ATI RN
Basic Nursing Care of a Neurosurgery Patient Questions
Question 1 of 5
A pulse oximeter sensor is normally clipped on a person's
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Finger. A pulse oximeter measures oxygen saturation in the blood, which is typically done through capillaries close to the skin's surface. The finger is an optimal location due to the abundant blood vessels, making it easier to accurately measure oxygen levels. Clipping the sensor on the neck (A), stomach (C), or lower arm (D) would not provide accurate readings as these areas have less blood flow and are not suitable for accurate oxygen saturation measurements.
Question 2 of 5
Which of the following is a factor influencing the increased incidence of outpatient/same day surgery?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A) lower healthcare costs. Outpatient or same day surgery has become increasingly common due to the significant cost-saving benefits associated with it. By allowing patients to go home the same day as their surgery, healthcare facilities can reduce the length of hospital stays, which in turn decreases overall healthcare costs. This factor has led to the widespread adoption of outpatient surgeries as a more cost-effective option for both patients and healthcare providers. Option B) increase in length of hospital stays is incorrect because the trend in modern healthcare is actually to reduce the length of hospital stays whenever possible, in order to lower costs and improve patient outcomes. Option C) increase in minor surgeries is not directly related to the increased incidence of outpatient surgeries, as minor surgeries can still be performed on an inpatient basis if necessary. Option D) decrease in number of surgeons is also not a factor influencing the increased incidence of outpatient surgeries. The availability of surgeons may impact access to care, but it does not directly affect the shift towards more outpatient procedures. Understanding the factors driving the increased incidence of outpatient surgeries is crucial for healthcare providers, nurses, and students in the field of nursing. It is essential to be aware of the evolving trends in healthcare delivery to provide the best care possible to patients while also considering cost-effectiveness and efficiency in healthcare practices. By grasping the rationale behind the shift towards outpatient surgeries, nurses can better advocate for their patients and contribute to optimizing healthcare delivery systems.
Question 3 of 5
An 80-year-old woman tells the nurse that she just itches all the time and her skin seems very dry. How do these symptoms relate to aging skin?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A) activity of the glands in the skin lessens. As individuals age, the sebaceous (oil) and sweat glands in the skin become less active. This reduction in gland activity leads to decreased production of natural oils that help to moisturize the skin. As a result, the skin becomes drier, making it more prone to itching and irritation. Option B) stating that the symptoms are indicators of a disease is incorrect because dry, itchy skin is a common occurrence in aging individuals due to physiological changes in the skin rather than a specific disease process. Option C) suggesting that skin gland activity increases, leading to acne, is incorrect in the context of aging skin. Acne is more commonly associated with increased sebaceous gland activity, typically seen in younger individuals rather than in the elderly population. Option D) claiming that the symptoms are unrelated to aging skin is incorrect because the symptoms described by the patient are typical manifestations of skin changes associated with aging. Educationally, it is important for nursing students to understand the normal physiological changes that occur in the skin with aging to provide appropriate care and interventions for elderly patients. By recognizing the effects of aging on skin health, nurses can implement strategies to maintain skin integrity, prevent complications such as pressure ulcers, and address common issues like dryness and itching in older adults.
Question 4 of 5
A patient with severe osteoarthritis is having a surgical hip replacement. This is possible because of the type of joint found in the hip. What type is it?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the context of basic nursing care of a neurosurgery patient, understanding the anatomy and physiology of joints is crucial for providing appropriate care and support post-surgery. In this case, the correct answer is C) ball-and-socket joint. The hip joint is indeed a ball-and-socket joint, where the rounded head of the femur articulates with the cup-shaped acetabulum of the pelvis. This specific joint type allows for a wide range of motion, which is essential for activities like walking and sitting. Option A) pivot joint is incorrect because pivot joints, found in the neck for example, allow for rotational movement, not the multi-directional movement required at the hip joint during activities like walking or bending. Option B) gliding joint is incorrect as these joints, like those between the carpal bones in the wrist, allow for sliding movements rather than the extensive range of motion and stability provided by a ball-and-socket joint. Option D) hinge joint, found in the elbow and knee, allows movement in one plane (flexion and extension) and does not provide the necessary mobility for a hip replacement surgery. Understanding the specific type of joint in the hip is important for nurses caring for patients undergoing hip replacement surgery, as it impacts post-operative care, rehabilitation protocols, and patient education on mobility and weight-bearing precautions following the procedure. This knowledge helps nurses anticipate patient needs, prevent complications, and facilitate optimal recovery outcomes.
Question 5 of 5
A college student fell and sprained his right ankle. The student health physician recommends the student use crutches to facilitate healing. Which of the following would the nurse teach the student?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the context of basic nursing care for a neurosurgery patient, it is crucial to educate the student on proper crutch use to prevent complications. Option C, which states that the support of the body should be on the hands and arms, is the correct answer. This is because supporting the body weight through the hands and arms helps distribute the pressure evenly, preventing nerve damage that can occur with axillary pressure. Option A, which suggests the crutches should be as long as the student is tall, is incorrect because the ideal crutch length should be adjusted to ensure the elbows are slightly bent when the student is standing upright. Crutches that are too long or too short can lead to discomfort and poor weight distribution. Option B, which states the support should be in the axilla, is incorrect because placing weight on the axilla can compress the brachial plexus and lead to nerve damage, discomfort, and potential injury. Option D, which advises walking fast and using long steps with crutches, is incorrect as this can increase the risk of falls and instability. It is important to teach the student to take slow, steady steps to maintain balance and prevent further injury to the sprained ankle. Educationally, it is important to emphasize the rationale behind proper crutch use to ensure patient safety and optimal healing. By understanding the correct technique, the student can prevent complications and promote effective rehabilitation. Proper education on crutch use is essential for both patient comfort and safety in promoting optimal recovery.