ATI RN
foundation of nursing questions and answers Questions
Question 1 of 9
A patient has been diagnosed with AIDS complicated by chronic diarrhea. What nursing intervention would be appropriate for this patient?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Obtain a stool culture to identify possible pathogens. This is the most appropriate nursing intervention because chronic diarrhea in a patient with AIDS can be caused by various pathogens such as parasites, bacteria, or viruses. By obtaining a stool culture, the healthcare team can identify the specific pathogen responsible for the diarrhea and initiate targeted treatment. A: Positioning the patient in the high Fowler's position is not directly related to addressing the underlying cause of chronic diarrhea in this patient. B: Temporarily eliminating animal protein from the patient's diet may not be necessary or effective in treating chronic diarrhea without knowing the specific cause identified through stool culture. C: Making sure the patient eats raw fruit is not recommended as raw fruits can sometimes worsen diarrhea due to their high fiber content and potential for carrying pathogens. In summary, obtaining a stool culture is the most appropriate intervention as it helps identify the specific pathogen causing the diarrhea, while the other options do not directly address the underlying cause.
Question 2 of 9
Which finding in the assessment of a patient following an abruption placenta could indicate a major complication?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C - bleeding at IV insertion site. This finding could indicate a major complication following an abruption placenta, such as disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) or hypovolemic shock. Bleeding at the IV site suggests a systemic issue affecting the patient's coagulation status. Choices A, B, and D are not directly indicative of a major complication following an abruption placenta. Urine output, blood pressure, and respiratory rate are important parameters to monitor but do not specifically point to a major complication in this context.
Question 3 of 9
A patient, who delivered her third child yesterday, has just learned that her two school-age children have contracted chickenpox. What should the nurse tell her?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: She must make arrangements to stay somewhere other than her home until the children are no longer contagious. 1. The patient's newborn is at risk of contracting chickenpox from the infected children. 2. Chickenpox can be severe in newborns due to their immature immune systems. 3. It is crucial to protect the newborn by ensuring they are not exposed to the virus. 4. Staying elsewhere until the children are no longer contagious will prevent transmission to the newborn. Incorrect choices: A: Acyclovir is not recommended for prophylactic treatment in this situation. B: Immunity is not automatically transferred from the mother to the baby for chickenpox. C: Allowing the infected children to visit with precautions is not sufficient to protect the newborn.
Question 4 of 9
A nurse who works in the specialty of palliative care frequently encounters issues and situations that constitute ethical dilemmas. What issue has most often presented challenging ethical issues, especially in the context of palliative care?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Ability of technology to prolong life beyond meaningful quality of life. In palliative care, the focus is on improving the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses. The use of technology to prolong life can sometimes conflict with this goal, leading to ethical dilemmas. Technology may extend life without considering the patient's comfort or dignity, raising questions about the meaningfulness of prolonging life in such situations. This issue is particularly challenging in palliative care as it requires balancing the benefits of technology with the patient's quality of life. Other choices are incorrect: A: The increase in cultural diversity in the United States - While cultural diversity can present challenges in palliative care, it is not the most often presented challenging ethical issue. B: Staffing shortages in health care and questions concerning quality of care - Staffing shortages are important issues in healthcare, but they do not directly relate to the ethical dilemmas specific to palliative care. C: Increased costs of health care coupled with
Question 5 of 9
A patient with HIV infection has begun experiencing severe diarrhea. What is the most appropriate nursing intervention to help alleviate the diarrhea?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Increase the patient's oral fluid intake. This is because severe diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which can be dangerous for patients with HIV infection. By increasing oral fluid intake, the patient can stay hydrated and prevent further complications. Administering antidiarrheal medications on a scheduled basis (Choice A) may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying issue of dehydration. Encouraging the patient to eat balanced meals (Choice B) and increase activity level (Choice D) may be important for overall health but do not directly address the immediate concern of dehydration caused by severe diarrhea.
Question 6 of 9
The hospice nurse has just admitted a new patient to the program. What principle guides hospice care?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because hospice care is centered on a holistic approach that considers the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of both the patient and their family. This principle recognizes that caring for a terminally ill patient involves supporting the entire family unit. Choice B is incorrect because family support is integral to hospice care. Choice C is incorrect because hospice care extends beyond just the patient to include their loved ones. Choice D is incorrect because the care team should address all aspects of care for both the patient and their family, not prioritize one over the other.
Question 7 of 9
A nurse practitioner assesses the patient and diagnoses Gardnerella vaginalis. What would be the most appropriate nursing action at this time?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Advise the patient that this is an overgrowth of normal vaginal flora. This is correct because Gardnerella vaginalis is a bacteria associated with bacterial vaginosis, which is an overgrowth of normal vaginal flora. By advising the patient of this, the nurse practitioner can provide education on the condition and treatment options. B: Discussing the effect of this diagnosis on the patient's fertility is incorrect as Gardnerella vaginalis is not typically associated with fertility issues. C: Documenting the vaginal discharge as normal is incorrect as Gardnerella vaginalis is indicative of an abnormal vaginal flora imbalance. D: Administering acyclovir as ordered is incorrect as acyclovir is an antiviral medication used to treat herpes simplex virus infections, not bacterial vaginosis caused by Gardnerella vaginalis.
Question 8 of 9
Which factor is known to increase the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Previous birth of large infant. This factor increases the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus due to a history of delivering a large baby, indicating a higher likelihood of insulin resistance in subsequent pregnancies. Maternal age younger than 25 years (B) is not a known risk factor for gestational diabetes. Being underweight prior to pregnancy (C) is actually associated with a decreased risk of gestational diabetes. A previous diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (D) is a separate condition and does not directly increase the risk of gestational diabetes.
Question 9 of 9
A nurse is teaching a patient with glaucoma how to administer eye drops to achieve maximum absorption. The nurse should teach the patient to perform what action?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because instilling the medication in the conjunctival sac allows for direct absorption into the eye tissues. This method ensures that the medication reaches the target area for treating glaucoma effectively. Maintaining a supine position (choice B) or keeping the eyes closed (choice C) after administration does not enhance absorption and may lead to wasted medication. Applying the medication to the sclera (choice D) is incorrect as it does not target the specific area needed for treating glaucoma.