ATI RN
health assessment exam 1 test bank Questions
Question 1 of 9
A nurse is teaching a patient with asthma about managing triggers. Which of the following statements by the patient indicates the need for further education?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: "I should smoke to relieve stress and manage symptoms." This statement indicates a need for further education because smoking can worsen asthma symptoms. Here's the rationale: 1. Smoking is a common trigger for asthma exacerbations due to irritants in tobacco smoke. 2. Smoking can lead to airway inflammation and constriction, making asthma symptoms more severe. 3. Asthma management involves avoiding smoking and secondhand smoke exposure. 4. Choices A, B, and D are correct as they align with asthma management guidelines to avoid triggers and use inhalers as prescribed.
Question 2 of 9
A nurse is caring for a patient who has a history of myocardial infarction. The nurse should prioritize which of the following assessments?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Blood pressure and heart rate. This is crucial in assessing the cardiac function of a patient with a history of myocardial infarction. Monitoring blood pressure and heart rate helps in evaluating cardiovascular status and detecting any potential complications. Abnormal values in these parameters can indicate inadequate perfusion to the heart or other organs, which can be life-threatening. Other choices are incorrect because: B: Temperature and respiratory rate are important assessments but not the priority for a patient with a history of myocardial infarction. C: Bowel sounds and abdominal girth are more relevant for gastrointestinal issues and not a priority in this scenario. D: Urine output and skin integrity are important assessments for overall health but do not directly relate to the cardiovascular status in a patient with a history of myocardial infarction.
Question 3 of 9
A nurse is assessing a 45-year-old male patient with a history of smoking. The nurse would be most concerned if the patient reports:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because shortness of breath with minimal exertion indicates possible respiratory distress, which can be a sign of significant lung damage from smoking. This symptom suggests a decreased ability to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide efficiently, potentially leading to serious health complications. Choice B is incorrect because an occasional cough with mucus production is common in smokers and may not be as alarming as shortness of breath. Choice C is incorrect as slight wheezing after physical activity could be due to exercise-induced asthma rather than solely smoking-related issues. Choice D is incorrect because even though the patient may not be experiencing symptoms related to smoking currently, it does not rule out potential underlying lung damage or future health risks associated with smoking.
Question 4 of 9
A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which of the following interventions should the nurse prioritize?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Providing supplemental oxygen. In COPD, patients often have difficulty breathing due to impaired lung function. Supplemental oxygen helps improve oxygenation and relieves respiratory distress. Prioritizing this intervention is crucial for managing COPD exacerbations and preventing complications. Administering diuretics (A) may be indicated for comorbid conditions like heart failure but is not a priority in managing COPD. Increasing fluid intake (C) may not directly address the patient's respiratory distress. Encouraging bed rest (D) may lead to deconditioning and worsen respiratory function in COPD patients.
Question 5 of 9
A nurse is caring for a patient who is post-operative following a hip replacement. The nurse should monitor for which of the following complications?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Post-operative hip replacement patients are at high risk for DVT due to immobility and surgical trauma. The nurse should monitor for signs such as swelling, redness, and pain in the affected leg. DVT can lead to serious complications like pulmonary embolism if not detected early. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because while pneumonia, wound infection, and hypoglycemia are also potential post-operative complications, they are not as directly associated with hip replacement surgery as DVT.
Question 6 of 9
Which of the following positions is most appropriate for performing an abdominal examination on an obese patient?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Place the patient in the supine position. This position allows optimal access to the abdomen for examination due to gravitational forces aiding in organ palpation. Having the patient lie flat (choice B) may not provide adequate access. Positioning the patient on their side (choice D) may limit visibility and palpation. Elevating the head to 45 degrees (choice A) is unnecessary for an abdominal examination on an obese patient.
Question 7 of 9
When a nurse is performing a neurological assessment, which of the following is most important to assess first?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Patient's level of consciousness. Assessing the patient's level of consciousness is crucial in a neurological assessment as it provides immediate information on the overall function of the brain. Changes in consciousness can indicate serious neurological issues such as head injuries or stroke. It is essential to prioritize assessing consciousness first to determine the urgency of the situation. Assessing reflexes (A), cranial nerve function (B), and pupil response (D) are also important in a neurological assessment but come after assessing the patient's level of consciousness, as they provide more specific and detailed information about the neurological status.
Question 8 of 9
A patient is admitted to the hospital with suspected pneumoniWhat is the first step the nurse should take in the nursing process?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assessment. The first step in the nursing process is to assess the patient's condition to gather data and information. In this case, assessing the patient's symptoms, vital signs, and history will help the nurse identify signs of pneumonia and determine the appropriate interventions. Diagnosis (A) comes after assessment, as it involves analyzing the data collected. Implementation (C) and Evaluation (D) are subsequent steps in the nursing process after assessment and diagnosis have been completed. Assessment is crucial for developing an effective care plan and ensuring the best possible outcomes for the patient.
Question 9 of 9
A nurse is caring for a patient who is post-operative following a knee replacement. The nurse should encourage the patient to perform which of the following exercises to prevent complications?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Quadriceps setting exercises. These exercises help prevent complications by strengthening the quadriceps muscles, which are crucial for knee stability and joint support post-surgery. They also aid in preventing muscle atrophy and promoting blood circulation. Leg lifts with weights (B) may strain the knee joint, leading to complications. Isometric muscle contractions (C) involve static muscle contractions and do not provide the necessary range of motion needed post-knee surgery. Active range-of-motion exercises (D) may be beneficial but should be performed after quadriceps setting exercises to avoid unnecessary strain on the knee joint.