ATI RN
foundation of nursing questions and answers Questions
Question 1 of 4
A patient diagnosed with a pituitary adenoma has arrived on the neurologic unit. When planning the patients care, the nurse should be aware that the effects of the tumor will primarily depend on what variable?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: The specific hormones secreted by the tumor. Pituitary adenomas are known to secrete hormones that can lead to various endocrine disorders. Understanding the specific hormones secreted by the tumor is crucial in determining the clinical manifestations and planning appropriate treatment. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the primary determinant of the effects of the tumor in this case is the hormonal activity rather than whether the tumor uses aerobic or anaerobic respiration, the patient's pre-existing health status, or whether the tumor is primary or metastatic.
Question 2 of 4
The nurse is planning the care of a patient who has been recently diagnosed with a cerebellar tumor. Due to the location of this patients tumor, the nurse should implement measures to prevent what complication?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Falls. A cerebellar tumor can affect coordination and balance, leading to an increased risk of falls. Measures to prevent falls include maintaining a clutter-free environment, using assistive devices, and providing supervision. Choice B (Audio hallucinations) is incorrect as cerebellar tumors typically do not cause auditory hallucinations. Choice C (Respiratory depression) is incorrect as cerebellar tumors do not directly affect the respiratory system. Choice D (Labile BP) is incorrect as cerebellar tumors are not typically associated with blood pressure fluctuations.
Question 3 of 4
A patient who was diagnosed with Parkinsons disease several months ago recently began treatment with levodopa-carbidopa. The patient and his family are excited that he has experienced significant symptom relief. The nurse should be aware of what implication of the patients medication regimen?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. The patient is in a honeymoon period when adverse effects of levodopa-carbidopa are not yet evident. This is because the initial response to levodopa-carbidopa in Parkinson's disease can be very positive, leading to significant symptom relief. However, over time, as the disease progresses and the body adjusts to the medication, adverse effects such as dyskinesias may become more prominent. Choice B is incorrect because the benefits of levodopa-carbidopa can be seen relatively soon after initiation of treatment and do not necessarily take 6 to 9 months to peak. Choice C is incorrect as the temporary improvement is likely related to the medication, given the significant symptom relief experienced. Choice D is incorrect because while benefits may diminish over time, it is not necessarily after 1 or 2 years of treatment, and some patients may continue to benefit from the medication long-term.
Question 4 of 4
The nurse is caring for a patient who is scheduled for a cervical discectomy the following day. During health education, the patient should be made aware of what potential complications?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hematoma at the surgical site. This is a potential complication of cervical discectomy due to the risk of bleeding post-surgery. Hematoma can compress nearby structures and lead to increased pain and swelling. A: Vertebral fracture is not a typical complication of cervical discectomy, as the surgery aims to relieve pressure on the spinal cord caused by a herniated disc, not to cause fractures. C: Scoliosis is a condition characterized by abnormal lateral curvature of the spine, and it is not directly related to cervical discectomy. D: Renal trauma is not a common complication of cervical discectomy, as the surgery focuses on the cervical spine and does not involve the kidneys or renal system.