ATI RN
test bank foundations of nursing Questions
Question 1 of 9
A patient has presented for her annual mammogram. The patient voices concerns related to exposure to radiation. What should the nurse teach the patient about a mammogram?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Mammograms use low-dose X-rays to create images of the breast tissue. Step 2: The radiation exposure in a mammogram is minimal and considered safe. Step 3: Choice A is correct as it states that mammograms do not use radiation, which is accurate. Step 4: Other choices are incorrect because B wrongly implies that annual mammograms are safe due to low radiation levels, C is incorrect as radiation effects can accumulate over time, and D is incorrect as the amount of radiation in a mammogram is much lower than an hour of sunlight.
Question 2 of 9
The nurse is assessing a patient with multiple sclerosis who is demonstrating involuntary, rhythmic eye movements. What term will the nurse use when documenting these eye movements?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct term for the involuntary, rhythmic eye movements seen in the patient with multiple sclerosis is nystagmus. Nystagmus is a condition characterized by repetitive, uncontrolled eye movements that can be horizontal, vertical, or rotary. In multiple sclerosis, nystagmus can occur due to damage to the nerves that control eye movement. Vertigo (choice A) is a sensation of spinning or dizziness, not related to eye movements. Tinnitus (choice B) is a perception of noise or ringing in the ears. Astigmatism (choice D) is a refractive error of the eye, not related to involuntary eye movements.
Question 3 of 9
An oncology nurse educator is providing health education to a patient who has been diagnosed with skin cancer. The patients wife has asked about the differences between normal cells and cancer cells. What characteristic of a cancer cell should the educator cite?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Malignant cells contain proteins called tumor-specific antigens. Tumor-specific antigens are unique to cancer cells and are not found in normal cells. This characteristic distinguishes cancer cells from normal cells and is important in cancer detection and treatment. A: Malignant cells do not necessarily contain more fibronectin than normal body cells. Fibronectin is a glycoprotein found in the extracellular matrix and is not a defining characteristic of cancer cells. C: Chromosomes in cancer cells are actually more prone to instability and mutations compared to normal cells, making them less durable and stable. D: The nuclei of cancer cells can vary in size and shape, with irregularities often seen, rather than being unusually large and regularly shaped.
Question 4 of 9
A nurse is assisting a patient in making dietarychoices that promote healthy bowel elimination. Which menu option should the nurse recommend?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it includes fiber-rich whole wheat bread, grapes, and walnuts which promote healthy bowel elimination. Whole wheat bread and fruits provide dietary fiber that aids in digestion and prevents constipation. Walnuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids which can also help with bowel regularity. Option A (Broccoli and cheese soup with potato bread) lacks fiber and may cause constipation due to the low fiber content. Option B (Turkey and mashed potatoes with brown gravy) may be low in fiber and high in fat, which can slow down digestion. Option D (Dinner salad topped with hard-boiled eggs, cheese, and fat-free dressing) is a healthier choice but may lack sufficient fiber for promoting healthy bowel elimination compared to option C.
Question 5 of 9
A patient on the oncology unit is receiving carmustine, a chemotherapy agent, and the nurse is aware that a significant side effect of this medication is thrombocytopenia. Which symptom should the nurse assess for in patients at risk for thrombocytopenia?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Epistaxis (nose bleed). Thrombocytopenia is a condition characterized by a low platelet count, leading to impaired blood clotting and an increased risk of bleeding. Epistaxis is a common symptom of thrombocytopenia due to the lack of platelets to aid in clot formation. Assessing for epistaxis in patients receiving carmustine is crucial to monitor and manage potential bleeding complications. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they are not directly associated with thrombocytopenia.
Question 6 of 9
A nurse administers an antimuscarinic to a patient.Which findings indicate the patient is having therapeutic effects from this medication? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Decrease in dysuria. Antimuscarinic medications target muscarinic receptors, which are involved in the contraction of smooth muscle in the bladder. Dysuria, or painful urination, is a common symptom of overactive bladder or bladder spasms, which can be relieved by antimuscarinics. Choices B, C, and D are related to other urinary symptoms such as urgency, frequency, and prostate size, respectively, which are not directly targeted by antimuscarinics. Therefore, only a decrease in dysuria indicates therapeutic effects of the medication.
Question 7 of 9
Which of the following nurses actions carries the greatest potential to prevent hearing loss due to ototoxicity?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because being aware of patients' medication regimens allows nurses to identify and monitor ototoxic medications that can cause hearing loss. By collaborating with other professionals, nurses can adjust medications or recommend alternative treatments to prevent or minimize ototoxicity. This proactive approach directly targets the root cause of potential hearing loss. A: Understanding types of hearing loss is important but does not directly prevent ototoxicity. B: Educating about age-related changes in hearing does not address ototoxicity prevention. C: Educating about noise exposure risks is important for overall hearing health but does not specifically prevent ototoxicity.
Question 8 of 9
A nurse is caring for a patient with a postsurgical wound. When planning care, which goal will be the priority?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Promote positive nitrogen balance. In a postsurgical patient, promoting positive nitrogen balance is crucial for wound healing and tissue repair. This goal helps prevent muscle wasting and promotes overall recovery. A: Reduce dependent nitrogen balance is incorrect as it does not address the need for positive nitrogen balance in wound healing. B: Maintain negative nitrogen balance is incorrect because negative nitrogen balance indicates a loss of protein stores, which is detrimental for healing. D: Facilitate neutral nitrogen balance is incorrect as it does not actively support the increased protein needs for wound repair.
Question 9 of 9
A patient with a recent diagnosis of HIV infection expresses an interest in exploring alternative and complementary therapies. How should the nurse best respond?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it acknowledges that many HIV patients use alternative therapies and emphasizes the importance of weighing the benefits and risks. This response shows respect for the patient's autonomy and preferences while also recognizing the need for informed decision-making. Choice A is incorrect because it dismisses complementary therapies outright without considering individual patient needs or preferences. Choice B is incorrect as it suggests avoiding alternative therapies entirely, which may not align with the patient's wishes or experiences. Choice D is incorrect as it presents a false dichotomy between alternative and medical approaches, disregarding the possibility of integrating both types of treatments.