ATI RN
foundation of nursing practice questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
The nurse in the ED is caring for a 4 year-old brought in by his parents who state that the child will not stop crying and pulling at his ear. Based on information collected by the nurse, which of the following statements applies to a diagnosis of external otitis?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: External otitis, also known as swimmer's ear, is an infection of the outer ear canal. It is often characterized by aural tenderness, which means that the ear is sensitive to touch and can be painful, especially when pressure is applied to the area. This tenderness is a hallmark symptom of external otitis and helps differentiate it from other ear conditions. Other common symptoms of external otitis include ear pain, itchiness, redness, and swelling of the ear canal. External otitis is usually not accompanied by a high fever, and it is not typically related to an upper respiratory infection. Using cotton-tipped applicators to clean the ear can actually increase the risk of developing external otitis by disrupting the natural protective barrier of the ear canal.
Question 2 of 9
A nurse is teaching a group of women about the potential benefits of breast self-examination (BSE). The nurse should teach the women that effective BSE is dependent on what factor?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Effective breast self-examination (BSE) relies significantly on women's knowledge of their own breasts. Understanding how their breasts normally look and feel allows women to detect any changes such as lumps, dimpling, or discharge, which may be early signs of breast abnormalities like cancer. By being familiar with their breasts' normal appearance and texture, women can promptly seek medical attention if they notice any unusual changes. This self-awareness and familiarity with their breasts are crucial in enabling women to perform BSE effectively and to detect any potential issues early on.
Question 3 of 9
A patient with trichomoniasis comes to the walk-in clinic. In developing a care plan for this patient the nurse would know to include what as an important aspect of treating this patient?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. It is important to treat both partners simultaneously to prevent reinfection. Metronidazole (Flagyl) is the first-line treatment for trichomoniasis and is effective in eradicating the parasite. Treating both partners ensures that the infection is fully eliminated and reduces the risk of transmission back and forth between partners. It is crucial for the nurse to include this aspect in the care plan to achieve successful treatment outcomes for the patient and their partner.
Question 4 of 9
A patient with no prenatal care delivers a healthy male infant via the vaginal route, with minimal blood loss. During the labor period, vital signs were normal. At birth, significant maternal hypertension is noted. When the patient is questioned, she relates that there is history of heart disease in her family; but, that she has never been treated for hypertension. Blood pressure is treated in the hospital setting and the patient is discharged. The patient returns at her scheduled 6-week checkup and is found to be hypertensive. Which type of hypertension is the patient is exhibiting?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The patient in this scenario exhibits signs of chronic hypertension, particularly due to the history of heart disease in her family, the postpartum persistence of elevated blood pressure, and the diagnosis of hypertension at the 6-week checkup. While pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), gestational hypertension, and preeclampsia can occur during pregnancy, they typically resolve within a few weeks after delivery. The fact that the patient's hypertension persists beyond the postpartum period suggests that she likely had preexisting, undiagnosed chronic hypertension. Therefore, option D is the most appropriate choice in this case.
Question 5 of 9
A nurse uses SBAR when providing a hands-off report to the oncoming shift. What is the rationale for the nurse’s action?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: SBAR stands for Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation. It is a structured method of communication that healthcare providers use to effectively communicate important information about a patient. The use of SBAR helps ensure that all necessary details are communicated in a clear, concise, and systematic manner, reducing the risk of miscommunication and errors. By standardizing communication using SBAR, nurses can provide a comprehensive report during a shift change, promoting continuity of care and patient safety. Thus, the main rationale for a nurse using SBAR when providing a hands-off report is to standardize communication and improve the quality of patient care.
Question 6 of 9
The nurse is planning the care of a patient who is adapting to the use of a hearing aid for the first time. What is the most significant challenge experienced by a patient with hearing loss who is adapting to using a hearing aid for the first time?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: One of the most significant challenges experienced by patients with hearing loss who are adapting to using a hearing aid for the first time is learning to cope with the amplification of background noise. When a person starts using a hearing aid after experiencing hearing loss, they may find that the device picks up not only the sounds they want to hear but also surrounding noises, such as background chatter, traffic noise, or ambient sounds. This sudden increase in volume and clarity of background noise can be overwhelming and challenging for the individual to adjust to. It can affect their ability to focus on conversations or specific sounds they are trying to hear, leading to frustration and potentially causing them to avoid using the hearing aid altogether. Supporting the patient in gradually acclimating to these new sounds and providing strategies for managing background noise can help improve their overall experience with the hearing aid.
Question 7 of 9
A patient is being discharged home from the ambulatory surgical center after cataract surgery. In reviewing the discharge instructions with the patient, the nurse instructs the patient to immediately call the office if the patient experiences what?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Redness of the eye after cataract surgery can be a sign of infection or inflammation, which are serious complications that require immediate medical attention. Redness may be accompanied by pain, swelling, or discharge, and if left untreated, it can lead to complications that may affect the surgical outcome and the patient's vision. Therefore, it is crucial for the patient to contact the office immediately if they notice any redness in their eye following cataract surgery.
Question 8 of 9
A nurse is caring for a patient hospitalized with AIDS. A friend comes to visit the patient and privately asks the nurse about the risk of contracting HIV when visiting the patient. What is the nurses best response?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse's best response is option C - "AIDS isn't transmitted by casual contact." This response is accurate and provides the necessary information to address the friend's concern. It is important to educate the friend that HIV/AIDS is not transmitted through casual contact such as visiting a patient in the hospital. By stating this fact clearly, the nurse can help alleviate any unfounded fears or misconceptions the friend may have about contracting HIV while visiting the patient. This response promotes understanding and helps reduce stigma associated with HIV/AIDS, while also emphasizing the importance of accurate information in preventing the spread of the virus.
Question 9 of 9
While a patient is receiving IV doxorubicin hydrochloride for the treatment of cancer, the nurse observes swelling and pain at the IV site. The nurse should prioritize what action?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Swelling and pain at the IV site can indicate extravasation, which is the leakage of a vesicant medication like doxorubicin hydrochloride into the surrounding tissues. It is crucial to stop the administration of the drug immediately upon suspicion of extravasation to minimize tissue damage and potential complications. By stopping the administration promptly, further harm can be prevented, and early interventions can be initiated to mitigate the effects of the extravasation. Notifications to the physician and appropriate actions, such as aspiration of any remaining drug, may follow after discontinuing the infusion.