ATI RN
Health Assessment Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
A nurse is interviewing a 75-year-old patient. Why might the interview take longer with this patient?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Older adults may have a longer story to tell due to their wealth of life experiences. This can include medical history, family background, and personal stories that may impact their health. It is important for the nurse to gather all relevant information to provide appropriate care. Choice B is incorrect because not all older adults are lonely, and the reason for a longer interview is not solely based on the need for social interaction. Choice C is incorrect because while some older adults may experience cognitive decline, it is not a blanket statement that all older adults lose mental abilities. Choice D is incorrect because hearing loss is not a universal issue among older adults, and assuming so can lead to ageist stereotypes.
Question 2 of 9
The nurse is assessing the hearing of a 7-month-old. What would be the expected response to clapping of hands?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because at 7 months, infants typically have developed the ability to localize sounds. When clapping hands, the expected response is for the infant to turn their head towards the sound source, indicating their ability to detect and localize the sound. This behavior reflects the normal auditory development at this age. Choice B is incorrect because by 7 months, infants should show some response to noise, such as turning their head or showing some interest. Choice C is incorrect as the startle and acoustic blink reflex typically occur in response to sudden loud noises, but at 7 months, the infant should also be able to localize the source of the sound. Choice D is incorrect as stopping all movement and appearing to listen is not a typical response expected from a 7-month-old when hearing a sound. Infants at this age are more likely to actively turn towards the sound source to investigate.
Question 3 of 9
A female patient does not speak English well, and the nurse needs to choose an interpreter. Which of the following would be the most appropriate choice?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: A trained interpreter. Choosing a trained interpreter ensures accurate communication and confidentiality. Professional interpreters have the necessary language skills and cultural competence to facilitate effective communication between the healthcare provider and the patient. Using a family member (choices B and C) may compromise confidentiality and accuracy due to potential bias or lack of professional training. Similarly, selecting a volunteer university student (choice D) may result in misinterpretation or breach of privacy as they may not have the same level of expertise as a trained interpreter. Ultimately, the most appropriate choice is a trained interpreter to ensure clear and accurate communication while respecting the patient's privacy and dignity.
Question 4 of 9
A 60-year-old man is at the clinic for an eye examination. The nurse suspects that he has ptosis of one eye. Ptosis is:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: drooping of the upper eyelid. Ptosis refers to the drooping of the upper eyelid, which may occur due to weakened eyelid muscles or nerve damage. In this case, the nurse suspects ptosis in the 60-year-old man, which is likely due to age-related muscle weakness. Choice A, a cloudy cornea, is incorrect as it refers to a different eye condition. Choice B, an unequal red reflex, is incorrect as it is related to abnormalities in the retina. Choice D, protruding and bulging eyes, is incorrect as it indicates exophthalmos, a condition typically seen in thyroid eye disease.
Question 5 of 9
What is the first priority for a client experiencing an acute asthma attack?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer bronchodilators. During an acute asthma attack, the priority is to open the airways quickly to improve breathing. Bronchodilators work rapidly to dilate the constricted airways, providing immediate relief. Corticosteroids are used for long-term management and take time to be effective. Administering morphine is not recommended as it can depress the respiratory system. Performing an ECG is not necessary in the acute management of an asthma attack.
Question 6 of 9
What is important when making an occupied bed?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Use a bath blanket for warmth and privacy. This is important when making an occupied bed to ensure the comfort and dignity of the patient. The bath blanket provides warmth and privacy during the bed-making process, maintaining the patient's comfort and respecting their privacy. Keeping the bed in a low position (choice A) is important for safety but not directly related to the patient's comfort during bed-making. Constantly raising side rails (choice C) is unnecessary and may cause discomfort to the patient. Moving back and forth between sides (choice D) is not essential for making an occupied bed and may disrupt the process.
Question 7 of 9
What should the nurse do first for a client with a history of diabetes who is experiencing hypoglycemia?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer glucose. In hypoglycemia, the priority is to raise the low blood sugar levels quickly. Administering glucose is the most direct and effective way to do so. Glucose will rapidly increase the blood sugar levels and help the client recover from hypoglycemia. Administering insulin (B) would further lower blood sugar levels. Administering glucagon (C) is used for severe hypoglycemia when the client is unconscious. Encouraging deep breathing (D) is not effective in treating hypoglycemia and does not address the immediate need to raise blood sugar levels.
Question 8 of 9
A nurse is caring for a patient who is post-operative following abdominal surgery. The nurse should monitor for which of the following complications?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Atelectasis and pneumonia. Following abdominal surgery, patients are at risk for atelectasis (lung collapse) due to shallow breathing and pneumonia due to impaired lung function. A nurse should monitor for signs such as decreased oxygen saturation, increased respiratory rate, and crackles on auscultation. Wound infection (A) is a common post-operative complication but not specific to abdominal surgery. Hyperglycemia (B) may occur due to stress response but is not directly related to abdominal surgery. Dehydration (C) is a concern post-operatively, but respiratory complications like atelectasis and pneumonia are higher priority due to potential life-threatening consequences.
Question 9 of 9
A 45-year-old man arrives at the clinic and tells the nurse that he has been experiencing severe chest pain. Upon assessment, the nurse notes that his pain radiates to his left arm. The nurse's priority action would be:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assess vital signs and oxygen saturation levels. This is the priority action because the patient's symptoms suggest a possible cardiac event. Assessing vital signs and oxygen saturation levels can provide crucial information on the patient's condition and help determine the urgency of the situation. Administering pain medication (choice A) should not be done before assessing the patient's vital signs. Having the patient walk around (choice C) could worsen the situation if it is indeed a cardiac event. Ordering an EKG (choice D) is important but should come after assessing vital signs to guide further evaluation and treatment.