ATI RN
health assessment in nursing test bank Questions
Question 1 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 2 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 3 of 9
A nurse is teaching a patient with diabetes about managing their condition. Which of the following statements by the patient indicates the need for further education?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because stopping insulin when blood glucose is normal is incorrect. Insulin is necessary for managing diabetes even when blood glucose levels are normal to prevent fluctuations. Monitoring blood glucose (A), exercising (B), and eating a balanced diet (D) are all important components of diabetes management. Stopping insulin abruptly can lead to hyperglycemia and potential complications.
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
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 6 of 9
The nurse knows that developing appropriate nursing interventions for a patient relies on the appropriateness of the:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Nursing interventions are based on nursing diagnosis, which identifies patient's unique health needs. 2. Nursing diagnosis focuses on patient's response to health problems, not just medical conditions. 3. It guides nurses in planning individualized care to meet patient's specific needs. 4. Medical diagnosis (B) focuses on disease pathology, not holistic patient care. 5. Admission diagnosis (C) is a temporary identification of patient's primary reason for admission. 6. Collaborative diagnosis (D) involves joint identification of interprofessional health problems, not specific to nursing care. Summary: The correct answer is A because nursing interventions are tailored based on nursing diagnosis, which considers patient's responses to health issues. Medical diagnosis, admission diagnosis, and collaborative diagnosis do not provide the same level of individualized and holistic care planning as nursing diagnosis.
Question 7 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 8 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 9 of 9
A nurse is caring for a patient who has undergone a knee replacement. The nurse should encourage which of the following to promote recovery?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ambulation as soon as possible after surgery. Ambulation helps prevent complications like blood clots and aids in circulation and muscle strength. Bed rest can lead to stiffness and decrease in range of motion. Limiting physical activity delays recovery. Prolonged use of a cast can hinder mobility and delay rehabilitation.