ATI RN
test bank foundations of nursing Questions
Question 1 of 9
An oncology nurse is caring for a patient who has developed erythema following radiation therapy. What should the nurse instruct the patient to do?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Apply petroleum jelly to the affected area. This is because petroleum jelly helps to soothe and protect the skin, reducing dryness and irritation caused by radiation therapy. Ice (A) can further damage the skin, shaving (B) can increase the risk of infection, and soap (D) can be too harsh on the sensitive skin. Therefore, instructing the patient to apply petroleum jelly is the most appropriate recommendation to promote skin healing and comfort.
Question 2 of 9
A nurse would identify that a colleague needs additional instruction on standard precautions when the colleague exhibits which of the following behaviors?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because putting on a second pair of gloves over soiled gloves during a procedure violates standard precautions by increasing contamination risk. Here's the rationale: 1. Standard precautions require removing soiled gloves before putting on new ones to prevent cross-contamination. 2. Wearing multiple gloves increases the risk of tearing and exposure to pathogens. 3. This behavior shows a lack of understanding of proper infection control practices. Summary of other choices: A: Wearing face protection, gloves, and a gown when irrigating a wound is a correct practice. B: Washing hands with waterless antiseptic after removing soiled gloves is correct. D: Placing a used needle and syringe in a puncture-resistant container without capping the needle is incorrect, but not as severe as choice C.
Question 3 of 9
A nurse is providing an educational event to a local mens group about prostate cancer. The nurse should cite an increased risk of prostate cancer in what ethnic group?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: African Americans. African American men have the highest incidence rate of prostate cancer among all ethnic groups. This is due to genetic and environmental factors, as well as disparities in access to healthcare. Native Americans (A), Caucasian Americans (B), and Asian Americans (D) have lower rates of prostate cancer compared to African Americans. It is important to educate the local men's group about this increased risk in African Americans to promote awareness and early detection.
Question 4 of 9
The nurse is assessing a 73-year-old patient who was diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer. The nurse notes that the patient is exhibiting signs of loss, grief, and intense sadness. Based on this assessment data, the nurse will document that the patient is most likely in what stage of death and dying?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Depression. In the context of the stages of death and dying proposed by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, a patient exhibiting signs of loss, grief, and intense sadness is likely in the depression stage. This stage involves feelings of hopelessness, despair, and sorrow as the patient comes to terms with the reality of their situation. Denial (choice B) is characterized by a refusal to accept the diagnosis, anger (choice C) involves feelings of resentment and frustration, and resignation (choice D) signifies a sense of acceptance and peace. In this scenario, the patient's emotional state aligns most closely with depression, indicating a deep sense of sadness and mourning.
Question 5 of 9
A 52-year-old woman has just been told she has breast cancer and is scheduled for a modified mastectomy the following week. The nurse caring for this patient knows that she is anxious and fearful about the upcoming procedure and the newly diagnosed malignancy. How can the nurse most likely alleviate this patients fears?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Provide the patient with relevant information about expected recovery. This option addresses the patient's anxiety by providing her with concrete information about what to expect after the procedure. By knowing the expected recovery process, the patient can feel more in control and prepared, which can help alleviate fears. Summary: A: Providing written material on the procedure does not directly address the patient's fears about the upcoming surgery and cancer diagnosis. C: Giving the patient current information on breast cancer survival rates may increase anxiety rather than alleviate it, as it focuses on statistics rather than the individual patient's concerns. D: Offering alternative treatment options may not be appropriate at this stage when the patient is already scheduled for a modified mastectomy. It may add confusion and further anxiety.
Question 6 of 9
A nurse is caring for a hospitalized patientwith a urinary catheter. Which nursing actionbestprevents the patient from acquiring an infection?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Maintaining a closed urinary drainage system. This action prevents infection by reducing exposure to external pathogens. Step 1: A closed system minimizes the risk of contamination. Step 2: It prevents entry of bacteria into the urinary tract. Step 3: Regularly emptying the drainage bag helps maintain a closed system. Step 4: This action promotes patient safety and reduces infection risk. Summary: Choice B (strict clean technique) may reduce infection risk during catheter insertion but does not prevent infections post-insertion. Choice C (replacing drainage bag once per shift) increases infection risk due to frequent disconnection. Choice D (fully inflating catheter balloon) is unrelated to infection prevention.
Question 7 of 9
A nurse is caring for a pregnant patient with active herpes. The teaching plan for this patient should include which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because babies can become infected with the herpes virus if delivered vaginally. During childbirth, the virus can be passed to the infant, leading to serious health complications. This information is crucial for the patient to understand in order to make informed decisions about delivery options. Choice B is incorrect because excision of herpes lesions is not the recommended treatment during pregnancy. Treatment typically involves antiviral medications to manage symptoms and reduce the risk of transmission to the baby. Choice C is incorrect because herpes outbreaks can indeed be painful during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and a weakened immune system. Pain management strategies should be discussed as part of the teaching plan. Choice D is incorrect because pregnancy can pose a risk to the infant if the mother has active herpes. It is important to manage the condition appropriately to prevent transmission to the baby.
Question 8 of 9
A patient with HIV will be receiving care in the home setting. What aspect of self-care should the nurse emphasize during discharge education?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Importance of personal hygiene. Maintaining good personal hygiene is crucial for patients with HIV to prevent infections. This includes regular handwashing, oral care, and bathing. By emphasizing personal hygiene, the nurse can help the patient reduce the risk of opportunistic infections. Prophylactic antibiotics (choice A) are important but should be prescribed by the healthcare provider. Signs and symptoms of wasting syndrome (choice C) are significant, but focusing on prevention through hygiene is more practical. Adjusting antiretroviral dosages (choice D) is the responsibility of the healthcare provider, not the patient.
Question 9 of 9
A patient newly diagnosed with a cervical disk herniation is receiving health education from the clinic nurse. What conservative management measures should the nurse teach the patient to implement?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Sleep on a firm mattress. A firm mattress helps maintain proper spinal alignment, reducing pressure on the cervical spine. This promotes healing and prevents worsening of symptoms. A: Performing active ROM exercises may exacerbate symptoms and worsen the condition. C: Applying cool compresses may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying issue of spinal alignment. D: Wearing a cervical collar for extended periods can weaken neck muscles and hinder natural healing processes. In summary, sleeping on a firm mattress is the most appropriate conservative measure as it supports proper spinal alignment.