A patient is prescribed a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) for the treatment of depression. Which adverse effect should the nurse monitor closely in the patient?

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Question 1 of 9

A patient is prescribed a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) for the treatment of depression. Which adverse effect should the nurse monitor closely in the patient?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Hyponatremia. SSRI medications can lead to the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH), causing hyponatremia. This occurs due to increased levels of serotonin affecting the hypothalamus, leading to excessive ADH release. Hyponatremia can result in neurological symptoms and must be closely monitored. A: Bradycardia is not a common adverse effect of SSRIs. B: Hyperkalemia is not typically associated with SSRIs. D: Hypertension is not a common adverse effect of SSRIs; they may actually lower blood pressure.

Question 2 of 9

A surgeon accidentally cuts his patient's bladder while attempting to remove his appendix. The surgeon could be guilty of _________

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Malpractice. Malpractice refers to professional negligence or failure to perform duties according to accepted standards of practice. In this scenario, the surgeon's act of cutting the patient's bladder during an appendectomy could be considered a breach of duty and failure to provide the expected standard of care, which falls under malpractice. Battery (A) involves intentional harmful or offensive contact without consent. Negligence (B) is the failure to exercise reasonable care, but in this case, it was more than just a lack of care. Tort (D) refers to a civil wrong that causes harm, but malpractice is a specific type of tort related to professional negligence.

Question 3 of 9

A postpartum client presents with severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Which nursing action is most appropriate?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In a postpartum client who presents with severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, it is crucial to assess for signs of peritonitis or surgical abdomen. These signs may include rebound tenderness, guarding, rigidity, and fever. Peritonitis is a serious condition that may require immediate surgical intervention. Administering antiemetic medication, encouraging clear fluids, or providing a heating pad may not address the underlying cause of the symptoms and delay appropriate treatment. Assessing for signs of peritonitis or surgical abdomen is crucial for prompt identification and management of the client's condition.

Question 4 of 9

A nurse is conducting an admission assessment for a newly admitted patient. What aspect of cultural competence should the nurse prioritize during the assessment?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Correct Answer: B Rationale: 1. Asking the patient about their cultural background and preferences shows respect for their individuality and acknowledges the importance of cultural competence in providing person-centered care. 2. It allows the nurse to gain valuable insights into the patient's beliefs, values, and practices, enabling them to deliver culturally appropriate care. 3. By prioritizing this aspect, the nurse can establish rapport, build trust, and enhance communication with the patient, leading to better outcomes. 4. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they either involve assumptions, avoidance, or disregard for the patient's cultural background, which can lead to misunderstandings, discomfort, and ineffective care.

Question 5 of 9

A pregnant woman presents with fever, chills, and abdominal pain localized to the right upper quadrant. On examination, she has tenderness in the right upper abdomen and a positive Murphy's sign. Which of the following conditions is the most likely cause of these symptoms?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The scenario described in the question is consistent with acute cholecystitis, which is inflammation of the gallbladder usually caused by an impacted gallstone in the cystic duct. The key clinical features of acute cholecystitis include fever, chills, right upper quadrant abdominal pain (which can be localized to the right upper quadrant), tenderness in the right upper abdomen, and a positive Murphy's sign (pain and inspiratory arrest upon palpation of the right upper quadrant). This condition is more common in pregnant women due to hormonal changes that can lead to gallstone formation and subsequent inflammation of the gallbladder. Ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease, and ovarian torsion typically present with different clinical features compared to those described in acute cholecystitis.

Question 6 of 9

A patient presents with a painful, vesicular rash following a linear pattern on the left forearm. The patient reports a history of gardening without gloves. Which of the following conditions is most likely responsible for this presentation?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Herpes simplex virus infection. The presentation of a painful, vesicular rash following a linear pattern on the left forearm is characteristic of herpes simplex virus infection, specifically herpes zoster (shingles). The linear pattern is due to the virus following a specific nerve pathway. This is different from the other choices - A: Allergic contact dermatitis typically presents as a diffuse rash at the site of contact with an allergen, not a linear pattern. C: Scabies presents with burrows and papules, not vesicles in a linear pattern. D: Poison ivy dermatitis causes a diffuse rash, not a linear vesicular rash.

Question 7 of 9

A patient with a history of nephrolithiasis presents with sudden-onset severe colicky flank pain radiating to the groin. On physical examination, there is tenderness over the costovertebral angle and hematuria. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Renal colic due to ureteral calculus. The sudden-onset severe colicky flank pain radiating to the groin along with tenderness over the costovertebral angle and hematuria are classic symptoms of kidney stones (ureteral calculus). The pain results from the obstruction of urine flow by the stone, leading to increased pressure and spasm in the ureter. Acute pyelonephritis (choice A) presents with fever, chills, and systemic symptoms. Renal artery embolism (choice B) typically presents with acute onset severe flank pain but is associated with risk factors like atrial fibrillation. Renal infarction (choice D) presents with sudden-onset severe flank pain but is less likely than ureteral calculus in a patient with a history of nephrolithiasis.

Question 8 of 9

A nurse is conducting a discharge planning assessment for a patient preparing to transition home. What action by the nurse demonstrates continuity of care?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because communicating with the patient's primary care provider and community resources demonstrates continuity of care. This action ensures a seamless transition from the hospital to home by keeping all involved parties informed and involved in the patient's care. Option A (written discharge instructions only) may provide information but lacks coordination with other healthcare providers. Option B (discharging without follow-up care coordination) can lead to gaps in care. Option D (disregarding patient concerns) goes against patient-centered care and can disrupt the continuity of care.

Question 9 of 9

What is the primary goal of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in a cardiac arrest situation?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The primary goal of CPR is to restore spontaneous circulation and oxygenation to the body to maintain vital organ function. By performing chest compressions and rescue breaths, CPR aims to circulate oxygenated blood to the brain and other vital organs. This is crucial to prevent brain damage and increase the chances of survival. The other choices are incorrect because CPR does not address the underlying cause of cardiac arrest (A), provide pain relief (C), or prevent further complications such as organ failure (D). The immediate focus in a cardiac arrest situation is to maintain blood flow and oxygen delivery to vital organs until advanced medical care can be provided.

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