ATI RN
Adult Health Nursing Test Banks Questions
Question 1 of 9
A patient presents with central obesity, moon face, buffalo hump, and purple striae. Laboratory tests reveal elevated cortisol levels. Which endocrine disorder is most likely responsible for these symptoms?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The patient's presentation of central obesity, moon face, buffalo hump, purple striae, and elevated cortisol levels strongly suggest Cushing's syndrome. Cushing's syndrome is a disorder characterized by excessive levels of cortisol, either due to an endogenous (e.g., adrenal tumor) or exogenous (e.g., prolonged steroid use) source. The classic physical features of Cushing's syndrome include central obesity with thin extremities (truncal obesity), moon face (rounding and reddening of the face), buffalo hump (accumulation of fat between the shoulders), and purple striae (stretch marks that are wide and purple in color). In the context of the elevated cortisol levels, these clinical signs are highly indicative of Cushing's syndrome. Hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and diabetes mellitus would not typically present with the specific combination of symptoms described.
Question 2 of 9
The patient verbalizes to the nurse about thought to kill his wife". The nurse is in dilemma whether to tell the wife about this Conversation. Given this situation which of the following is the appropriate action of the nurse?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this critical situation, the safety of the wife is of utmost importance. Whenever a healthcare provider becomes aware of a direct threat to someone's safety, especially related to potential harm or violence, it is their ethical and legal responsibility to report this information to the appropriate authorities promptly. In this case, the nurse should alert the proper authorities, such as law enforcement or a mental health crisis team, to ensure that immediate steps are taken to protect the wife from harm. Confidentiality should be breached in situations where there is a clear threat to an individual's safety. Keeping the information confidential in this scenario could result in serious harm or even loss of life. The nurse must act quickly to protect the potential victim.
Question 3 of 9
A woman in active labor experiences prolonged and severe pain in the lower back region, along with irregular contractions. What maternal condition should the nurse consider as a potential cause of abnormal labor progress?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: An occiput posterior fetal position, where the baby's head is facing the mother's abdomen rather than her back, can lead to prolonged and severe back pain during labor. This position can cause irregular contractions and difficulty in descending through the birth canal, resulting in abnormal labor progress. The back pain experienced in this case is often intense due to the pressure exerted on the mother's lower back and may also be associated with intense back labor. It is essential for the nurse to recognize this potential issue and assist in maneuvers or positions to help the baby rotate to a more optimal position for delivery.
Question 4 of 9
What PRIORITY nursing action should you do with the presenting clinical manifestations of the patient?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Administering oxygen inhalation is the priority nursing action for a patient presenting with clinical manifestations related to endocrine disorders. Patients with hyperthyroidism, Cushing syndrome, and hypothyroidism can all experience respiratory distress due to various reasons such as thyroid storm, adrenal crisis, or myxedema coma. Oxygen inhalation helps improve oxygenation and tissue perfusion, providing immediate support to the patient's respiratory system. It is crucial to ensure adequate oxygenation before addressing other assessments or interventions. Once the patient's breathing is stabilized, further assessments and treatments can be initiated as necessary.
Question 5 of 9
Nurse Nilda immediately responds to any cry from her pediatric patients because it is, which of the following reasons?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Nurse Nilda immediately responds to any cry from her pediatric patients to attend to her patients who cannot communicate verbally. Crying is one of the few ways infants and young children communicate their needs and discomforts. By responding promptly to their cries, Nurse Nilda can assess and address potential issues such as hunger, pain, discomfort, or other needs that the child may have. This enhances the quality of care provided and helps in comforting and soothing the child, ultimately promoting their well-being and building trust between the nurse and the patient.
Question 6 of 9
A patient with a history of heart failure is prescribed a beta-blocker. Which assessment finding indicates a therapeutic effect of beta-blocker therapy?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Beta-blockers are medications commonly used in the management of heart failure. One of the therapeutic effects of beta-blockers is to decrease the heart rate. By blocking the action of adrenaline on the heart, beta-blockers help to slow down the heart rate, reduce the workload on the heart, and improve overall heart function. In patients with heart failure, a decreased heart rate is a favorable outcome as it can help improve cardiac output and reduce symptoms of heart failure such as fatigue and shortness of breath. Monitoring the heart rate is an important assessment parameter to evaluate the effectiveness of beta-blocker therapy in patients with heart failure. Therefore, a decreased heart rate would indicate a therapeutic effect of beta-blocker therapy in this patient.
Question 7 of 9
Sandro is taking pemoline (Cylert) for ADHD. The nurse must be aware of which of the following side effects?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Pemoline (Cylert) is a central nervous system stimulant used in the treatment of ADHD. One of the significant potential side effects of pemoline is hepatotoxicity, which can manifest as elevated liver function test results. Therefore, the nurse must monitor the patient's liver function regularly while they are taking pemoline to monitor for any signs of liver damage or dysfunction. It is essential to educate the patient about the signs and symptoms of liver problems, such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), abdominal pain, nausea, or dark urine, and to report any such symptoms immediately to their healthcare provider. Regular monitoring and early detection of liver function abnormalities can help prevent severe liver damage in patients taking pemoline.
Question 8 of 9
After positioning the patient for surgery, the nurse notices signs of pressure injury on the patient's heels. What should the nurse do?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Pressure injuries on the heels are a concern as they can develop quickly and lead to serious complications, especially in surgical patients who are immobile for extended periods. Applying pressure-relieving devices, such as heel protectors or foam dressings, can help alleviate the pressure on the affected areas and prevent further damage. These devices are designed to distribute pressure evenly and reduce the risk of pressure injuries. It is important for the nurse to address the issue promptly to prevent additional harm to the patient's skin integrity.
Question 9 of 9
A patient with a history of chronic kidney disease is prescribed a low-phosphorus diet. Which dietary choice indicates understanding of the prescribed diet?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Grilled chicken breast is a suitable choice for a low-phosphorus diet because poultry is typically lower in phosphorus compared to dairy products (like cheese), nuts (like almonds), and whole grains (like wheat toast). This option indicates an understanding of the need to restrict phosphorus intake, which is important for individuals with chronic kidney disease to prevent complications.