ATI RN
health assessment test bank Questions
Question 1 of 9
A nurse is teaching a patient with diabetes about managing blood glucose levels. Which of the following statements by the patient indicates the need for further education?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Stopping insulin once blood glucose is normal is incorrect as insulin is crucial for managing diabetes even when blood glucose levels are within the target range. Insulin helps regulate blood sugar levels consistently, and stopping it abruptly can lead to hyperglycemia. Choices A, B, and D are correct statements indicating good diabetes management practices. Monitoring blood glucose levels, exercising regularly, and following a balanced diet are essential for controlling blood sugar levels and overall health.
Question 2 of 9
What should the nurse monitor when caring for a client receiving anticoagulant therapy?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Monitor INR levels. INR (International Normalized Ratio) is a crucial parameter to monitor for clients on anticoagulant therapy, as it measures the effectiveness of the medication in preventing blood clots. By monitoring INR levels, the nurse can ensure the client is within the therapeutic range to prevent both bleeding and clotting complications. Choice A (Monitor platelet count) is incorrect because anticoagulant therapy does not directly affect platelet count, and monitoring platelets is more relevant for clients on antiplatelet therapy. Choice C (Monitor bleeding) is partially correct, but focusing solely on monitoring bleeding may not provide a comprehensive assessment of the client's response to anticoagulant therapy. Choice D (Monitor renal function) is incorrect as anticoagulant therapy primarily affects coagulation factors and not renal function. Renal function monitoring may be necessary for certain medications but is not a primary consideration for anticoagulant therapy.
Question 3 of 9
Critique the following statement made by the nurse: "I know it may be hard, but you should do what the doctor ordered because he/she is the expert in this field.'
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the statement made by the nurse implies a power dynamic that can create dependency and inferiority in the patient, which is not conducive to a patient-centered approach. In a healthcare setting, it is important to empower patients to be active participants in their care decisions rather than being passive recipients. Encouraging patients to blindly follow orders without understanding or questioning can lead to poor outcomes and lack of patient engagement. Therefore, it is best to avoid making statements that reinforce hierarchical relationships and instead foster open communication and shared decision-making. The other choices are incorrect because: A: This choice focuses on bias, which is not the main issue at hand in this scenario. B: While healthcare team members are experts in their respective fields, the emphasis should be on collaborative decision-making rather than blind obedience. D: Using authority statements may be necessary in certain situations, but it does not address the potential harm of creating dependency and inferiority in the patient.
Question 4 of 9
A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of stroke. The nurse should monitor for which of the following complications?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Patients with a history of stroke are at increased risk for DVT due to immobility and potential damage to blood vessels. Monitoring for DVT is crucial to prevent life-threatening complications like pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism (A) is a potential complication of DVT but not the most direct concern. Hypertension (C) is a common condition but not directly linked to a history of stroke. Hyperglycemia (D) is more commonly associated with diabetes rather than stroke history. Monitoring for DVT in stroke patients is essential for early detection and intervention.
Question 5 of 9
A nurse is caring for a patient with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy. The nurse should educate the patient to prioritize which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Inspecting feet daily for signs of injury. This is crucial for a patient with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy to prevent complications like diabetic foot ulcers. Daily foot inspections can help detect any injuries or changes early to prevent infection or further damage. It is important to prioritize this over other choices because early intervention can prevent serious consequences. Engaging in weight-bearing exercise (choice B) can be beneficial but may not be the priority in this case. Increasing protein intake (choice C) is not directly related to foot care. Using tight-fitting shoes (choice D) can lead to pressure ulcers and should be avoided.
Question 6 of 9
A woman comes to the clinic complaining of severe itching on her lower legs. Upon examination, the nurse notices red, scaly patches on the skin. The nurse suspects that this is:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Psoriasis. Psoriasis is characterized by red, scaly patches on the skin, which align with the symptoms described. Psoriasis commonly affects the lower legs and is associated with severe itching. Eczema (choice B) is characterized by red, inflamed, and itchy skin patches, but typically presents differently from psoriasis. Contact dermatitis (choice C) is a localized reaction that occurs when the skin comes into contact with an irritant or allergen, and fungal infections (choice D) typically present with itching, redness, and sometimes peeling skin, but not necessarily scaly patches like psoriasis.
Question 7 of 9
In response to a question about use of alcohol, a patient asks the nurse why the nurse needs that information. What reason would the nurse give the patient?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because alcohol can interact with medications and exacerbate certain medical conditions. The nurse needs this information to ensure the patient's safety and well-being. Choice A is incorrect because the question is not about the patient's reliability. Choice C is incorrect as it assumes the nurse is required to educate the patient about alcohol dangers. Choice D is incorrect because even without an obvious drinking problem, alcohol use can still impact the patient's health.
Question 8 of 9
What should be the nurse's first action when caring for a client with a traumatic amputation?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct first action is A: Apply pressure and elevate the limb. This is because applying pressure helps control bleeding and elevating the limb reduces blood flow to the area, minimizing further blood loss. This immediate intervention is crucial in managing the traumatic amputation and preventing complications. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: B: Stopping bleeding and controlling shock can be important but not the first action. C: Placing the client in a Trendelenburg position (feet elevated higher than the head) is contraindicated in cases of traumatic amputation as it can increase bleeding. D: Placing the client in a sitting position is not appropriate as it can worsen bleeding and lead to further complications.
Question 9 of 9
What is the most important assessment for a client who has been receiving chemotherapy for several weeks?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Check for signs of infection. This is crucial because chemotherapy weakens the immune system, increasing the risk of infections. Signs of infection such as fever, chills, sore throat, and cough should be closely monitored to prevent serious complications. Monitoring weight (B) and nutrition (C) are important but not as critical as detecting infections promptly. Checking for skin changes (D) is also important, but it is secondary to identifying and managing infections due to the immediate threat they pose to the client's health.