ATI RN
Nursing Process Exam Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
A patient visits her nurse practitioner (NP) after she has a cold for a week and is now experiencing a severe headache and fever. Her NP diagnoses a sinus infection. Which of the following additional symptoms is the patient likely to exhibit?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Facial tenderness. Sinus infections commonly present with facial tenderness due to the inflammation and pressure within the sinuses. This symptom is often accompanied by pain or pressure around the eyes, cheeks, and forehead. Photophobia (B) is more commonly associated with conditions like migraines or meningitis. Chest pain (C) is not a typical symptom of a sinus infection. Ear drainage (D) is more indicative of an ear infection rather than a sinus infection.
Question 2 of 9
When teaching a client about insulin administration, the nurse should include which instruction?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because drawing up clear insulin first when mixing two types of insulin in one syringe prevents contamination. Clear insulin is drawn up first to avoid clouding from the cloudy insulin. This ensures accurate dosing and prevents potential medication errors. A: Incorrect. Administering insulin after the first meal may lead to hypoglycemia if the client skips or delays meals. B: Incorrect. Insulin should not be injected into the deltoid muscle as it can lead to inconsistent absorption rates. C: Incorrect. Vigorously shaking the insulin vial can cause bubbles, affecting the accuracy of the dose and potentially altering its effectiveness.
Question 3 of 9
The patient asks the nurse, “What is hypertension?” Which of the following is the best response to explain hypertension?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because hypertension is primarily determined by peripheral vascular resistance, which refers to the resistance in the blood vessels that the heart must overcome to pump blood effectively. This is a key factor in the development of high blood pressure. Choice A is incorrect as it simplifies the concept to just the pumping action of the heart. Choice B is incorrect because hypertension is not just about having high readings on separate occasions but rather a sustained elevation in blood pressure. Choice C is incorrect as stress, activity, and emotions can influence blood pressure but are not the sole determinants of hypertension.
Question 4 of 9
An elderly patient, Mr. Cruz is being cared for by nurse Bennie because of pulmonary embolism. Nurse Bennie would anticipate an order for immediate administration of:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: heparin. Heparin is an anticoagulant used for immediate treatment of pulmonary embolism to prevent further clot formation. It acts quickly by inhibiting clotting factors. Warfarin (A) is used for long-term anticoagulation but has a slower onset. Dexamethasone (C) is a corticosteroid used for inflammation, not thrombosis. Protamine sulfate (D) is used to reverse the effects of heparin but is not indicated for initial treatment.
Question 5 of 9
What should the client at risk for developing AIDS be advised to do?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because an ELISA test for antibodies is crucial to detect HIV infection early. This test can help diagnose HIV before symptoms appear, allowing for early intervention and treatment. Choice A is important but not specific to HIV prevention. Choice B is irrelevant for HIV prevention. Choice D, while important, should not take precedence over getting tested for HIV.
Question 6 of 9
The nurse is assigned to a client with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). When handling the client’s blood and body fluids, the nurse uses standard precautions, which include:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Standard precautions include wearing gloves when there is a potential for contact with blood or body fluids. Emptying a bedpan involves contact with bodily fluids, thus gloves are necessary to prevent exposure to pathogens. Choice B is incorrect because wearing a gown and protective eyewear is not necessary for obtaining a urine specimen via catheterization unless there is a risk of splashing or spraying of fluids. Choice C is incorrect as needles should always be disposed of in a proper sharps container with the cap secured to prevent accidental needlestick injuries. Choice D is incorrect because applying eyedrops does not involve contact with blood or body fluids, so wearing gloves is not necessary according to standard precautions.
Question 7 of 9
While interviewing an older female patient of Asian descent, the nurse notices that the patient looks at the ground when answering questions. What should the nurse do?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Consider cultural differences during this assessment. In many Asian cultures, avoiding direct eye contact is a sign of respect and humility, especially when speaking to authority figures. By being aware of this cultural norm, the nurse can avoid misinterpreting the patient's behavior as a sign of depression or dishonesty. Asking the patient to make eye contact (choice B) may make the patient uncomfortable and disrupt the therapeutic relationship. Continuing with the interview and documenting depression (choice C) without considering cultural differences can lead to inaccurate assessment and inappropriate interventions. Notifying the health care provider for a psychological evaluation (choice D) is premature and unnecessary without first understanding the cultural context of the patient's behavior.
Question 8 of 9
The nurse is providing dietary instructions to a client with hypoglycemia. To control hypoglycemic episodes, the nurse should recommend:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet helps stabilize blood sugar levels and prevents hypoglycemic episodes. Carbohydrates cause rapid spikes and drops in blood sugar, while protein helps maintain stable levels. Avoiding fasting also helps regulate blood sugar. Choice A is incorrect as increasing saturated fat and fasting can worsen hypoglycemia. Choice B is incorrect as vitamins and iron do not directly address hypoglycemia. Choice C is incorrect as relying on sugary foods like candy bars can lead to further blood sugar imbalances.
Question 9 of 9
For a patient who is being discharged on digoxin, the nurse should include which of the ff. in an explanation to the patient on the signs and symptoms of digoxin toxicity?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Halos around lights. Digoxin toxicity can cause visual disturbances like seeing halos around lights, which is a common symptom. This is due to its effect on the eyes. Poor appetite (choice A) is a common side effect but not specific to toxicity. Constipation (choice C) is not a typical sign of digoxin toxicity. Tachycardia (choice D) is more commonly associated with digoxin toxicity, but visual disturbances like halos around lights are more specific and should be explained to the patient.