional assessment of the patient. Choice A provides historical information, choice B focuses on pain management, and choice C mentions a self-care routine that is not related to functional ability.
Question 8 of 9
A nurse is teaching a patient about managing high cholesterol. Which of the following dietary changes would be most beneficial for lowering cholesterol?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Decreasing intake of trans fats. Trans fats are known to increase LDL cholesterol levels, which are considered "bad" cholesterol. By reducing trans fats in the diet, the patient can lower their cholesterol levels. Saturated fats (choice A) can also increase LDL cholesterol, so increasing intake is not beneficial. Dietary fiber (choice B) helps lower cholesterol by binding to cholesterol in the digestive system, so decreasing intake would not be beneficial. Processed sugars (choice D) do not directly impact cholesterol levels, so increasing intake would not help lower cholesterol. Overall, choosing option C is the most effective dietary change for managing high cholesterol.
Question 9 of 9
A nurse is assessing a patient who is post-operative following a hip replacement. Which of the following is the most important nursing priority after surgery?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT). It is the most important nursing priority after hip replacement surgery because patients are at high risk for DVT due to immobility and altered blood flow. DVT can lead to serious complications like pulmonary embolism. Monitoring for infection (B) is important but preventing DVT takes precedence. Managing pain (A) is essential but not the top priority. Ensuring proper positioning (D) is important for preventing complications, but DVT prevention is more critical post-hip replacement surgery.