ATI RN
health assessment test bank Questions
Question 1 of 5
A woman comes to the clinic complaining of severe itching on her lower legs. Upon examination, the nurse notices red, scaly patches on the skin. The nurse suspects that this is:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Psoriasis. Psoriasis is characterized by red, scaly patches on the skin, which align with the symptoms described. Psoriasis commonly affects the lower legs and is associated with severe itching. Eczema (choice B) is characterized by red, inflamed, and itchy skin patches, but typically presents differently from psoriasis. Contact dermatitis (choice C) is a localized reaction that occurs when the skin comes into contact with an irritant or allergen, and fungal infections (choice D) typically present with itching, redness, and sometimes peeling skin, but not necessarily scaly patches like psoriasis.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient who is post-operative following abdominal surgery. The nurse should prioritize which of the following in the immediate post-operative period?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Encouraging deep breathing and coughing exercises. This is prioritized in the immediate post-operative period to prevent respiratory complications like atelectasis and pneumonia. Deep breathing helps to expand the lungs and coughing helps clear secretions. Administering pain medication (A) is important but not the top priority. Monitoring for signs of infection (C) is crucial but usually done after ensuring respiratory stability. Providing solid food (D) is contraindicated initially to prevent post-operative complications like ileus.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving chemotherapy. The nurse should monitor for signs of which of the following complications?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Neutropenia. Chemotherapy can suppress bone marrow function, leading to a decrease in neutrophils (a type of white blood cell), causing neutropenia. This increases the risk of infection. Monitoring for signs of infection is crucial in patients receiving chemotherapy to prevent serious complications. Anemia (A) is a common side effect of chemotherapy but is not directly related to infection risk. Hyperkalemia (B) and hypocalcemia (D) are less likely to be immediate complications of chemotherapy compared to neutropenia.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Which of the following lab results would the nurse expect to be elevated in this patient?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Blood urea nitrogen (BUN). In CKD, the kidneys are unable to effectively filter waste products, leading to an increase in BUN levels. Elevated BUN indicates impaired kidney function. Calcium, potassium, and sodium levels may also be affected in CKD, but they are more likely to be imbalanced rather than consistently elevated. Calcium levels may be low due to impaired vitamin D activation, potassium levels may be high due to decreased excretion, and sodium levels can fluctuate based on fluid status. Therefore, while these lab values may be abnormal in CKD, BUN is the most consistently elevated marker of kidney dysfunction.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient who is post-operative following a lung resection. The nurse should monitor for which of the following signs of complications?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increased respiratory rate and dyspnea. After a lung resection, complications like atelectasis or pneumonia can occur, leading to respiratory distress. Monitoring respiratory rate and dyspnea helps detect these issues early. Incorrect choices: B: Constipation and abdominal distension are not directly related to post-operative lung resection complications. C: Nausea and vomiting are more likely related to gastrointestinal issues rather than lung resection. D: Muscle weakness and fatigue are not specific signs of complications following a lung resection.