ATI RN
foundation of nursing questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
A patient with a hip fracture is having difficulty defecating into a bedpan while lying in bed. Which action by the nurse will assist the patient in having a successful bowel movement?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Rationale: Option D is correct because raising the head of the bed promotes a more natural position for defecation, allowing gravity to assist. This position helps align the rectum and anal canal, making it easier for the patient to have a bowel movement. Administering laxatives (Option C) may help, but adjusting the bed position is a non-invasive and more immediate intervention. Withholding pain medication (Option B) could lead to unnecessary discomfort for the patient. Administering a barium enema (Option A) is not indicated for addressing difficulty with defecation.
Question 2 of 9
An oncology patient has just returned from the postanesthesia care unit after an open hemicolectomy. This patients plan of nursing care should prioritize which of the following?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because assessing the patient's wound for dehiscence every 4 hours is crucial post hemicolectomy to monitor for any signs of wound complications, such as infection or tissue breakdown. This allows for early detection and intervention, promoting optimal wound healing and preventing potential complications. Choice A is incorrect as compartment syndrome is not a common complication after a hemicolectomy, and assessing for it hourly would be excessive and unnecessary. Choice B is incorrect as assessing fine motor skills is not a priority in the immediate postoperative period following a hemicolectomy. Choice D is incorrect as maintaining the patient's head of bed at 45 degrees or more is important for preventing respiratory complications, but it is not the top priority compared to wound assessment for dehiscence in this scenario.
Question 3 of 9
A patient with Huntington disease has just been admitted to a long-term care facility. The charge nurse is creating a care plan for this patient. Nutritional management for a patient with Huntington disease should be informed by what principle?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D - The patient will benefit from a low-protein diet. Patients with Huntington disease often experience difficulty swallowing and may have involuntary movements, leading to weight loss. A low-protein diet can help manage these symptoms and reduce the risk of aspiration pneumonia. This diet can also help control the chorea movements associated with the disease. Choice A is incorrect as patients with Huntington disease often have reduced appetite due to swallowing difficulties. Choice B is incorrect as enzyme supplements are not typically indicated in the management of Huntington disease. Choice C is incorrect as a clear liquid diet is not suitable for meeting the nutritional needs of a patient with Huntington disease, who may already be at risk for malnutrition.
Question 4 of 9
The advanced practice nurse is attempting to examine the patients ear with an otoscope. Because of impacted cerumen, the tympanic membrane cannot be visualized. The nurse irrigates the patients ear with a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water to remove the impacted cerumen. What nursing intervention is most important to minimize nausea and vertigo during the procedure?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A. Maintain the irrigation fluid at a warm temperature. Rationale: 1. Warm fluid helps prevent vertigo and nausea by minimizing stimulation of the vestibular system. 2. Cold fluid can cause dizziness and nausea due to the temperature effect on the inner ear. 3. Warm fluid promotes patient comfort and relaxation during the procedure. 4. Cold fluid can lead to vasoconstriction, potentially exacerbating ear discomfort. Summary of other choices: B. Instilling short, sharp bursts of fluid can be uncomfortable and increase the risk of vertigo and nausea. C. Following with a curette may not be necessary if the irrigation effectively removes the impacted cerumen. D. Having the patient stand can increase the risk of falling or losing balance due to potential dizziness from the procedure.
Question 5 of 9
A patient with a new diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is overwhelmed by his diagnosis and the known complications of the disease. How can the patient best make known his wishes for care as his disease progresses?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Prepare an advance directive. This allows the patient to document their healthcare preferences in advance, ensuring their wishes are known and honored as the disease progresses. It provides clear instructions for healthcare providers and family members, reducing potential conflicts and ensuring the patient's autonomy is respected. Choice B is incorrect as designating an MRP focuses on medical decision-making but may not capture the full range of the patient's care preferences. Choice C involves collaboration with an organization, which may not fully represent the patient's individual wishes. Choice D is incorrect as witnesses are not always necessary for providing instructions, and the presence of witnesses does not guarantee that the patient's wishes will be followed accurately.
Question 6 of 9
A 42-year-old man has come to the clinic for an annual physical. The nurse notes in the patients history that his father was treated for breast cancer. What should the nurse provide to the patient before he leaves the clinic?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: A referral for a mammogram. Given the family history of breast cancer in the patient's father, the nurse should recommend a mammogram as a preventive measure due to increased risk. Mammograms are effective in detecting breast cancer early, especially in individuals with a family history. This can help in early diagnosis and timely intervention if needed. B: Instructions about breast self-examination (BSE) can be helpful, but in this case, a mammogram is a more definitive screening tool for high-risk individuals. C: A referral to a surgeon is not necessary at this point as the patient does not exhibit any symptoms of breast cancer. D: Referral to a support group may be beneficial for emotional support, but the priority should be on proactive screening measures like a mammogram.
Question 7 of 9
The nurse and a colleague are performing the Epley maneuver with a patient who has a diagnosis of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. The nurses should begin this maneuver by performing what action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assisting the patient into a sitting position. The Epley maneuver is used to treat benign paroxysmal positional vertigo by repositioning displaced calcium carbonate crystals in the inner ear. This maneuver involves a series of specific head movements. Starting with the patient in a sitting position allows for proper orientation and positioning for subsequent movements to be effective. Placing the patient in a prone position (A) would not facilitate the correct positioning for the maneuver. Instilling warm saline into the ear (C) is not part of the Epley maneuver. Assessing baseline hearing (D) is unrelated to performing the Epley maneuver.
Question 8 of 9
The patient is asking the nurse about the best way to stay healthy. The nurse explains to the patient which teaching points? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why choice A is correct: 1. Increasing physical activity helps in maintaining a healthy weight and overall health. 2. Regular exercise can reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. 3. Physical activity improves mental health and overall well-being. 4. Exercise boosts immunity and helps in managing stress levels. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: B. Keeping total fat intake to 10% or less is a specific dietary recommendation and not a comprehensive approach to staying healthy. C. Maintaining body weight in a healthy range is important but does not encompass all aspects of staying healthy. D. Choosing and preparing foods with little salt is a specific dietary recommendation and does not address the importance of physical activity in staying healthy.
Question 9 of 9
A 32-year-old primigravida is admitted with a diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy. Nursing care is N R I G B.C M U S N T O based on which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because hemorrhage is the primary concern in ectopic pregnancy due to the risk of rupture and severe bleeding. Immediate intervention is crucial to prevent life-threatening complications. Choice B is incorrect as future fertility may be affected but is not the immediate concern. Choice C is incorrect as bed rest and analgesics are not effective treatments for ectopic pregnancy. Choice D is incorrect as a D&C is not performed in ectopic pregnancy; surgical intervention is required to remove the ectopic pregnancy.