ATI RN
Health Assessment Neurological System Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
During the diagnosis and long-term management of a seizure disorder, what should the nurse recognize as one of the major needs of the patient?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the context of managing a seizure disorder, the correct answer is B) Coping with the effects of negative social attitudes toward epilepsy. This is the major need of the patient because stigma and misconceptions surrounding epilepsy can significantly impact the patient's quality of life, self-esteem, mental health, and social interactions. Educating patients on how to address and cope with these social attitudes is crucial for their overall well-being. Option A) Managing the complicated drug regimen of seizure control is important but is not the major need. It is a critical aspect of managing epilepsy, but the question specifically asks for the major need. Option C) Adjusting to the very restricted lifestyle required by a diagnosis of epilepsy is also significant, but it is not the major need. Lifestyle adjustments are necessary, but addressing social stigma is more pressing. Option D) Learning to minimize the effect of the condition in order to obtain employment is important for the patient's financial well-being, but it is not the major need addressed in the question. In an educational context, understanding the psychosocial impact of epilepsy and the importance of addressing negative social attitudes is crucial for nurses and healthcare providers to provide holistic care to patients with seizure disorders. By recognizing and addressing the emotional and social needs of patients, healthcare professionals can better support them in managing their condition and improving their overall quality of life.
Question 2 of 5
A nursing intervention that would be appropriate to provide respite care?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In the context of providing respite care for a caregiver of a patient with neurological issues, the appropriate nursing intervention is to help the wife arrange for adult day care for the patient (Option A). This option promotes temporary relief for the caregiver while ensuring the patient's care needs are met in a safe environment. Adult day care centers offer structured activities and supervision for patients, providing much-needed respite for caregivers. Encouraging permanent placement of the patient in an Alzheimer's unit (Option B) may not align with the caregiver's wishes or the patient's best interests in terms of maintaining family relationships and individualized care. Referring the wife to a home health agency for daily nursing visits (Option C) may not provide sufficient respite as the caregiver may still be responsible for a significant portion of care outside of nursing visits. Hospitalizing the patient for the caregiver's convenience (Option D) is not an ethical or appropriate solution for respite care as it can disrupt the patient's routine and may not be medically necessary. Educationally, understanding the importance of respite care in preventing caregiver burnout and maintaining quality care for patients is essential for nursing practice. Nurses play a crucial role in supporting caregivers and ensuring they have access to appropriate respite services to promote their well-being and the well-being of the patients under their care.
Question 3 of 5
Which type of fracture occurred when there is radial nerve and brachial artery damage and the fracture is reduced with a hanging arm cast?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C) Fractured humerus. In this scenario, the description provided in the question aligns with a fracture of the humerus that leads to radial nerve and brachial artery damage. A hanging arm cast is often used to treat a fractured humerus, which helps in the reduction of the fracture. Option A) Fractured tibia is incorrect because the tibia is a bone in the lower leg, not the arm where the radial nerve and brachial artery are located. Option B) Colles' fracture is a specific type of fracture that occurs in the distal radius of the forearm, not the humerus. Option D) Femoral shaft fracture involves the thigh bone (femur), which is not consistent with the description provided in the question. Understanding the specific signs and symptoms associated with different types of fractures is crucial in the field of health assessment. Recognizing the relationship between the location of the fracture, associated nerve and vascular damage, and appropriate treatments such as the hanging arm cast is essential for healthcare professionals, particularly those involved in orthopedic care and rehabilitation. This knowledge helps in accurate diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient care, highlighting the importance of a comprehensive understanding of the musculoskeletal system and associated injuries.
Question 4 of 5
Why does a nurse position a patient with an above-the-knee amputation with a delayed prosthetic fitting prone several times a day?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale: A) To prevent flexion contractures Positioning a patient with an above-the-knee amputation prone several times a day is crucial to prevent flexion contractures. Flexion contractures occur when the residual limb remains in a flexed position for an extended period, leading to muscle shortening and joint stiffness. By placing the patient prone, the hip joint is extended, helping to maintain the range of motion and prevent contractures. B) To assess the posterior skin flap Assessing the posterior skin flap is important after surgery to ensure proper healing and detect any signs of infection or complications. However, this does not require positioning the patient prone several times a day. Regular wound assessments can be done in a supine or side-lying position without the need for prone positioning. C) To reduce edema in the residual limb While elevating the residual limb can help reduce edema by promoting venous return, prone positioning may not be the most effective method for edema management. Elevating the limb above heart level is more commonly used to reduce edema in the immediate post-amputation period. D) To relieve pressure on the incision site Relieving pressure on the incision site is important for wound healing and preventing complications. However, prone positioning may not be the most optimal way to relieve pressure on the incision site of an above-the-knee amputation. Proper wound care, padding, and elevation are more effective strategies for relieving pressure. Educational context: Understanding the rationale behind positioning patients with above-the-knee amputations is crucial for nurses providing post-operative care. By preventing flexion contractures through appropriate positioning, nurses can help promote optimal outcomes for patients undergoing amputation surgery. It is essential for nurses to have a comprehensive understanding of positioning techniques to prevent complications and promote patient recovery.
Question 5 of 5
Which type of bone tumor is a benign overgrowth of bone and cartilage and may transform into a malignant form?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this question, the correct answer is D) Osteochondroma. Osteochondroma is a benign bone tumor characterized by an overgrowth of both bone and cartilage. It is considered the most common benign bone tumor and typically presents in areas of endochondral bone formation, such as the metaphysis of long bones. Option A) Endochroma is not a recognized medical term. Option B) Osteoclastoma is a term historically used for giant cell tumor of bone, which is a locally aggressive but usually benign tumor. Option C) Ewing's sarcoma is a malignant bone tumor that arises in the bone or soft tissue, commonly affecting children and young adults. Understanding the different types of bone tumors is essential in the field of health assessment, particularly in neurology, where the ability to differentiate between benign and malignant lesions is crucial for appropriate patient management. Recognizing the characteristics of osteochondroma, such as its benign nature and potential for malignant transformation, helps healthcare providers make informed decisions regarding treatment and follow-up care for patients.