ATI RN
foundation of nursing questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
A woman aged 48 years comes to the clinic because she has discovered a lump in her breast. After diagnostic testing, the woman receives a diagnosis of breast cancer. The woman asks the nurse when her teenage daughters should begin mammography. What is the nurses best advice?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Age 48. This recommendation aligns with the current guidelines from major health organizations, such as the American Cancer Society, which suggest that women at average risk should start regular mammograms at age 45 to 54. Screening before age 45 may lead to unnecessary procedures due to false positives. Beginning at age 48 allows for early detection without subjecting the daughters to unnecessary testing at a younger age. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they suggest starting mammography at younger ages than recommended, which can increase the likelihood of false positives and unnecessary interventions.
Question 2 of 9
A 37-year-old man is brought to the clinic by his wife because he is experiencing loss of motor function and sensation. The physician suspects the patient has a spinal cord tumor and hospitalizes him for diagnostic testing. In light of the need to diagnose spinal cord compression from a tumor, the nurse will most likely prepare the patient for what test?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: MRI. MRI is the most appropriate test for diagnosing spinal cord compression from a tumor as it provides detailed images of soft tissues, including the spinal cord and surrounding structures. It can accurately identify the location, size, and extent of the tumor. Anterior-posterior x-ray (A) is not as detailed and may not clearly show soft tissue abnormalities. Ultrasound (B) is not typically used for imaging the spinal cord and may not provide sufficient information. Lumbar puncture (C) is used to collect cerebrospinal fluid and is not helpful for diagnosing spinal cord compression from a tumor.
Question 3 of 9
A nurse wants to present information about fluimmunizations to the older adults in the community. Which type of communication should the nurse use?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Small group. When presenting information about flu immunizations to older adults in the community, using small group communication is most effective. In small group settings, the nurse can engage with the audience, encourage discussions, answer questions, and address individual concerns. This approach allows for personalized interaction, fosters trust, and facilitates better understanding and retention of information. Public communication (choice A) may not provide the same level of individualized attention. Interpersonal communication (choice C) typically refers to one-on-one interactions, which may not reach a larger audience efficiently. Intrapersonal communication (choice D) involves self-reflection and is not suitable for disseminating information to a group.
Question 4 of 9
A nurse is providing care to a group of patients.Which patient will the nurse seefirst?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because reflex incontinence with elevated blood pressure and pulse rate indicates a potentially urgent medical situation that requires immediate attention to address the underlying cause. This patient may be at risk for a serious medical event such as autonomic dysreflexia, which requires prompt intervention. Choice A is incorrect because urge incontinence does not pose an immediate threat to the patient's health compared to the urgent medical situation presented in choice B. Choice C is incorrect because while stool on the catheter tubing may indicate the need for intervention, it is not as time-sensitive as the situation presented in choice B. Choice D is incorrect because the patient who has just voided and needs a postvoid residual test does not have any urgent medical issues that require immediate attention compared to the patient with reflex incontinence and elevated vital signs.
Question 5 of 9
A patient has been admitted to the neurologic unit for the treatment of a newly diagnosed brain tumor. The patient has just exhibited seizure activity for the first time. What is the nurses priority response to this event?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Implement precautions to ensure the patient's safety. When a patient exhibits seizure activity for the first time, the immediate priority is to ensure the patient's safety by implementing precautions such as protecting the patient from injury during the seizure, ensuring a patent airway, and monitoring vital signs. Identifying triggers (Choice A) can be important for long-term management but is not the priority during an acute seizure. Teaching the family about the relationship between brain tumors and seizures (Choice C) can be done later but is not the immediate priority. Ensuring a private room (Choice D) is not the priority when the patient's safety during a seizure is the main concern.
Question 6 of 9
A 30-year-old patient has come to the clinic for her yearly examination. The patient asks the nurse about ovarian cancer. What should the nurse state when describing risk factors for ovarian cancer?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step 1: The nurse should inform the patient that most cases of ovarian cancer are considered to be random, with no obvious causation. This is the correct answer because the exact cause of ovarian cancer is not well understood, and the majority of cases are not linked to specific risk factors. Step 2: Choice A is incorrect because the use of oral contraceptives actually decreases the risk of ovarian cancer. Step 3: Choice B is incorrect because tobacco use is not a major risk factor for ovarian cancer. It is primarily associated with lung and other types of cancer. Step 4: Choice D is incorrect because while a family history of ovarian cancer can increase the risk, the majority of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer do not have a family history of the disease.
Question 7 of 9
A patient has a decreased gag reflex, left-sided weakness, and drooling. Which action will the nurse take when feeding this patient?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Flex head with chin tuck. This position helps prevent aspiration by closing off the airway during swallowing. Flexing the head and tucking the chin promotes safe swallowing and reduces the risk of choking. Placing food on the left side (choice C) is not relevant to addressing the patient's symptoms. Positioning in semi-Fowler's (choice A) may not directly address the swallowing difficulty. Offering fruit juice (choice D) does not address the patient's specific feeding needs and may not be safe if the patient has swallowing difficulties.
Question 8 of 9
A patient has been diagnosed with serous otitis media for the third time in the past year. How should the nurse best interpret this patients health status?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Serous otitis media is common in children due to eustachian tube dysfunction, not usually related to systemic infections. Step 2: Recurrent infections may indicate age-related changes like decreased eustachian tube function. Step 3: Age-related physiologic changes can lead to poor drainage, causing recurrent otitis media. Step 4: Therefore, choice A is correct as it aligns with the typical presentation of serous otitis media in the context of age. Summary: Choice B is incorrect as there is no indication for temporary mobility restriction. Choice C is incorrect as serous otitis media does not typically warrant assessment for nasopharyngeal cancer. Choice D is incorrect as blood cultures are not typically indicated for serous otitis media.
Question 9 of 9
Which data found on a patient’s health history would place her at risk for an ectopic pregnancy?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Recurrent pelvic infections. Pelvic infections can lead to scarring and blockage of the fallopian tubes, increasing the risk of ectopic pregnancy. Ovarian cysts and oral contraceptives are not directly linked to ectopic pregnancies. Heavy menstrual flow does not inherently increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy.