ATI RN
foundation of nursing practice questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
A patient is post-operative day 1 following a vaginal hysterectomy. The nurse notes an increase in the patients abdominal girth and the patient complains of bloating. What is the nurses most appropriate action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most appropriate action for the nurse to take in this situation is to apply warm compresses to the patient's lower abdomen. Abdominal bloating and an increase in abdominal girth can be common following a vaginal hysterectomy. Applying warm compresses to the lower abdomen can help to relieve bloating and discomfort by promoting relaxation of the abdominal muscles and increasing blood flow to the area. This can provide relief to the patient and support their recovery process. Applying warm compresses is a non-invasive intervention that can be easily implemented and is commonly used in post-operative care to address abdominal discomfort.
Question 2 of 9
A patient has informed the home health nurse that she has recently noticed distortions when she looks at the Amsler grid that she has mounted on her refrigerator. What is the nurses most appropriate action?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The most appropriate action for the home health nurse to take in this situation where a patient reports distortions when looking at an Amsler grid is to arrange for the patient to be assessed for macular degeneration. Distortions in straight lines on an Amsler grid are a common early symptom of macular degeneration, a progressive eye condition that affects central vision. Macular degeneration is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults, making assessment and early intervention crucial in preserving vision. It is important for the nurse to take the patient's symptoms seriously and facilitate timely evaluation and management to prevent further vision loss. This would involve referring the patient to an ophthalmologist or an eye care specialist for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate treatment.
Question 3 of 9
A child has been experiencing recurrent episodes of acute otitis media (AOM). The nurse should anticipate that what intervention is likely to be ordered?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Recurrent episodes of acute otitis media (AOM) can cause fluid accumulation in the middle ear, leading to hearing loss and increased risk of further infections. Insertion of a ventilation tube, also known as a tympanostomy tube, is a common intervention for children with recurrent AOM. This procedure involves placing a tiny tube through the eardrum to allow ventilation and drainage of fluid from the middle ear. Ventilation tubes help equalize pressure, prevent fluid buildup, and reduce the frequency of ear infections. It can improve hearing and decrease the likelihood of future episodes of AOM. Ossiculoplasty, insertion of a cochlear implant, and stapedectomy are not indicated for recurrent AOM.
Question 4 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.
Question 5 of 9
A patient has just been told she needs to have an incisional biopsy of a right breast mass. During preoperative teaching, how could the nurse best assess this patient for specific educational, physical, or psychosocial needs she might have?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Encouraging the patient to verbalize her questions and concerns is the best way to assess her specific educational, physical, or psychosocial needs during preoperative teaching for an incisional biopsy of a right breast mass. This approach allows the nurse to better understand the patient's knowledge level, fears, anxieties, and any misconceptions she may have related to the procedure. By actively listening to the patient's questions and concerns, the nurse can tailor the education provided to address specific areas of importance to the patient, ensuring she receives the information and support she needs to feel prepared and comfortable before the procedure. This approach promotes open communication, trust, and patient-centered care.
Question 6 of 9
The nurse is caring for a patient receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which action will the nurse take?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When caring for a patient receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN), it is crucial to maintain strict aseptic technique to prevent infection. Wearing a sterile mask when changing the central venous catheter dressing helps to reduce the risk of introducing pathogens into the catheter site, which can lead to serious bloodstream infections. It is essential to use sterile gloves, a sterile mask, and to assess the insertion site for any signs or symptoms of infection during central venous catheter dressing changes. Additionally, to prevent infection, TPN infusion tubing should be changed every 24 hours, and no single container of TPN should be hung for longer than 24 hours, with lipids not running for longer than 12 hours.
Question 7 of 9
A nurse is examining a patient who has been diagnosed with a fibroadenoma. The nurse should recognize what implication of this patients diagnosis?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A fibroadenoma is a benign breast tumor commonly found in young women. In most cases, a fibroadenoma does not require radiation therapy. However, the patient might be referred for a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and rule out any potential malignancy. While fibroadenomas can be related to hormonal changes in the body, they are not directly linked to the use of oral contraceptives. Recognizing this implication of the patient's diagnosis is essential for providing appropriate care and follow-up.
Question 8 of 9
Which disease process improves during pregnancy?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rheumatoid arthritis shows marked improvement during pregnancy, although the reason for this is not entirely clear. The improvement is often significant, leading to relief from symptoms for many pregnant individuals with this condition. However, it's important to note that this improvement is temporary, as relapse typically occurs within 36 months postpartum. The exact mechanisms behind this temporary improvement are not fully understood, but hormones and changes in the immune system during pregnancy are believed to play a role in modifying the disease process.
Question 9 of 9
The nurse is caring for a patient with an advanced stage of breast cancer and the patient has recently learned that her cancer has metastasized. The nurse enters the room and finds the patient struggling to breath and the nurses rapid assessment reveals that the patients jugular veins are distended. The nurse should suspect the development of what oncologic emergency?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) is a medical emergency that can occur in patients with advanced cancer, such as breast cancer with metastasis. SVCS is caused by the obstruction or compression of the superior vena cava, a large vein that carries blood from the upper body back to the heart. When the superior vena cava is obstructed or compressed, it can lead to symptoms such as difficulty breathing (dyspnea) and distended jugular veins.