ATI RN
health assessment in nursing test bank Questions
Question 1 of 9
A patient has been diagnosed with schizophrenia. During a recent interview, he shows the nurse a picture of a man holding a decapitated head. He describes this picture as horrifying but laughs loudly when looking at it. This behaviour is a display of:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Inappropriate affect. Inappropriate affect refers to emotions that are not congruent with the situation. In this case, the patient's laughing while describing a horrifying image indicates a disconnect between his emotions and the context. This behavior is commonly seen in schizophrenia, where there is a lack of appropriate emotional response. A: Confusion does not accurately describe the patient's behavior, as he is able to describe the picture and his emotional response to it. B: Ambivalence refers to conflicting emotions or attitudes, which is not evident in the patient's behavior. C: Depersonalization involves feeling detached from oneself or reality, which is not evident in the patient's behavior. In summary, the patient's inappropriate laughter in response to a horrifying image is indicative of inappropriate affect, a common feature of schizophrenia.
Question 2 of 9
A visiting nurse is making an initial home visit to a patient who has a number of chronic medical problems. Which type of database is most appropriate to collect in this setting?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: A complete health database because of the nurse's primary responsibility for monitoring the patient's health. In this initial home visit, the nurse needs to gather comprehensive information about the patient's medical history, current health status, medications, allergies, and lifestyle factors to establish a baseline for ongoing care. This complete health database will help the nurse make informed decisions and provide personalized care. Choice A (follow-up database) is incorrect as it is used to evaluate changes over time, not for the initial assessment. Choice B (episodic database) is incorrect because the patient's chronic medical problems require a more comprehensive approach. Choice D (emergency database) is incorrect as it is used for urgent situations, not for routine assessments.
Question 3 of 9
A nurse is providing education to a patient with chronic liver disease. The nurse should educate the patient to monitor for signs of which of the following complications?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Jaundice. Patients with chronic liver disease are at risk for developing jaundice due to impaired liver function leading to the accumulation of bilirubin. Jaundice is characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes. Monitoring for jaundice is crucial as it indicates worsening liver function. Incorrect choices: A: Hypoglycemia - Not directly related to chronic liver disease, more commonly seen in diabetes. B: Hyperglycemia - Not typically associated with chronic liver disease unless the patient has underlying diabetes. D: Anemia - Can be a complication of chronic liver disease, but monitoring for jaundice takes priority due to its direct association with liver dysfunction.
Question 4 of 9
A nurse is caring for a patient who has been diagnosed with asthma. The nurse should educate the patient to avoid which of the following triggers?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cold, dry air. Asthma patients are often triggered by cold, dry air, which can cause airway constriction and worsen symptoms. Warm, humid air can actually help alleviate symptoms by keeping airways moist. Excessive physical activity can also trigger asthma, but it varies among individuals and can be managed with appropriate medication and monitoring. Choice D is incorrect as warm, humid air is not a trigger for asthma.
Question 5 of 9
Canada's population as a whole is aging, and for the first time in Canadian history, which age group has exceeded that of people aged 15 to 24?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 55-64 years. This age group has exceeded that of people aged 15-24 due to factors like increased life expectancy, lower birth rates, and the aging baby boomer population. This demographic shift impacts workforce, healthcare, and social services. Choice A is incorrect as it represents the youngest age group. Choice B is incorrect as it falls within the working-age group. Choice D is incorrect as it represents the elderly population, which is still lower than the 55-64 age group in this context.
Question 6 of 9
An Aboriginal woman who lives away from the reserve has come to the clinic to seek help with regulating her diabetes. In conducting an interview, the nurse's priority involves:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because determining if the patient can afford her medications is crucial in managing her diabetes effectively. Financial constraints can significantly impact a patient's ability to adhere to treatment, leading to poor health outcomes. By addressing affordability, the nurse can ensure the patient can access and comply with the prescribed medications. A, finding out why the patient is not compliant, is not the priority at this stage as addressing affordability comes first. B, reinforcing health teaching related to diet and exercise, is important but secondary to ensuring access to medications. D, sending the patient to the diabetic clinic for follow-up, is not as critical as addressing immediate financial concerns.
Question 7 of 9
A 75-year-old woman is at the clinic for a preoperative interview. The nurse is aware that the interview with her may take longer than interviews with younger persons. What is the reason for this?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because as people age, they accumulate more life experiences, medical history, and details to share. This can lead to longer conversations during interviews. Choice B is incorrect as not all older adults are lonely and seek conversation. Choice C is incorrect because aging does not necessarily equate to a loss of mental abilities. Choice D is incorrect as hearing loss is not a universal issue among older adults and does not significantly impact the length of interviews.
Question 8 of 9
A nurse is caring for a patient who has undergone a knee replacement. The nurse should encourage which of the following to promote recovery?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ambulation as soon as possible after surgery. Ambulation helps prevent complications like blood clots and aids in circulation and muscle strength. Bed rest can lead to stiffness and decrease in range of motion. Limiting physical activity delays recovery. Prolonged use of a cast can hinder mobility and delay rehabilitation.
Question 9 of 9
A nurse preparing to conduct a prenatal class is aware that which of the following groups is at highest risk for infant mortality?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: First Nations people. First Nations people in Canada have historically faced systemic barriers to healthcare, leading to higher rates of infant mortality compared to other groups. This includes socio-economic factors, access to quality healthcare, and cultural differences impacting healthcare practices. European Canadians, Asian Canadians, and African Canadians do not face the same level of disparities and risk factors contributing to infant mortality rates as First Nations people. It is essential for healthcare providers to understand these disparities to address the health needs of First Nations communities effectively.