ATI RN
Medical Surgical Nursing Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
During a family meeting, the patient's father called his son a bum because of his drug use and running afoul of the law. What is the best response?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The best response to the patient's father calling his son a bum due to his drug use and legal issues is option A) Anyone can become physiologically and psychologically dependent on drugs, leading to various negative consequences. This response is correct because it addresses the father's judgmental statement with empathy and educates about the nature of addiction. By highlighting the physiological and psychological aspects of drug dependence, it helps the father understand that his son's behavior is a result of a complex issue requiring compassion and support. Option B) Your son realizes his problem and is trying to change, while positive, may oversimplify the challenges of addiction and may not address the father's concerns adequately. Option C) Have you thought about going to family therapy? and Option D) Have you heard about Nar-Anon or Al-Anon? are premature suggestions before addressing the father's misconceptions about addiction. In an educational context, it is crucial to teach healthcare professionals to respond to sensitive family dynamics with empathy and evidence-based information. Understanding addiction as a complex health issue rather than a moral failing is essential in providing holistic care to patients and their families. Educating on the multifaceted nature of addiction helps reduce stigma and fosters a supportive environment for recovery.
Question 2 of 5
In discharge teaching for cataract surgery, the client and family should be told to immediately report which symptom to the physician?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In the context of cataract surgery discharge teaching, it is crucial to educate clients and their families on the signs and symptoms that warrant immediate medical attention. The correct answer, option D - "Intense pain not relieved by prescribed medications," is the most critical symptom to report to the physician promptly. Intense pain post-cataract surgery can indicate complications such as infection, increased intraocular pressure, or other serious issues that require immediate evaluation and intervention to prevent further damage or vision loss. Options A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not pose the same level of urgency as intense, persistent pain. A scratchy sensation in the operative eye (option A) is common after surgery and usually resolves with proper postoperative care. Loss of depth perception with the patch in place (option B) is a temporary visual disturbance that is expected in the immediate postoperative period. Inadequate vision 6-8 hours after the patch is removed (option C) may be due to transient factors like corneal edema or residual anesthesia effects and often improves over time. In an educational setting, understanding the importance of recognizing and promptly reporting abnormal symptoms post-cataract surgery is essential for ensuring optimal patient outcomes. By emphasizing the significance of reporting intense pain that is unrelieved by prescribed medications, healthcare providers can empower patients and their families to take an active role in their postoperative care and seek timely medical attention when needed.
Question 3 of 5
You are taking histories from several clients who report vertigo. Which client report concerns you the most?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is A) Vertigo with hearing loss. This response should concern you the most because vertigo accompanied by hearing loss could indicate an underlying issue with the inner ear, such as Ménière's disease or acoustic neuroma. These conditions can have serious implications for the client's health and require thorough assessment and management. Option B) Episodic vertigo is less concerning than vertigo with hearing loss since it could be related to benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) or vestibular migraines, which are generally less severe and easier to manage. Option C) Vertigo without hearing loss may be less alarming as it could be related to conditions like vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis, which typically do not involve hearing loss and have better prognoses compared to inner ear pathologies. Option D) 'Merry-go-round' vertigo is a term commonly used to describe the sensation of spinning but does not provide specific clinical information that would raise immediate concerns. Educationally, understanding the significance of associated symptoms with vertigo can help nurses prioritize assessments and interventions, leading to improved patient outcomes. Recognizing the red flag of vertigo with hearing loss prompts further investigation and appropriate referrals for a timely and accurate diagnosis.
Question 4 of 5
Symptoms indicative of cervical cancer include:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this question, the correct answer is A) Irregular vaginal bleeding. Cervical cancer often presents with symptoms such as abnormal vaginal bleeding, especially after intercourse, between periods, or after menopause. This is due to the presence of cancerous cells in the cervix which can cause bleeding. Option B) Bloating is not typically associated with cervical cancer. Bloating can be a symptom of various gastrointestinal issues or reproductive system disorders but is not a common symptom of cervical cancer. Option C) Weight gain and nausea are also not typical symptoms of cervical cancer. These symptoms can be related to other health conditions such as hormonal imbalances, digestive issues, or pregnancy, but are not directly indicative of cervical cancer. Option D) Dyspareunia, which is painful intercourse, can sometimes be associated with cervical cancer but is not as common or as specific a symptom as irregular vaginal bleeding. Educationally, it is important for nursing students to understand the key symptoms of cervical cancer to facilitate early detection and timely intervention. Teaching them to recognize the hallmark signs like abnormal vaginal bleeding can lead to prompt referral for further evaluation and potentially life-saving treatment. This knowledge enhances the quality of care provided by nurses and contributes to better patient outcomes.
Question 5 of 5
The third stage of labor is when:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In the context of medical surgical nursing, understanding the stages of labor is crucial for providing safe and effective care to mothers and newborns. The third stage of labor is defined by the delivery of the placenta. This stage starts immediately after the birth of the baby and ends with the expulsion of the placenta and its attached membranes. Option A, contractions reaching their peak, describes the first stage of labor, particularly the transition phase. Option B, the head becoming visible, is part of the second stage of labor when the baby is born. Option C, the water breaking, typically occurs in the early stages of labor, specifically during the rupture of membranes. By knowing the specific characteristics of each stage of labor, nurses can accurately assess progress, anticipate complications, and provide appropriate interventions. Understanding the sequence of events in labor also helps nurses educate and support laboring mothers effectively. Therefore, recognizing that the correct answer is D, the delivery of the placenta, is essential for providing high-quality care during the third stage of labor.