ATI RN
Test Bank Pharmacology and the Nursing Process Questions
Question 1 of 9
The most significant form of meningitis is:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Bacterial meningitis. Bacterial meningitis is the most significant form due to its potential severity and rapid progression, requiring urgent medical intervention with antibiotics. Bacterial meningitis can lead to serious complications such as brain damage or death if left untreated. Septic meningitis (choice B) refers to meningitis caused by a systemic infection spreading to the meninges. Aseptic meningitis (choice C) is typically viral or non-bacterial in origin, usually milder than bacterial meningitis. Viral meningitis (choice D) is less severe than bacterial meningitis and often resolves on its own without specific treatment.
Question 2 of 9
A 39-year old male client underwent Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) eight hours ago and asks the nurse, “Why is my urine in the bag clotting like blood?” The nurse’s best interpretation of this finding is that:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: after the surgery, bleeding is normal. This is because after a TURP procedure, it is common for some bleeding to occur, leading to blood clots in the urine bag. The surgical site undergoes trauma, causing bleeding as a part of the healing process. Choice B is incorrect because while irrigation may be done post-surgery, blood clots in the urine bag are expected due to the surgery itself, not just irrigation. Choice C is incorrect as it is normal for some bleeding to occur after TURP, and immediate physician intervention is not necessary unless excessive bleeding is observed. Choice D is incorrect as tugging on the catheter may cause bleeding, but in this case, the presence of blood clots is likely due to the surgery itself, not catheter irritation.
Question 3 of 9
In assisting a physician to perform a thoracentesis to Mr. Sy, how should the nurse postion a patient with pleural effusion of the left lung?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: sitting at the side of the bed with both arms resting on a locked overbed table. This position allows for better lung expansion and easier access to the thoracic cavity during the procedure. Sitting position helps in maximizing lung volume and facilitates drainage of pleural effusion. Arms resting on a locked overbed table helps the patient maintain a stable position and reduces the risk of movement during the procedure. Other choices are incorrect because supine position (A) may not allow for optimal lung expansion, high fowler's position (C) may not provide easy access to the thoracic cavity, and semi-fowlers position (D) may not facilitate efficient drainage of pleural effusion.
Question 4 of 9
The nurse is reviewing the medication history of a new preoperative patient who is nil by mouth (NPO). The nurse notes that the patient has been on long-term oral steroid therapy. The nurse understands that which of the following is the reason that steroids cannot be abruptly stopped?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because abruptly stopping steroids can lead to adrenal insufficiency due to suppression of the adrenal glands. This can result in a sudden drop in cortisol levels, which are essential for various physiological functions. Patients on long-term steroid therapy need a gradual taper to allow the adrenal glands to resume cortisol production. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not directly relate to the physiological effects of stopping steroids abruptly.
Question 5 of 9
A nurse is making initial rounds on patients. Which intervention for a patient with poor wound healing should the nurse perform first?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Observe wound appearance and edges. This is the first intervention the nurse should perform because assessing the wound's appearance and edges provides crucial information about the healing process and any signs of infection. It helps in determining the next steps in the care plan. Reinforcing the dressing (A) and performing dressing changes (B) should come after assessing the wound. Documenting wound characteristics (D) is important but should also follow the initial assessment.
Question 6 of 9
The nurse is assigned to care for a postoperative client who has diabetes mellitus. During the assessment interview, the client reports that he’s impotent and says he’s concerned about its effect on his marriage. In planning this client’s care, the most appropriate intervention would be to:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Suggest referral to a sex counselor or other appropriate professional. This is the most appropriate intervention as it addresses the client's concern about impotence affecting his marriage by offering specialized help from a professional who can provide counseling and guidance on managing sexual issues related to diabetes. Referring the client to a sex counselor ensures that he receives expert support in addressing his specific concerns and helps improve his overall well-being and quality of life. A: Encouraging the client to ask questions about personality sexuality may not address the underlying issue of impotence and its impact on the marriage. B: Providing time for privacy is important but may not directly address the client's concerns about impotence. C: Providing support for the spouse or significant other is beneficial, but the primary focus should be on addressing the client's specific concerns about impotence.
Question 7 of 9
An adult is to receive an IM injection of Morphine for post op pain. Which of the following is necessary for the nurse to assess prior to giving a narcotic analgesic?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Before administering a narcotic analgesic like Morphine, assessing the client's level of alertness and respiratory rate is crucial to ensure they can tolerate the medication without compromising their breathing. Alertness indicates their ability to handle potential side effects, while respiratory rate is vital to monitor for any signs of respiratory depression. Choice B (last meal) is not directly related to giving a narcotic analgesic, although it may impact the absorption rate. Choice C (bowel habits) and last bowel movement are not immediately relevant to assessing the client's readiness for a narcotic analgesic. Choice D (history of addictions) is important but not the priority when assessing for immediate safety and efficacy of the medication.
Question 8 of 9
When evaluating a client's response to fluid replacement therapy, the observation that indicates adequate tissue perfusion to vital organ is;
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Urinary output of 30 ml in an hour. Adequate tissue perfusion is best indicated by a sufficient urinary output, as it demonstrates proper kidney perfusion and function. A low urinary output may suggest inadequate perfusion. Explanation for other choices: B: Central venous pressure reading of 2 cm H20 is not a reliable indicator of tissue perfusion to vital organs. C: Pulse rates alone are not enough to indicate tissue perfusion as they can be influenced by various factors. D: Blood pressure readings alone may not accurately reflect tissue perfusion, especially in the context of fluid replacement therapy.
Question 9 of 9
A patient is diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and asks what causes it. The nurse would respond that the destruction of the thyroid in this condition is due to which of the following?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Autoantibodies. In Hashimoto's thyroiditis, the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland by producing autoantibodies against thyroid proteins such as thyroglobulin and thyroid peroxidase. These autoantibodies lead to inflammation and destruction of thyroid tissue. Antigen-antibody complexes (choice A) are not the main mechanism in Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Viral (choice B) and bacterial infections (choice D) do not directly cause autoimmune destruction of the thyroid in this condition. Autoantibodies targeting the thyroid gland are the key pathogenic factor in Hashimoto's thyroiditis.