ATI RN
foundation of nursing questions and answers Questions
Question 1 of 9
A woman scheduled for a simple mastectomy in one week is having her preoperative education provided by the clinic nurse. What educational intervention will be of primary importance to prevent hemorrhage in the postoperative period?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Stop taking aspirin. Aspirin is a blood thinner that can increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. By stopping aspirin before surgery, the woman's blood clotting ability will improve, reducing the risk of hemorrhage. A: Limiting intake of green leafy vegetables is not directly related to preventing hemorrhage in the postoperative period. B: Increasing water intake is important for overall health, but it does not specifically address the risk of hemorrhage related to aspirin use. D: Having nothing by mouth for 6 hours before surgery is important for preventing aspiration during anesthesia, but it does not directly address the risk of hemorrhage related to aspirin use.
Question 2 of 9
The nurse is providing home care for a patient diagnosed with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Which dietary intervention will the nurse add to the care plan?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because providing small, frequent nutrient-dense meals helps maximize kilocalories, which is important for patients with AIDS who may have difficulty maintaining weight due to their compromised immune system. This approach ensures the patient receives essential nutrients and energy to support their immune function. Choice B is incorrect as there is no evidence to suggest that hot meals are more easily tolerated by AIDS patients. Choice C is incorrect because limiting liquids can lead to dehydration, which is especially detrimental for individuals with weakened immune systems. Choice D is incorrect as encouraging the intake of fatty foods may not necessarily provide the necessary nutrients and energy required for immune support in AIDS patients.
Question 3 of 9
A patient is being discharged home from the ambulatory surgery center after an incisional biopsy of a mass in her left breast. What are the criteria for discharging this patient home? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why answer A is correct: 1. Ambulating is a crucial postoperative activity to prevent complications like blood clots. 2. Understanding when to ambulate ensures the patient follows proper recovery guidelines. 3. Proper ambulation aids in preventing postoperative complications and promotes healing. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: B. Having someone accompany the patient is important for support but not a strict criteria for discharge. C. While understanding activity restrictions is important, it is not a specific criteria for immediate discharge. D. Understanding care for the biopsy site is essential but not a strict criteria for immediate discharge. E. Removal of a urinary catheter is not typically related to discharge criteria for a breast biopsy.
Question 4 of 9
A patient with HIV is admitted to the hospital because of chronic severe diarrhea. The nurse caring for this patient should expect the physician to order what drug for the management of the patients diarrhea?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Sandostatin. This drug is a somatostatin analog that can help manage HIV-related chronic severe diarrhea by reducing gastrointestinal secretions. Sandostatin works by inhibiting the release of various hormones and neurotransmitters in the gut, which can help control diarrhea in HIV patients. Rationale: A: Zithromax is an antibiotic that is not typically used to manage chronic severe diarrhea in HIV patients. C: Levaquin is also an antibiotic and not indicated for managing diarrhea in HIV patients. D: Biaxin is another antibiotic and not the appropriate choice for managing chronic severe diarrhea in HIV patients. In summary, Sandostatin is the correct choice as it specifically targets the underlying cause of diarrhea in HIV patients by reducing gastrointestinal secretions, whereas the other options are antibiotics that are not indicated for this purpose.
Question 5 of 9
Which finding in the assessment of a patient following an abruption placenta could indicate a major complication?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C - bleeding at IV insertion site. This finding could indicate a major complication following an abruption placenta, such as disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) or hypovolemic shock. Bleeding at the IV site suggests a systemic issue affecting the patient's coagulation status. Choices A, B, and D are not directly indicative of a major complication following an abruption placenta. Urine output, blood pressure, and respiratory rate are important parameters to monitor but do not specifically point to a major complication in this context.
Question 6 of 9
A patient has had a total mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. The patient asks the nurse when she can take a shower. What should the nurse respond?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Not until the drain is removed. After a mastectomy with immediate reconstruction, there is typically a drain in place to collect fluid. Showering before the drain is removed can increase the risk of infection and disrupt the healing process. It is important to wait until the healthcare provider removes the drain to ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of complications. Summary: B: On the second postoperative day - Too early, the drain needs to be removed first. C: Now, if you wash gently with soap and water - Incorrect, the drain should be removed before showering. D: Seven days after your surgery - Incorrect, waiting for a specific number of days is not necessary, it depends on when the drain is removed.
Question 7 of 9
A nurse is a member of an interdisciplinary teamthat uses critical pathways. According to the critical pathway, on day 2 of the hospital stay, the patient should be sitting in the chair. It is day 3, and the patient cannot sit in the chair. What should the nurse do?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Document the variance in the patient’s record. By documenting the variance in the patient's record, the nurse can provide a clear record of the deviation from the critical pathway. This documentation is essential for tracking the patient's progress accurately and identifying potential issues that may require intervention. It allows for proper communication among the interdisciplinary team and ensures that everyone is aware of the deviation. Choice A is incorrect because adding data to the problem list may not provide a comprehensive record of the variance. Choice B is incorrect because focusing on charting using the DAR format does not address the deviation from the critical pathway. Choice D is incorrect because reporting a positive variance in the next team meeting may not accurately reflect the patient's actual progress and may lead to miscommunication within the team.
Question 8 of 9
The nurse has taken shift report on her patients and has been told that one patient has an ocular condition that has primarily affected the rods in his eyes. Considering this information, what should the nurse do while caring for the patient?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is A because rods are responsible for vision in low light conditions. By ensuring adequate lighting in the patient's room, the nurse can optimize the patient's visual acuity. This will help the patient navigate their environment more safely. Summary: - B is incorrect because dim lighting would further limit the patient's already compromised vision. - C is incorrect as the patient's ability to perceive color may not be affected by rod dysfunction. - D is incorrect as the patient may struggle to see fine details due to rod impairment.
Question 9 of 9
After the completion of testing, a childs allergies have been attributed to her familys cat. When introducing the family to the principles of avoidance therapy, the nurse should promote what action?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Removing the cat from the family's home. This is the most effective way to prevent allergic reactions in the child. By removing the source of allergens (cat), the child will be exposed to fewer allergens, leading to a reduction in symptoms. B: Administering OTC antihistamines treats symptoms but does not address the underlying cause of the allergy. C: Keeping the cat restricted from the child's bedroom helps reduce exposure, but allergens can still spread throughout the house. D: Maximizing airflow may help reduce allergens in the air but does not eliminate the source of the allergy.