ATI RN
Test Bank Pharmacology and the Nursing Process Questions
Question 1 of 9
A patient is diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and asks what causes it. The nurse would respond that the destruction of the thyroid in this condition is due to which of the following?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Autoantibodies. In Hashimoto's thyroiditis, the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland by producing autoantibodies against thyroid proteins such as thyroglobulin and thyroid peroxidase. These autoantibodies lead to inflammation and destruction of thyroid tissue. Antigen-antibody complexes (choice A) are not the main mechanism in Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Viral (choice B) and bacterial infections (choice D) do not directly cause autoimmune destruction of the thyroid in this condition. Autoantibodies targeting the thyroid gland are the key pathogenic factor in Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
Question 2 of 9
A client has a routine Papanicolaou (Pap) test during a yearly gynecologic examination. The result reveals a class V finding. What should the nurse tell the client about this finding?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because a class V Pap test finding indicates severe abnormalities, such as high-grade dysplasia or carcinoma in situ. Therefore, the nurse should instruct the client to undergo a biopsy as soon as possible to confirm the diagnosis and initiate appropriate treatment promptly. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because a class V result is not normal and requires immediate follow-up, rather than waiting or repeating the Pap test at a later time.
Question 3 of 9
A patient tells his nurse that he has delayed having TURP because he is afraid it will affect his sexual function. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: “This type of surgery rarely affects the ability to have an erection or ejaculation.” This response is appropriate because it provides accurate information that addresses the patient's concern about sexual function without making any false claims. TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate) typically does not impact a patient's ability to have an erection or ejaculate. This reassurance can help alleviate the patient's fears and provide him with accurate information to make an informed decision. Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect: A: “Don’t worry about sterility; sperm production is not affected by this surgery.” - This is incorrect as the concern is more about sexual function than sterility. B: “Would you like some information about implants used for impotence?” - This is incorrect as it jumps to a solution without addressing the patient's specific concern about TURP affecting sexual function. D: “There are many methods of sexual expression that are alternatives to sexual intercourse
Question 4 of 9
When caring for an anxious patient with dyspnea, which of the ff. nursing actions is most helpful to include in the plan of care to relieve anxiety?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Staying at patient's bedside. This is the most helpful nursing action because it provides reassurance and support to the anxious patient experiencing dyspnea. By staying at the bedside, the nurse can monitor the patient closely, provide immediate assistance if needed, and offer a calming presence. Explanation of why other choices are incorrect: A: Increasing activity levels may worsen the dyspnea and anxiety of the patient. B: Pulling the privacy curtain does not directly address the patient's anxiety or dyspnea. D: Closing the patient's door may make the patient feel isolated and increase anxiety. In summary, staying at the patient's bedside is the most effective nursing action as it addresses both the physical and emotional needs of the anxious patient with dyspnea.
Question 5 of 9
Which scenario best illustrates the nurse using data validation when making a nursing clinical decision for a patient? The nurse determines to remove a wound dressing when the patient reveals the time
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it demonstrates data validation in the nursing clinical decision-making process. The nurse assesses the time of the last dressing change and observes old and new drainage, which are relevant data points for wound care. This approach ensures that the decision to remove the dressing is based on accurate and validated information, leading to appropriate patient care. Choice B is incorrect because it relies on subjective information (increased pain and family request) rather than objective data validation. Choice C is incorrect as it involves a direct request for an order without sufficient data validation. Choice D is incorrect because elevating a leg cast based solely on a patient's report of decreased mobility does not involve thorough data validation related to the specific care needed for the patient's condition.
Question 6 of 9
The client with rheumatoid arthritis reports GI irritation after taking piroxicam (Feldene). To prevent GI upset, the nurse should provide which instruction?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Taking piroxicam with food or an oral antacid can help reduce GI irritation as it can protect the stomach lining. Piroxicam is known to cause GI upset due to its effects on prostaglandin synthesis. Spacing the administration every 4 hours (choice A) may not necessarily prevent GI upset. Using the drug for a short time only (choice B) may not address the immediate concern of GI irritation. Decreasing the piroxicam dosage (choice C) may not be necessary if taking it with food or an antacid can effectively alleviate the GI upset.
Question 7 of 9
A 39-year old male client underwent Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) eight hours ago and asks the nurse, “Why is my urine in the bag clotting like blood?” The nurse’s best interpretation of this finding is that:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: after the surgery, bleeding is normal. This is because after a TURP procedure, it is common for some bleeding to occur, leading to blood clots in the urine bag. The surgical site undergoes trauma, causing bleeding as a part of the healing process. Choice B is incorrect because while irrigation may be done post-surgery, blood clots in the urine bag are expected due to the surgery itself, not just irrigation. Choice C is incorrect as it is normal for some bleeding to occur after TURP, and immediate physician intervention is not necessary unless excessive bleeding is observed. Choice D is incorrect as tugging on the catheter may cause bleeding, but in this case, the presence of blood clots is likely due to the surgery itself, not catheter irritation.
Question 8 of 9
To provide safe care for Mrs. Zeno, it is important for the nurse to check the bedside for the presence of:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: An intravenous set-up. Checking for an intravenous set-up is crucial to ensure that Mrs. Zeno is receiving necessary medications or fluids. It allows the nurse to monitor the infusion rate, prevent potential complications like infiltration, and ensure proper medication administration. A tracheostomy set (A) may be important for respiratory support but not essential for immediate safety. A hypothermia blanket (B) is used for temperature management and not directly related to Mrs. Zeno's immediate safety. A syringe and edrophonium HCl (D) are specific to a diagnostic test for myasthenia gravis and not necessary for general bedside safety assessment.
Question 9 of 9
A client with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), an autoimmune disorder, is admitted to an acute care facility. Concerned about hemorrhage, the nurse monitors the client’s platelet count and observes closely for signs and symptoms of bleeding. The client is at greatest risk for cerebral hemorrhage when the platelet count falls below:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 20,000/ul. A platelet count below 20,000/ul puts the client at the highest risk for cerebral hemorrhage due to severe thrombocytopenia. Platelets are essential for blood clotting, and a low count increases the risk of spontaneous bleeding, especially in critical organs like the brain. Choices A, C, and D have platelet counts that are higher than the critical level of 20,000/ul, so they do not pose as high a risk for cerebral hemorrhage. Option D, 500/ul, is extremely low and would likely lead to severe bleeding, but the critical threshold for cerebral hemorrhage is considered to be around 20,000/ul.