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
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 3 of 9
The nurse notices that the patient has a solid, elevated, circumscribed lesion that is less than 1 cm in diameter. When documenting this finding, the nurse would report this as a:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Papule. A papule is a solid, elevated lesion that is less than 1 cm in diameter. It is circumscribed, meaning it has well-defined borders. Papules are often associated with skin conditions like acne or insect bites. A: Bulla is a large fluid-filled blister, not a solid lesion. B: Wheal is a raised, red area of skin that is typically transient and caused by an allergic reaction. C: Nodule is a solid, elevated lesion that is greater than 1 cm in diameter, not less than 1 cm.
Question 4 of 9
A nurse is about to perform an assessment of a patient's lungs. Which of the following is the most appropriate action before auscultation?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Ask the patient to lie flat and breathe normally. This position allows for optimal lung expansion, making it easier to hear breath sounds accurately. Asking the patient to lie flat also provides a consistent baseline for comparison across different patients. A: Asking the patient to take deep breaths before auscultation may alter their normal breathing pattern and make it difficult to assess baseline lung sounds accurately. B: Having the patient sit upright can be helpful for certain assessments, but lying flat is preferred for auscultating lung sounds. C: Examining for symmetry is important but not directly related to the optimal position for auscultation.
Question 5 of 9
A nurse preparing to conduct a prenatal class is aware that which of the following groups is at highest risk for infant mortality?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: First Nations people. First Nations people in Canada have historically faced systemic barriers to healthcare, leading to higher rates of infant mortality compared to other groups. This includes socio-economic factors, access to quality healthcare, and cultural differences impacting healthcare practices. European Canadians, Asian Canadians, and African Canadians do not face the same level of disparities and risk factors contributing to infant mortality rates as First Nations people. It is essential for healthcare providers to understand these disparities to address the health needs of First Nations communities effectively.
Question 6 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 7 of 9
An Aboriginal woman who lives away from the reserve has come to the clinic to seek help with regulating her diabetes. In conducting an interview, the nurse's priority involves:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because determining if the patient can afford her medications is crucial in managing her diabetes effectively. Financial constraints can significantly impact a patient's ability to adhere to treatment, leading to poor health outcomes. By addressing affordability, the nurse can ensure the patient can access and comply with the prescribed medications. A, finding out why the patient is not compliant, is not the priority at this stage as addressing affordability comes first. B, reinforcing health teaching related to diet and exercise, is important but secondary to ensuring access to medications. D, sending the patient to the diabetic clinic for follow-up, is not as critical as addressing immediate financial concerns.
Question 8 of 9
Canada's population as a whole is aging, and for the first time in Canadian history, which age group has exceeded that of people aged 15 to 24?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 55-64 years. This age group has exceeded that of people aged 15-24 due to factors like increased life expectancy, lower birth rates, and the aging baby boomer population. This demographic shift impacts workforce, healthcare, and social services. Choice A is incorrect as it represents the youngest age group. Choice B is incorrect as it falls within the working-age group. Choice D is incorrect as it represents the elderly population, which is still lower than the 55-64 age group in this context.
Question 9 of 9
A 90-year-old patient tells the nurse that he is unable to remember the names of the medications he is taking or what they are for. An appropriate response would be:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because asking the patient's family to bring in the medications will ensure accurate identification and understanding of the medications. This step is crucial in ensuring the patient's safety and well-being. Choice A is incorrect as appearance alone may not provide accurate information. Choice B is dismissive and does not address the issue. Choice C focuses on duration rather than addressing the immediate concern of medication identification.