ATI RN
Adult Health Nursing Answer Key Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient is prescribed an opioid analgesic for the management of acute pain. Which adverse effect should the nurse monitor closely in the patient?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Opioid analgesics are known to suppress the respiratory centers in the brain, leading to respiratory depression as a side effect. This adverse effect is particularly dangerous and potentially life-threatening, especially in patients who are opioid-naive or when high doses are administered. Therefore, it is crucial for the nurse to closely monitor the patient's respiratory rate, depth, and effort while on opioid analgesic therapy to detect early signs of respiratory depression and intervene promptly to prevent complications. Hypertension, hypoglycemia, and hyperkalemia are not commonly associated with opioid analgesics.
Question 2 of 5
After the surgical procedure, the nurse assists with applying the surgical dressing. What is the nurse's priority action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The nurse's priority action after applying the surgical dressing is to assess the surgical incision for signs of complications. This includes checking for any signs of infection, excessive bleeding, or other complications related to the surgical site. Early detection of such complications is crucial for ensuring proper healing and preventing serious complications. Once the assessment is done and any issues are addressed, the nurse can proceed with documenting the dressing change, providing instructions to the patient about wound care, and ensuring that the dressing is securely and correctly applied.
Question 3 of 5
During a shift handover, the nurse receives information about a patient's condition from the outgoing nurse. What action by the nurse demonstrates effective communication during the handover process?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Option C, summarizing key points and asking clarifying questions as needed, demonstrates effective communication during the handover process. This action ensures that the nurse fully understands the information being provided and helps to prevent misunderstandings or missing critical details. By summarizing key points, the nurse confirms their understanding and can ask for clarification on any areas that are unclear. Effective communication during handovers is essential for maintaining patient safety and continuity of care.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is teaching a group of nursing students about the importance of professional boundaries in nursing practice. What statement by a student indicates understanding of this concept?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Option B, "Maintaining professional boundaries helps protect both patients and nurses," indicates an understanding of the importance of professional boundaries in nursing practice. Professional boundaries define the limits of the nurse-patient relationship and help ensure that interactions are safe, therapeutic, and based on the patient's best interest. By maintaining these boundaries, nurses can uphold ethical standards, prevent harm, and maintain trust with patients. It also helps prevent issues such as transference, countertransference, and breaches of confidentiality. Overall, understanding and respecting professional boundaries are essential for promoting the well-being of both patients and healthcare providers.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient who is refusing a prescribed treatment due to cultural beliefs. What action should the nurse take to address the patient's refusal?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The nurse should respect the patient's autonomy and collaborate on alternative treatment options. It is essential to honor the patient's cultural beliefs and preferences while also seeking to find a solution that aligns with the healthcare provider's recommendations. By working together with the patient to explore alternative treatment options that are acceptable within the patient's cultural framework, the nurse can promote patient-centered care and foster a trusting relationship with the patient.Ignoring or dismissing the patient's cultural beliefs can lead to decreased patient adherence and trust in the healthcare provider. Providing education and information to help the patient understand the treatment benefits is important, but it should be done in a way that respects the patient's autonomy and cultural perspective.