A patient has been in the critical care unit for 10 days. He has just been moved to the medical"“surgical unit, and the admitting nurse is planning to perform a mental health examination. During the cognitive function tests, the nurse would expect that he:

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health assessment exam 2 test bank Questions

Question 1 of 9

A patient has been in the critical care unit for 10 days. He has just been moved to the medical"“surgical unit, and the admitting nurse is planning to perform a mental health examination. During the cognitive function tests, the nurse would expect that he:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. After being in critical care for 10 days, it is expected that the patient may be disoriented to time but still be oriented to place and person. This is a common occurrence due to the stressful and disorienting environment of the critical care unit. The patient's cognition may be temporarily affected, leading to difficulty in remembering the date accurately. The patient's ability to recognize their surroundings and identify themselves and others should still be intact. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because disruption in thought content, expressing relief, and clouding of consciousness are not typical cognitive function issues expected in this scenario.

Question 2 of 9

A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The nurse should monitor for which of the following signs of exacerbation?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because increased sputum production and shortness of breath are classic signs of exacerbation in COPD. This indicates worsening airflow limitation and potential respiratory distress. Monitoring these signs helps in early intervention and preventing further complications. B: Improved oxygen saturation is not a sign of exacerbation in COPD. It would actually suggest improvement in the patient's condition. C: Increased energy levels are not typical signs of exacerbation in COPD. Patients usually experience fatigue and weakness during exacerbations. D: Decreased respiratory rate is not indicative of exacerbation in COPD. It could be a sign of respiratory depression or sedation, but not exacerbation.

Question 3 of 9

A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a patient with chronic hypertension. Which of the following statements by the patient indicates the need for further education?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because stopping medication without consulting a healthcare provider can lead to uncontrolled hypertension. Choice A shows understanding of monitoring blood pressure, B demonstrates adherence to medication regimen, and D indicates awareness of dietary management. Choice C is incorrect because abruptly stopping medication can have serious health consequences, making further education necessary.

Question 4 of 9

A nurse is caring for a patient who has undergone a colonoscopy. The nurse should prioritize monitoring for which of the following complications?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Bleeding or perforation. After a colonoscopy, the patient is at risk for bleeding or perforation which are serious complications requiring immediate attention. Monitoring for signs such as abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, or signs of peritonitis is crucial. Choice A is not a priority unless the patient shows signs of shock. Choice C is a common post-procedure issue but not a priority complication. Choice D, pain at the insertion site, is expected and can be managed with analgesics.

Question 5 of 9

A nurse is assessing a patient who is post-operative following abdominal surgery. The nurse should prioritize which of the following interventions?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because deep breathing and coughing exercises help prevent complications such as atelectasis and pneumonia after abdominal surgery. By promoting lung expansion and clearing secretions, these exercises enhance oxygenation and prevent respiratory issues. Administering pain medication (A) is important but not the priority. Monitoring for infection (C) and providing wound care (D) are also crucial but come after ensuring respiratory function.

Question 6 of 9

The nurse hears bilateral, louder, longer, and lower pitched tones when percussing over the lungs of a 4-year-old chilWhat should the nurse do next?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because in children, the lung sounds can be different due to their thinner chest walls and more prominent bronchial markings. The louder, longer, and lower-pitched tones heard upon percussion are normal findings in pediatric patients, indicating increased air content in the lungs. Palpating for pain or tenderness (choice A) is not necessary as these findings are expected in children. Asking the child to take shallow breaths and percussing again (choice B) is not needed as the initial findings are normal for the age group. Referring the child immediately (choice C) is unnecessary as these findings are within the normal range for a 4-year-old.

Question 7 of 9

A nurse is teaching a patient with diabetes about managing foot care. Which of the following statements by the patient indicates proper understanding?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: "I will inspect my feet daily for cuts or blisters." This statement indicates proper understanding because daily foot inspection is crucial for early detection of any wounds, which can prevent complications in diabetic patients. Incorrect choices: B: Avoiding trimming toenails can lead to ingrown nails and potential injury. C: Wearing tight shoes can increase the risk of blisters and discomfort. D: Ignoring small wounds can lead to infections and more serious foot issues. In summary, choice A is correct as it promotes proactive foot care, while the other choices can potentially harm the patient's foot health.

Question 8 of 9

A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of asthma. The nurse should educate the patient to avoid which of the following triggers?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cold, dry air. Cold, dry air is a common trigger for asthma exacerbations, as it can irritate the airways and lead to bronchoconstriction. This trigger can worsen asthma symptoms and increase the risk of an asthma attack. Educating the patient to avoid cold, dry air can help prevent asthma flare-ups. Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect: A: Exercise-induced asthma is triggered by physical activity but can be managed with proper warm-up and medication. It is not typically something to avoid altogether. C: Caffeine is a mild bronchodilator and can actually help alleviate asthma symptoms in some cases. D: Environmental allergens can trigger asthma in some individuals, but they vary from person to person, so avoidance strategies would depend on specific allergens identified through testing.

Question 9 of 9

A nurse is caring for a patient with chronic heart failure. The nurse should monitor for which of the following signs of worsening heart failure?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Pitting edema and weight gain. In chronic heart failure, worsening symptoms indicate fluid retention. Pitting edema in the extremities and weight gain are signs of fluid overload, indicating worsening heart failure. It is crucial for the nurse to monitor these signs to prevent exacerbation. Fatigue and shortness of breath (Choice A) are common symptoms in heart failure but not specific to worsening condition. Increased urine output (Choice B) is not typically seen in worsening heart failure as the kidneys may be compromised. Decreased blood pressure (Choice C) can occur in acute decompensation but is not a consistent sign of worsening chronic heart failure.

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