ATI RN
foundation of nursing questions and answers Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient with Parkinsons disease is undergoing a swallowing assessment because she has recently developed adventitious lung sounds. The patients nutritional needs should be met by what method?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Semisolid food with thick liquids. Patients with Parkinson's disease often have dysphagia, leading to aspiration and respiratory complications. Semisolid food with thick liquids helps prevent aspiration and promotes safer swallowing. TPN (A) is not necessary for meeting nutritional needs unless the patient cannot tolerate oral intake. A low-residue diet (B) may not address the specific swallowing issues in Parkinson's disease. Minced foods and fluid restriction (D) may not provide adequate nutrition and hydration.
Question 2 of 5
A patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is being visited by the home health nurse who is creating a care plan. What nursing diagnosis is most likely for a patient with this condition?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Impaired verbal communication. In ALS, motor neurons deteriorate leading to muscle weakness and atrophy, including those involved in speech production. This results in impaired verbal communication. Chronic confusion (A) is not a common manifestation of ALS. Impaired urinary elimination (B) and bowel incontinence (D) are not typically associated with ALS, as it primarily affects motor neurons, not autonomic functions.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is planning the care of a patient who has been recently diagnosed with a cerebellar tumor. Due to the location of this patients tumor, the nurse should implement measures to prevent what complication?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Falls. A cerebellar tumor can affect coordination and balance, leading to an increased risk of falls. Measures to prevent falls include maintaining a clutter-free environment, using assistive devices, and providing supervision. Choice B (Audio hallucinations) is incorrect as cerebellar tumors typically do not cause auditory hallucinations. Choice C (Respiratory depression) is incorrect as cerebellar tumors do not directly affect the respiratory system. Choice D (Labile BP) is incorrect as cerebellar tumors are not typically associated with blood pressure fluctuations.
Question 4 of 5
A patient who was diagnosed with Parkinsons disease several months ago recently began treatment with levodopa-carbidopa. The patient and his family are excited that he has experienced significant symptom relief. The nurse should be aware of what implication of the patients medication regimen?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. The patient is in a honeymoon period when adverse effects of levodopa-carbidopa are not yet evident. This is because the initial response to levodopa-carbidopa in Parkinson's disease can be very positive, leading to significant symptom relief. However, over time, as the disease progresses and the body adjusts to the medication, adverse effects such as dyskinesias may become more prominent. Choice B is incorrect because the benefits of levodopa-carbidopa can be seen relatively soon after initiation of treatment and do not necessarily take 6 to 9 months to peak. Choice C is incorrect as the temporary improvement is likely related to the medication, given the significant symptom relief experienced. Choice D is incorrect because while benefits may diminish over time, it is not necessarily after 1 or 2 years of treatment, and some patients may continue to benefit from the medication long-term.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient who is scheduled for a cervical discectomy the following day. During health education, the patient should be made aware of what potential complications?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hematoma at the surgical site. This is a potential complication of cervical discectomy due to the risk of bleeding post-surgery. Hematoma can compress nearby structures and lead to increased pain and swelling. A: Vertebral fracture is not a typical complication of cervical discectomy, as the surgery aims to relieve pressure on the spinal cord caused by a herniated disc, not to cause fractures. C: Scoliosis is a condition characterized by abnormal lateral curvature of the spine, and it is not directly related to cervical discectomy. D: Renal trauma is not a common complication of cervical discectomy, as the surgery focuses on the cervical spine and does not involve the kidneys or renal system.