ATI RN
foundation of nursing practice questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
A patient is in the primary infection stage of HIV. What is true of this patients current health status?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: During the primary infection stage of HIV, the patient is newly infected with the virus. At this stage, the patient's immune system has not yet produced HIV-specific antibodies, making it difficult to detect HIV infection using standard antibody tests. Instead, the virus can be detected by testing for the presence of HIV RNA or p24 antigen. The primary infection stage is characterized by a high level of viral replication and rapid spread of the virus throughout the body. In this early stage, the patient may experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. The absence of HIV-specific antibodies means that the patient is highly infectious and can easily transmit the virus to others. As the infection progresses, the patient will eventually develop HIV-specific antibodies, which can be detected through antibody tests.
Question 2 of 9
The nurse is caring for a 52-year-old woman whose aunt and mother died of breast cancer. The patient states, My doctor and I talked about Tamoxifen to help prevent breast cancer. Do you think it will work? What would be the nurses best response?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse's best response should be to provide accurate information and manage the patient's expectations realistically. Tamoxifen is known to have a slight protective effect in reducing the risk of developing breast cancer in high-risk individuals like the patient in the scenario. However, it is not a guarantee against developing breast cancer. It is essential for the nurse to convey this information to the patient to ensure that she understands the benefits and limitations of Tamoxifen therapy. Additionally, discussing potential side effects and risks associated with Tamoxifen, such as an increased risk of osteoporosis, is important for the patient to make an informed decision about her health care.
Question 3 of 9
The nurse is caring for a patient who has undergone a mastoidectomy. In an effort to prevent postoperative infection, what intervention should the nurse implement?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: After a mastoidectomy, the ear should be protected from water for several weeks. This is because exposing the area to water can increase the risk of infection. Keeping the ear dry allows the surgical site to heal properly and reduces the likelihood of postoperative complications such as infection. Therefore, instructing the patient to protect the ear from water is an important intervention to prevent postoperative infection following a mastoidectomy.
Question 4 of 9
The nurse caring for a patient diagnosed with Parkinsons disease has prepared a plan of care that would include what goal?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Patients diagnosed with Parkinson's disease often experience speech and communication difficulties due to the effects of the disease on the muscles involved in speech production. This can manifest as soft, slurred speech or difficulty articulating words. Therefore, promoting effective communication would be an essential goal in the plan of care for a patient with Parkinson's disease. This goal may involve strategies such as speech therapy, communication devices, or providing a conducive environment to facilitate clearer communication between the patient and healthcare providers. By focusing on promoting effective communication, the nurse can help improve the patient's quality of life and enhance their ability to express their needs and concerns.
Question 5 of 9
A nurse is teaching a group of women about the potential benefits of breast self-examination (BSE). The nurse should teach the women that effective BSE is dependent on what factor?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Effective breast self-examination (BSE) relies significantly on women's knowledge of their own breasts. Understanding how their breasts normally look and feel allows women to detect any changes such as lumps, dimpling, or discharge, which may be early signs of breast abnormalities like cancer. By being familiar with their breasts' normal appearance and texture, women can promptly seek medical attention if they notice any unusual changes. This self-awareness and familiarity with their breasts are crucial in enabling women to perform BSE effectively and to detect any potential issues early on.
Question 6 of 9
A nurse needs to begin discharge planning fora patient admitted with pneumonia and a congested cough. When is the besttime the nurse should start discharge planningfor this patient?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The best time for a nurse to start discharge planning for a patient admitted with pneumonia and a congested cough is upon admission. Starting discharge planning early allows the healthcare team to identify the patient's needs, plan for the appropriate level of care, and ensure a smooth transition out of the hospital. Waiting until right before discharge or after the congestion is treated may lead to rushed or incomplete planning, potentially compromising the patient's recovery and post-discharge care. Additionally, discharge planning is not dependent on the primary care provider writing an order, as nurses can initiate teaching and planning proactively to support the patient's optimal recovery and transition. By beginning discharge planning upon admission, the healthcare team can address any potential barriers to discharge and ensure the patient's needs are met for a successful recovery process.
Question 7 of 9
A patient is in the primary infection stage of HIV. What is true of this patients current health status?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: During the primary infection stage of HIV, the patient is newly infected with the virus. At this stage, the patient's immune system has not yet produced HIV-specific antibodies, making it difficult to detect HIV infection using standard antibody tests. Instead, the virus can be detected by testing for the presence of HIV RNA or p24 antigen. The primary infection stage is characterized by a high level of viral replication and rapid spread of the virus throughout the body. In this early stage, the patient may experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. The absence of HIV-specific antibodies means that the patient is highly infectious and can easily transmit the virus to others. As the infection progresses, the patient will eventually develop HIV-specific antibodies, which can be detected through antibody tests.
Question 8 of 9
A 35-year-old man is seen in the clinic because he is experiencing recurring episodes of urinary frequency, dysuria, and fever. The nurse should recognize the possibility of what health problem?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The symptoms of urinary frequency, dysuria, and fever in a 35-year-old man are indicative of chronic bacterial prostatitis. Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate gland, which can be caused by bacterial infection. Chronic bacterial prostatitis is characterized by recurrent episodes of infection leading to symptoms like urinary urgency, frequency, dysuria, and sometimes fever. It is important to identify and treat chronic bacterial prostatitis promptly to prevent complications and improve quality of life for the patient.
Question 9 of 9
The public health nurse is presenting a health-promotion class to a group at a local community center. Which intervention most directly addresses the leading cause of cancer deaths in North America?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Smoking cessation most directly addresses the leading cause of cancer deaths in North America, which is lung cancer. Tobacco use, particularly cigarette smoking, is the primary cause of lung cancer. By helping individuals quit smoking, the public health nurse is targeting the main risk factor for lung cancer and therefore addressing the root cause of the issue. This intervention has the potential to have a significant impact on reducing cancer-related deaths in the community. Monthly self-breast exams, annual colonoscopies, and monthly testicular exams are important for detecting breast, colon, and testicular cancers respectively, but they do not directly address the leading cause of cancer deaths in North America.