ATI RN
foundation of nursing practice questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
A nurse is discussing the advantages of a nursingclinical information system. Which advantage should the nurse describe?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: One of the key advantages associated with a nursing clinical information system is the reduction of errors of omission. By using an electronic system that prompts for required data entry and ensures completeness of documentation, nurses are less likely to miss important information, leading to improved patient care and safety. This advantage helps in promoting efficient communication among healthcare providers and contributes to better decision-making processes.
Question 2 of 9
A patient comes to the clinic complaining of a tender, inflamed vulva. Testing does not reveal the presence of any known causative microorganism. What aspect of this patients current health status may account for the patients symptoms of vulvitis?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Morbid obesity is a risk factor for developing a condition known as intertrigo, which is inflammation of the skin folds. In this case, the skin folds of the vulva are affected, leading to vulvitis. The warm and moist environment between the skin folds in obese individuals can promote the growth of microorganisms and the development of inflammation. This can result in symptoms such as tenderness and redness in the vulva. Since testing did not reveal the presence of any known causative microorganism, the patient's morbid obesity may be the underlying factor contributing to the symptoms of vulvitis. Treating the intertrigo and addressing the underlying obesity may help alleviate the symptoms.
Question 3 of 9
A nurse is teaching a patient about the largeintestine in elimination. In which order will the nurse list the structures, starting with the first portion?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The order in which the structures of the large intestine are listed starting with the first portion is as follows: cecum (the pouch where the large intestine begins), ascending colon (runs vertically up the right side of the abdomen), transverse colon (crosses horizontally from the right side of the abdomen to the left), descending colon (descends vertically down the left side of the abdomen), sigmoid colon (the S-shaped curve that leads into the rectum), and rectum (the final portion where feces are stored before being eliminated from the body). Therefore, option A provides the correct order of structures in the large intestine during elimination.
Question 4 of 9
The nurse responds to the call light of a patient who has had a cervical diskectomy earlier in the day. Thecpatient states that she is having severe pain that had a sudden onset. What is the nurses most appropriate action?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the patient who has had a cervical diskectomy is experiencing severe pain with a sudden onset, which can be indicative of a complication such as bleeding, infection, or nerve impingement. The nurse's most appropriate action is to call the surgeon immediately to report the patient's pain. The surgeon needs to be informed promptly so that a further assessment can be made and appropriate interventions can be initiated to address the cause of the sudden pain. Palpating the surgical site or removing the dressing without consulting the surgeon first may worsen the situation or increase the risk of complications. Administering an NSAID is not appropriate in this situation without further evaluation and guidance from the surgeon. It is essential to prioritize patient safety and ensure that the patient receives timely and appropriate care by involving the surgeon in the decision-making process.
Question 5 of 9
A patient has a documented history of allergies presents to the clinic. She states that she is frustrated by her chronic nasal congestion, anosmia (inability to smell) and inability to concentrate. The nurse should identify which of the following nursing diagnoses?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The patient's frustration with chronic nasal congestion, anosmia, and inability to concentrate indicates difficulty coping with the long-term nature of her condition and the impact it has on her daily life. Additionally, her desire for relief suggests a need for environmental modifications to help manage her symptoms. This nursing diagnosis encompasses the patient's emotional response to her condition, as well as the potential need for changes in her surroundings to better support her health and well-being.
Question 6 of 9
A patients rapid cancer metastases have prompted a shift from active treatment to palliative care. When planning this patients care, the nurse should identify what primary aim?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The primary aim when transitioning a patient with rapid cancer metastases from active treatment to palliative care is to prevent and relieve suffering. Palliative care focuses on enhancing quality of life, managing symptoms, and addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. By prioritizing the prevention and relief of suffering, healthcare providers can work towards improving the patient's comfort and overall well-being during this difficult time. This approach aligns with the goals of palliative care, which aim to provide holistic support and care for patients facing serious illnesses like cancer.
Question 7 of 9
A patient has been admitted to the neurologic ICU with a diagnosis of a brain tumor. The patient is scheduled to have a tumor resection/removal in the morning. Which of the following assessment parameters should the nurse include in the initial assessment?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The most critical assessment parameter to include in the initial assessment of a patient with a brain tumor scheduled for surgery is the gag reflex. The gag reflex is a protective mechanism that prevents the entry of foreign objects into the airway and lungs. Patients undergoing brain tumor resection may be at risk for impaired gag reflex due to the effects of the tumor on cranial nerves or related structures. Identifying any impairment in the gag reflex is essential to prevent aspiration during and after the surgical procedure. Monitoring the gag reflex allows the healthcare team to take necessary precautions to protect the patient's airway and prevent complications. Therefore, assessing the gag reflex is crucial in the care of a patient with a brain tumor undergoing surgery.
Question 8 of 9
A nurse is caring for a patient who has allergic rhinitis. What intervention would be most likely to help the patient meet the goal of improved breathing pattern?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, is a condition characterized by inflammation in the nasal passages triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust mites, or animal dander. Modifying the patient's environment to reduce exposure to these allergens can significantly help improve the breathing pattern in patients with allergic rhinitis. This can include measures such as using air purifiers, keeping indoor humidity levels low, avoiding exposure to pollen by keeping windows closed during peak seasons, and regularly cleaning bedding to reduce dust mites.
Question 9 of 9
While assessing the patient at the beginning of the shift, the nurse inspects a surgical dressing covering the operative site after the patients cervical diskectomy. The nurse notes that the drainage is 75% saturated with serosanguineous discharge. What is the nurses most appropriate action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most appropriate action for the nurse to take when observing the surgical dressing saturated with serosanguineous drainage is to reinforce the dressing and reassess in 1 to 2 hours. Serosanguineous discharge is a common type of drainage following surgery, as it is a mixture of blood and serum. It is expected in the early stages of wound healing and does not necessarily indicate infection. By reinforcing the dressing and closely monitoring the drainage over the next couple of hours, the nurse can assess if the amount of drainage is decreasing or escalating. If there are any signs of infection, such as increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or excessive purulent discharge, then the nurse should notify the physician promptly. Until then, it is appropriate to continue observing and managing the drainage within the expected range.