ATI RN
Adult Health Med Surg Nursing Test Banks Questions
Question 1 of 9
A patient with advanced cancer experiences dyspnea and anxiety during episodes of breathlessness. Which intervention should the palliative nurse prioritize to address the patient's symptoms?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Opioid medications are considered the first-line pharmacological treatment for dyspnea in palliative care patients with advanced cancer. Opioids help relieve dyspnea by reducing respiratory drive and the sensation of breathlessness, providing effective symptom management. In this case, addressing the patient's dyspnea with opioid medications would likely also help alleviate their anxiety related to breathlessness. Administering oxygen therapy (choice A) may not be effective at relieving dyspnea in this situation, as dyspnea in advanced cancer patients is often not primarily due to low oxygen levels. Teaching pursed-lip breathing techniques (choice B) and referring the patient to a respiratory therapist for breathing exercises (choice D) may be helpful complementary interventions, but opioid medications should be the priority for symptom management.
Question 2 of 9
When a patient develops a temperature of 39.8 degree centigrade after an abdominal surgery with an ongoing blood transfusion, the PACU nurse should notify the surgeon as this may indicate ______.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A temperature of 39.8 degrees Celsius (103.6 degrees Fahrenheit) in a patient following abdominal surgery and ongoing blood transfusion may indicate an ongoing potential infection. During surgery, the body is exposed to various microorganisms, and the stress of surgery can weaken the immune system, making the patient more susceptible to infections. Blood transfusions also carry a risk of introducing infections if not properly screened. Therefore, in this situation, an elevated temperature may be a sign that an infection is developing, and prompt notification of the surgeon is important for further evaluation and management.
Question 3 of 9
Nurses may be privy to very personal information of patients and should make every effort to make it confidential, otherwise she can be charged of ______.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Nurses are bound by strict confidentiality and privacy regulations in their profession. If a nurse fails to keep a patient's personal information confidential and discloses it without authorization, they can be charged with invasion of privacy. Invasion of privacy is the wrongful intrusion into a person's private affairs without their consent, and it is a serious violation of ethical and legal standards in healthcare. Nurses must always prioritize patient confidentiality to maintain trust and uphold ethical standards in their practice.
Question 4 of 9
Which should be emhpasize by the nurse in her health teachings
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Weight reduction is the most important focus in the health teachings provided by the nurse. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for overall well-being and can significantly reduce the risk of various health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. By emphasizing weight reduction, the nurse can help improve the patient's overall health and quality of life. Jogging a mile a day and vigorous exercise are beneficial for weight management, but it is important to address the root cause of potential health problems which in this case may be excess weight. Moreover, emphasizing the importance of weight reduction does not necessarily mean encouraging extreme dieting; instead, it involves promoting a balanced and healthy approach to eating and physical activity.
Question 5 of 9
Which of the following signs is indicative of shock in a trauma patient?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rapid capillary refill is a sign indicative of shock in a trauma patient. Shock is a life-threatening condition where the body's organs and tissues do not receive adequate blood flow and oxygen, leading to cellular damage and eventual organ failure. In a trauma patient, rapid capillary refill suggests poor perfusion, which is a common feature of shock. The capillary refill time is an important clinical assessment that measures the time it takes for color to return to the nail bed after pressure is applied. In cases of shock, the refill time is faster than normal, indicating a systemic circulatory disturbance. Other signs of shock may include tachycardia (increased heart rate), hypotension (not hypertension), and hypothermia (not hyperthermia).
Question 6 of 9
When the staff nurses in Pediatric Ward work more than they can handle, thus, losing their enthusiasm in their work, which of the following consequences is referred to/
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. In this scenario, when staff nurses in the Pediatric Ward are working more than they can handle, they may experience burnout. Burnout can lead to a decrease in enthusiasm for work, feelings of depersonalization, and a reduced sense of personal accomplishment. These consequences can ultimately impact the quality of patient care provided by the nurses. Burnout not only affects the well-being of the healthcare workers but can also result in lower patient care quality, medical errors, and decreased overall job performance. Addressing and preventing burnout is crucial in maintaining a high standard of care and ensuring the well-being of healthcare professionals.
Question 7 of 9
Which of the following is a common complication of untreated gonorrhea or chlamydia infection in women?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Ectopic pregnancy is a common complication of untreated gonorrhea or chlamydia infection in women. This occurs when a fertilized egg implants and grows outside the uterus, typically in one of the fallopian tubes. Both gonorrhea and chlamydia can lead to scarring of the fallopian tubes due to untreated inflammation and infection. This scarring may obstruct the fallopian tubes, making it difficult for the fertilized egg to travel to the uterus for implantation. As a result, the egg may implant and grow in the fallopian tube, leading to an ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancies are dangerous and can result in serious complications for the woman, including rupture of the fallopian tube, internal bleeding, and potentially life-threatening situations. It is crucial to seek prompt treatment for gonorrhea and chlamydia to prevent such severe outcomes.
Question 8 of 9
A nurse is documenting a patient's care in the electronic health record (EHR). What principle should guide the nurse's documentation practices?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Documenting all care provided, including assessments and interventions, is the principle that should guide the nurse's documentation practices in the electronic health record (EHR). Comprehensive and accurate documentation is essential for ensuring continuity of care, communication among healthcare team members, and legal protection. By documenting all care provided, the nurse contributes to a complete and thorough picture of the patient's condition and treatment, facilitating safe and effective patient care. This principle also aligns with professional standards and regulatory requirements, emphasizing the importance of timely and complete documentation in the EHR.
Question 9 of 9
How many years are medico-legal charts stored?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Medico-legal charts are typically stored for a minimum of 10 years after the case is closed to ensure compliance with legal requirements and to provide a comprehensive record of the medical care provided. This duration allows for potential future reference, follow-up treatment, or legal purposes that may arise within the specified timeframe. It is important to maintain these records for an extended period to protect both the patient's rights and the healthcare provider's accountability. Additionally, storing medico-legal charts for 10 years aligns with standard retention practices in the healthcare industry.