ATI RN
foundations of nursing test bank Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient presents to the ED complaining of a sudden onset of incapacitating vertigo, with nausea and vomiting and tinnitus. The patient mentions to the nurse that she suddenly cannot hear very well. What would the nurse suspect the patients diagnosis will be?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Labyrinthitis. This condition presents with sudden onset vertigo, nausea, vomiting, tinnitus, and hearing loss, which are all symptoms described by the patient. Labyrinthitis is commonly caused by a viral infection affecting the inner ear, leading to inflammation of the labyrinth. This inflammation disrupts the balance and hearing functions of the inner ear, resulting in the symptoms mentioned. A: Ossiculitis involves inflammation of the middle ear bones, typically causing conductive hearing loss, not the sudden onset of vertigo and other symptoms described. B: Mnire's disease is characterized by recurrent episodes of vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss, but it typically does not present with sudden onset incapacitating vertigo. C: Ototoxicity is caused by exposure to certain medications or chemicals that damage the inner ear structures, leading to hearing loss. While hearing loss is a symptom, the sudden onset of vertigo is not typically associated with ototoxicity.
Question 2 of 5
An older adult with a recent history of mixed hearing loss has been diagnosed with a cholesteatoma. What should this patient be taught about this diagnosis? Select all that apply
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Cholesteatomas are often the result of chronic otitis media. Chronic otitis media can lead to the formation of cholesteatomas, which are noncancerous but can cause complications if left untreated. Cholesteatomas do not resolve spontaneously (A), are not the result of metastasis (B), do not typically cause intractable neuropathic pain (D), and usually require surgical removal to prevent complications (E). Therefore, educating the patient about the association between chronic otitis media and cholesteatoma is essential for understanding the diagnosis and potential treatment options.
Question 3 of 5
A patient diagnosed with Bells palsy is being cared for on an outpatient basis. During health education, the nurse should promote which of the following actions?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer A: Applying a protective eye shield at night is crucial for a patient with Bell's palsy to prevent corneal abrasions due to incomplete eyelid closure. This action helps protect the eye from dryness and injury, which can occur due to decreased blinking and moisture. It is essential to maintain eye health and prevent complications. Summary of Incorrect Choices: B: Chewing on the affected side does not prevent unilateral neglect in Bell's palsy. Instead, encouraging balanced chewing and facial exercises would be more beneficial. C: Avoiding the use of analgesics is not necessary for Bell's palsy management unless contraindicated, as pain management may be required for associated symptoms. D: Avoiding brushing the teeth is not recommended. Good oral hygiene is important for overall health, including maintaining oral health during Bell's palsy.
Question 4 of 5
A 25-year-old female patient with brain metastases is considering her life expectancy after her most recent meeting with her oncologist. Based on the fact that the patient is not receiving treatment for her brain metastases, what is the nurses most appropriate action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ensuring that the patient receives adequate palliative care. Palliative care focuses on improving the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses, including managing symptoms and providing emotional support. In this case, since the patient is not receiving treatment for her brain metastases, palliative care would be most appropriate to help alleviate any pain or discomfort she may be experiencing and provide holistic support for her and her family. A: Promoting the patient's functional status and ADLs may not be the priority if the patient's prognosis is terminal and she is not receiving treatment for her brain metastases. C: Ensuring that the family does not tell the patient her condition is terminal goes against ethical principles of honesty and transparency in healthcare. D: Promoting adherence to the prescribed medication regimen may not be relevant if the patient is not receiving active treatment for her brain metastases.
Question 5 of 5
A patient, diagnosed with cancer of the lung, has just been told he has metastases to the brain. What change in health status would the nurse attribute to the patients metastatic brain disease?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Personality changes. Metastases to the brain can affect cognitive function and behavior, leading to personality changes. This is due to the impact on specific areas of the brain responsible for personality and behavior. Chronic pain (A) is more commonly associated with advanced cancer and not specific to brain metastases. Respiratory distress (B) is more likely related to lung cancer itself, not brain metastases. Fixed pupils (C) may indicate brainstem involvement, but personality changes are a more direct and common manifestation of brain metastases.