ATI RN
foundation of nursing questions and answers Questions
Question 1 of 5
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 5
A patient newly diagnosed with breast cancer states that her physician suspects regional lymph node involvement and told her that there are signs of metastatic disease. The nurse learns that the patient has been diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer. What is an implication of this diagnosis?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer A: Stage IV breast cancer indicates distant metastasis, making the patient ineligible for curative surgery. Treatment for stage IV focuses on palliative care to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Summary of Other Choices: B: Stage IV breast cancer is not considered highly treatable as it has spread beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes, making it more challenging to cure. C: There is no evidence to suggest that stage IV breast cancer will self-resolve. The prognosis for metastatic breast cancer is typically poor. D: The 5-year survival rate for stage IV breast cancer is generally lower than 15%, making this choice incorrect.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is teaching breast self-examination (BSE) to a group of women. The nurse should recommend that the women perform BSE at what time?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: At the time of menses. This is because breasts are less lumpy and tender during this time, making it easier to detect abnormalities. Performing BSE at other times may lead to false alarms due to hormonal changes. Choice B is incorrect because timing matters for accurate results. Choice C is incorrect as weekly BSE is unnecessary and may cause unnecessary anxiety. Choice D is incorrect as breasts are more lumpy and tender post-menses, potentially making it harder to detect abnormalities.
Question 4 of 5
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 5 of 5
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.