ATI RN
ATI Neurological System Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient is discharged from the outpatient clinic following application of a synthetic fiberglass long arm cast for a fractured ulna. Before discharge, the nurse instructs the patient to do what?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B) Move the shoulder and fingers frequently. This instruction is important to prevent joint stiffness, muscle atrophy, and promote circulation in the arm while it is immobilized in the cast. Moving the shoulder and fingers frequently within the limits of the cast helps maintain joint mobility and prevents complications like frozen shoulder or muscle weakness. Option A) Never get the cast wet is incorrect because it is important to keep the cast dry to prevent skin irritation, infection, or weakening of the cast material. Option C) Placing tape petals around the edges of the cast when it is dry is incorrect as it does not serve any therapeutic purpose and may actually interfere with the integrity of the cast. Option D) Using a sling to support the arm at waist level for the first 48 hours is incorrect as it may lead to shoulder stiffness and muscle weakening due to lack of movement. Educationally, it is crucial to teach patients proper care and instructions for cast management to promote optimal healing and prevent complications. Encouraging movement within the limits of the cast is an essential aspect of patient education in orthopedic care.
Question 2 of 5
A patient who experienced an open fracture of the humerus 2 weeks ago is having increased pain at the fracture site. To identify a possible causative agent of osteomyelitis at the site, what should the nurse expect testing to include?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C) Bone biopsy. When a patient with an open fracture experiences increased pain at the fracture site, it raises suspicion for osteomyelitis, an infection of the bone. To definitively diagnose osteomyelitis, a bone biopsy is necessary to identify the causative agent, such as bacteria, which helps determine the appropriate treatment plan, including antibiotic therapy. Option A) X-rays can show changes in bone density or structure but may not definitively diagnose osteomyelitis. Option B) CT scans provide detailed images of the bones and surrounding tissues, but they are not typically used as the primary diagnostic tool for osteomyelitis. Option D) WBC count and ESR can indicate inflammation or infection in the body, but they are not specific to osteomyelitis and cannot identify the causative agent. Educationally, understanding the diagnostic process for osteomyelitis is crucial for nurses caring for patients with fractures or suspected bone infections. Proper assessment, including ordering the appropriate tests like a bone biopsy, is essential for accurate diagnosis and timely treatment to prevent complications.
Question 3 of 5
A 60-year-old woman has pain on motion in her fingers and asks the nurse whether this is just a result of aging. The best response by the nurse should include what information?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Changes in the cartilage and bones of joints may cause symptoms of pain and loss of function in some people as they age. Rationale: - This response is correct because it acknowledges the physiological changes that occur in joints as people age, such as degeneration of cartilage and bones leading to pain and reduced function. - Age-related joint pain is often attributed to osteoarthritis, a common condition characterized by wear and tear on the joints over time. - Understanding these age-related changes can help individuals manage their symptoms effectively through lifestyle modifications, exercise, and medical interventions. Why other options are incorrect: - Option A is incorrect because while joint pain can be common with aging, it is not always associated with functional limitations for all individuals. - Option B is incorrect as age-related joint pain is not always solely related to previous trauma or infection but can also be due to natural degenerative processes. - Option C is incorrect as not all cases of joint pain in older adults are indicative of a systemic arthritis affecting all joints progressively. Educational context: Educating patients about the normal changes that occur in the musculoskeletal system as they age is crucial for promoting self-awareness and proactive management of symptoms. By understanding the factors contributing to joint pain, individuals can make informed decisions about lifestyle choices, seek appropriate medical advice, and engage in strategies to maintain joint health and mobility as they grow older.
Question 4 of 5
A patient recovering from an acute exacerbation of RA tells the nurse that she is too tired to bathe. What should the nurse do for this patient?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is option A) Give the patient a bed bath to conserve her energy. This option is the most appropriate because it addresses the patient's fatigue while still promoting hygiene and self-care. Providing a bed bath allows the patient to conserve energy while also ensuring cleanliness and comfort. Option B) Allow the patient a rest period before showering with the nurse's help, while promoting rest, may not fully address the patient's fatigue as it still involves physical exertion. Option C) Tell the patient that she can skip bathing if she will walk in the hall later is incorrect as it compromises hygiene, which is essential for a patient's overall well-being. Option D) Inform the patient that it is important for her to maintain self-care activities is not the best choice as it does not offer a practical solution for the patient's current state of fatigue. Educationally, this question emphasizes the importance of individualizing care based on the patient's needs and conditions. It highlights the nurse's role in promoting self-care while considering the patient's limitations and providing appropriate support to ensure their well-being. Understanding the balance between promoting independence and providing necessary assistance is crucial in nursing practice, especially when caring for patients with chronic conditions like RA.
Question 5 of 5
When caring for the patient with CREST syndrome (calcinosis, Raynaud's phenomenon, esophageal dysfunction, sclerodactyly, and telangiectasia) associated with scleroderma, what should the nurse teach the patient to do?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D) Protect the hands and feet from cold exposure and injury. In CREST syndrome associated with scleroderma, one of the hallmark symptoms is sclerodactyly, which refers to thickening and tightening of the skin on the fingers and toes. This can lead to increased sensitivity to cold temperatures and a higher risk of injury due to compromised blood flow. Therefore, it is crucial for the patient to protect their hands and feet from cold exposure and trauma to prevent complications such as digital ulcers or worsening Raynaud's phenomenon. Option A) Maintain a fluid intake of at least 3000 mL/day is not directly related to managing the symptoms of CREST syndrome. While hydration is important for overall health, it is not specifically indicated in this case. Option B) Avoid exposure to the sun or other ultraviolet light is more relevant for conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus where photosensitivity is a concern. In CREST syndrome, sun exposure is not a primary factor in symptom management. Option C) Monitor and keep a log of daily blood pressure (BP) is not directly related to the management of CREST syndrome. While monitoring BP is important in general health maintenance, it is not a priority in this context. Educationally, it is essential for nurses to understand the specific symptoms and management strategies for different conditions. Teaching patients about protective measures, such as avoiding cold exposure and injury, is crucial in preventing complications and promoting optimal quality of life for individuals with CREST syndrome associated with scleroderma.