ATI RN
Medical Surgical Nursing Concepts and Practice Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 9
A patient is diagnosed with a renal system disorder that is believed to be the result of genetic and environmental factors. Which health problem is the patient most likely experiencing?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Bladder cancer is a health problem that can result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Genetic mutations can predispose individuals to developing bladder cancer, while environmental factors such as smoking, exposure to certain chemicals, and chronic bladder irritation can also contribute to the development of the disease. Hematuria (blood in the urine) can be a symptom of bladder cancer, but it is not specific to this type of cancer and can also occur in other renal system disorders. Incontinence and kidney infections are not typically associated with genetic predisposition as much as bladder cancer.
Question 2 of 9
A baby will be having surgery to correct a congenital heart defect. On which topic should the parents be instructed regarding the care of the child before surgery?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: It is crucial for parents to be instructed on preventing exposure to infection before their baby's surgery to correct a congenital heart defect. Infections can pose a serious risk to individuals, especially those with preexisting medical conditions like a congenital heart defect. Infection control measures, such as handwashing, avoiding sick contacts, and keeping the environment clean, can help reduce the risk of postoperative complications due to infections. This instruction is important to help ensure the successful outcome of the baby's surgery and recovery process. It is essential for parents to be vigilant in maintaining a hygienic environment and taking necessary precautions to prevent their baby from getting sick prior to the surgery.
Question 3 of 9
The nurse is caring for a patient with newly diagnosed hypothyroidism. What should the nurse expect when assessing this patient’s skin?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Patients with hypothyroidism often exhibit rough, dry skin as a result of decreased thyroid hormone levels impacting the skin's ability to retain moisture. This condition, known as myxedema, can lead to skin changes such as dryness, scaling, and thickening. The skin may also appear pale or yellowish due to reduced blood flow. Therefore, the nurse should expect the patient with newly diagnosed hypothyroidism to present with rough, dry skin during assessment.
Question 4 of 9
A client reports morning headaches that extend into the neck and go away as the day wears on. Based on this initial data, which assessment finding does the nurse anticipate?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Morning headaches that extend into the neck and subside as the day progresses can be indicative of elevated blood pressure, which is a common cause of morning headaches. Increased blood pressure can cause headaches that are usually worse in the morning due to the body's natural circadian rhythms. Monitoring the client's blood pressure and assessing for other signs of hypertension would be important in this case. Tachycardia, otitis media, and swollen lymph nodes are less likely to be associated with the described symptoms.
Question 5 of 9
While completing a health history with an older adult client, the nurse learns that the client experienced a transient ischemic attack (TIA) several months ago. The nurse should recognize that:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is often considered a warning sign that the individual is at an increased risk for a future ischemic stroke. TIAs are brief episodes of neurological dysfunction caused by a temporary disruption in blood supply to the brain. While the symptoms of a TIA typically resolve within 24 hours, they should not be ignored as they indicate an underlying vascular issue that needs to be addressed to prevent a more severe stroke in the future. Therefore, the client is at risk for an ischemic thrombotic stroke and should receive appropriate interventions and follow-up care to manage this risk.
Question 6 of 9
A nurse is teaching a group of pregnant clients regarding seizures associated with eclampsia. Which statement associated with eclampsia are accurate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In eclampsia, seizures can occur due to the underlying hypertensive crisis affecting the brain. A classic grand mal seizure consists of two phases: the tonic phase and the clonic phase. During the tonic phase, there is a sudden loss of consciousness and muscle tone, leading to the person falling down. The clonic phase follows the tonic phase and is characterized by rhythmic, repetitive muscle contractions and relaxation. Therefore, the accurate statement about the characteristics of a grand mal seizure in the context of eclampsia is that the clonic phase is evidenced by muscular contraction and rigidity.
Question 7 of 9
The nurse is caring for a client with a new tracheostomy. After completing a teaching session on tracheostomy care, what should the nurse include in the documentation?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Documenting the client's questions after the teaching session is important because it demonstrates the client's understanding of the information provided during the teaching session. It also helps to identify any areas where the client may need further clarification or education. This information is crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of the teaching session and ensuring that the client is able to perform tracheostomy care safely and effectively. Additionally, documenting the client's questions allows for continuity of care by providing insight into the client's concerns and educational needs.
Question 8 of 9
The nurse is evaluating care provided to a client with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Which finding indicates care has been successful for this client?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a serious condition characterized by both excessive clotting and bleeding throughout the body. The primary goal of care for a client with DIC is to manage and balance the clotting and bleeding tendencies. A key indicator of successful care for a client with DIC is the absence of bleeding, as this suggests that the coagulation process has been stabilized and there is no ongoing clot breakdown leading to bleeding. Monitoring for signs of bleeding, such as petechiae, purpura, ecchymosis, hematuria, and gastrointestinal bleeding, is essential in evaluating the effectiveness of care in a client with DIC. Therefore, the absence of bleeding is the most significant finding that indicates successful care in a client with DIC.
Question 9 of 9
The nurse is providing care to several clients on a medical-surgical unit. Which client is at highest risk for a nonthrombotic pulmonary embolism (PE)?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The client who is postoperative from a major surgery, such as femur fracture repair, is at the highest risk for a nonthrombotic pulmonary embolism (PE). Postoperative clients are at an increased risk due to factors such as immobility, surgical trauma, and possible venous stasis. Additionally, major orthopedic surgeries involving the lower extremities carry a higher risk of developing a PE because of the potential for blood clots to form in the veins of the legs (deep vein thrombosis) and then travel to the lungs, leading to a pulmonary embolism. Close monitoring and preventative measures, such as early ambulation, compression devices, and anticoagulant therapy, are crucial in preventing this serious complication in postoperative clients.