ATI RN
foundation of nursing practice questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
The nurse educator is discussing neoplasms with a group of recent graduates. The educator explains that he effects of neoplasms are caused by the compression and infiltration of normal tissue. The physiologic changes that result can cause what pathophysiologic events? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Neoplasms can cause pathophysiologic events such as intracranial hemorrhage and increased intracranial pressure (ICP) due to expansion of the mass within the confined space of the skull. Intracranial hemorrhage can occur as the neoplasm damages blood vessels in the brain or causes them to become more fragile. Increased ICP can result from the growing mass causing compression of surrounding structures and obstructing the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, leading to symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, and changes in mental status.
Question 2 of 9
The nurse is caring for a patient who has been recently diagnosed with late stage pancreatic cancer. The patient refuses to accept the diagnosis and refuses to adhere to treatment. What is the most likely psychosocial purpose of this patients strategy?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The patient may be trying to protect loved ones from the emotional effects of the illness. This behavior could be a form of denial, a defense mechanism where the individual refuses to acknowledge the reality of the diagnosis in order to shield their loved ones from distress. By rejecting the diagnosis and refusing treatment, the patient may believe that they are preventing their family and friends from experiencing the emotional pain associated with the illness. This behavior is a common coping mechanism in response to overwhelming and distressing news like a terminal illness diagnosis. It serves a psychosocial purpose of trying to protect others from suffering, even though it may not align with the patient's best interest in terms of receiving appropriate medical care.
Question 3 of 9
The nurse is caring for a patient with an advanced stage of breast cancer and the patient has recently learned that her cancer has metastasized. The nurse enters the room and finds the patient struggling to breath and the nurses rapid assessment reveals that the patients jugular veins are distended. The nurse should suspect the development of what oncologic emergency?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) is a medical emergency that can occur in patients with advanced cancer, such as breast cancer with metastasis. SVCS is caused by the obstruction or compression of the superior vena cava, a large vein that carries blood from the upper body back to the heart. When the superior vena cava is obstructed or compressed, it can lead to symptoms such as difficulty breathing (dyspnea) and distended jugular veins.
Question 4 of 9
A patient with glaucoma has presented for a scheduled clinic visit and tells the nurse that she has begun taking an herbal remedy for her condition that was recommended by a work colleague. What instruction should the nurse provide to the patient?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct instruction for the nurse to provide to the patient is that the patient should discuss this new herbal remedy with her ophthalmologist promptly. This is essential because herbal remedies can interact with prescription medications or affect the patient's eye condition. The ophthalmologist can provide guidance on the safety and effectiveness of the herbal remedy in relation to the patient's glaucoma treatment plan. It is crucial for healthcare providers to be aware of all treatments the patient is receiving to ensure coordinated and optimal care.
Question 5 of 9
The public health nurse is presenting a health-promotion class to a group at a local community center. Which intervention most directly addresses the leading cause of cancer deaths in North America?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Smoking cessation most directly addresses the leading cause of cancer deaths in North America, which is lung cancer. Tobacco use, particularly cigarette smoking, is the primary cause of lung cancer. By helping individuals quit smoking, the public health nurse is targeting the main risk factor for lung cancer and therefore addressing the root cause of the issue. This intervention has the potential to have a significant impact on reducing cancer-related deaths in the community. Monthly self-breast exams, annual colonoscopies, and monthly testicular exams are important for detecting breast, colon, and testicular cancers respectively, but they do not directly address the leading cause of cancer deaths in North America.
Question 6 of 9
The nurse is caring for a patient who has terminal lung cancer and is unconscious. Which assessment finding would most clearly indicate to the nurse that the patients death is imminent?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Mottling of the lower limbs is a common physical sign seen in patients approaching death. This occurs when there is poor circulation leading to a bluish or purplish discoloration of the skin, particularly on the extremities. The appearance of mottling indicates that the body is no longer able to maintain adequate blood flow to the extremities, signaling that the patient is in the final stages of life. It is a significant finding that strongly suggests imminent death in patients with terminal illness, such as in this case of a patient with terminal lung cancer who is unconscious.
Question 7 of 9
A patient has just been told she needs to have an incisional biopsy of a right breast mass. During preoperative teaching, how could the nurse best assess this patient for specific educational, physical, or psychosocial needs she might have?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Encouraging the patient to verbalize her questions and concerns is the best way to assess her specific educational, physical, or psychosocial needs during preoperative teaching for an incisional biopsy of a right breast mass. This approach allows the nurse to better understand the patient's knowledge level, fears, anxieties, and any misconceptions she may have related to the procedure. By actively listening to the patient's questions and concerns, the nurse can tailor the education provided to address specific areas of importance to the patient, ensuring she receives the information and support she needs to feel prepared and comfortable before the procedure. This approach promotes open communication, trust, and patient-centered care.
Question 8 of 9
A patient has presented at the clinic with symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. What diagnostic findings would suggest that this patient has chronic urinary retention?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Chronic urinary retention can lead to an elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level due to impaired kidney function. When urine is not effectively eliminated from the body, waste products, including urea, accumulate in the bloodstream. This can result in an increase in BUN levels, indicating potential kidney dysfunction in the setting of chronic urinary retention. Hypertension (Choice A), peripheral edema (Choice B), and tachycardia and other dysrhythmias (Choice C) are not specifically associated with chronic urinary retention but may be related to other conditions or comorbidities.
Question 9 of 9
The patient asks the nurse what these numbers specifically mean. What is a correct response by the nurse?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A person whose vision is measured at 20/40 can see an object from 40 feet away that a person with 20/20 vision can see from 20 feet away. In this measurement system, the first number represents how far away the person is from the eye chart (the testing distance), and the second number indicates how far away a person with normal vision can be from the chart to see the same line of letters or objects. Therefore, if someone has 20/40 vision, it means they need to be at 20 feet to see what a person with 20/20 vision can see at 40 feet.