ATI RN
Adult Health Nursing Answer Key Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient expresses concerns about the potential side effects of a prescribed medication. What is the nurse's best approach to address these concerns?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The nurse's best approach to address a patient's concerns about the potential side effects of a prescribed medication is to provide the patient with accurate information about potential side effects and management strategies. It is important for the nurse to acknowledge the patient's concerns, listen attentively, and offer clear explanations to help alleviate any fears or uncertainties. Providing accurate information can empower the patient to make informed decisions about their healthcare and feel more confident in taking the prescribed medication. Dismissing or ignoring the patient's concerns can lead to mistrust and non-adherence to the treatment plan. It is essential for the nurse to prioritize open communication and patient education to ensure the patient's well-being and compliance with the prescribed medication regimen.
Question 2 of 5
A patient presents with irritability, muscle weakness, tremors, and weight loss despite increased appetite. Laboratory tests reveal elevated serum thyroid hormone levels and suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. Which endocrine disorder is most likely responsible for these symptoms?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The symptoms of irritability, muscle weakness, tremors, weight loss despite increased appetite, along with elevated serum thyroid hormone levels and suppressed TSH levels, are indicative of hyperthyroidism. In hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland produces an excess amount of thyroid hormone, leading to an overactive metabolism. This results in symptoms such as weight loss, tremors, irritability, and muscle weakness. The elevated levels of thyroid hormone are detected in the laboratory tests, along with low TSH levels due to negative feedback regulation. Therefore, the most likely endocrine disorder responsible for these symptoms is hyperthyroidism.
Question 3 of 5
A patient presents with a painful thyroid nodule and signs of hypothyroidism. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy reveals Hurthle cells with nuclear features suggestive of malignancy. Which endocrine disorder is most likely responsible for these symptoms?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Hurthle cell carcinoma is a subtype of thyroid cancer that arises from the follicular cells in the thyroid gland. Patients with Hurthle cell carcinoma may present with a painful thyroid nodule, which can be associated with signs of hypothyroidism due to the disruption of thyroid hormone production by the tumor. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy revealing Hurthle cells with nuclear features suggestive of malignancy is a characteristic finding in this type of carcinoma.
Question 4 of 5
A patient presents with sudden onset of severe chest pain radiating to the back, hypotension, and a widened mediastinum on chest X-ray. Which cardiovascular disorder is most likely responsible for these symptoms?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is D) Aortic dissection. Aortic dissection presents with sudden onset severe chest pain radiating to the back due to the involvement of the aorta. The widening of the mediastinum on chest X-ray is a classic finding in aortic dissection. Hypotension can occur due to the rapid loss of blood into the dissected aortic wall. Option A) Stable angina is incorrect as it typically presents with predictable chest pain upon exertion that resolves with rest or medication. Option B) Unstable angina is characterized by chest pain at rest or increasing in frequency/severity, but it does not typically cause a widened mediastinum or hypotension. Option C) Acute myocardial infarction usually presents with chest pain, ECG changes, and elevated cardiac enzymes but does not typically cause a widened mediastinum on chest X-ray. Understanding the differences in presentation and diagnostic findings among these conditions is crucial for nurses caring for patients with cardiovascular disorders. Recognizing the unique signs and symptoms of aortic dissection is essential for prompt diagnosis and intervention to prevent life-threatening complications.
Question 5 of 5
A patient presents with chest pain that worsens with swallowing and is relieved by leaning forward. An electrocardiogram (ECG) shows diffuse ST-segment elevation. Which cardiovascular disorder is most likely responsible for these symptoms?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The given clinical presentation of chest pain that worsens with swallowing and is relieved by leaning forward along with diffuse ST-segment elevation on an ECG is highly suggestive of pericarditis. Pericarditis is the inflammation of the pericardium, the thin sac surrounding the heart. The symptoms of pericarditis can mimic those of myocardial infarction (heart attack) but can also be differentiated by certain characteristics such as the described positional chest pain, which is worsened by swallowing and relieved by leaning forward.