ATI RN
foundations of nursing practice questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
The nurse is admitting a 55-year-old male patient diagnosed with a retinal detachment in his left eye. While assessing this patient, what characteristic symptom would the nurse expect to find?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why A is correct: 1. Retinal detachment causes traction on the retina. 2. Traction on the retina can stimulate photoreceptors. 3. Stimulation of photoreceptors can lead to perception of flashing lights. 4. Therefore, the characteristic symptom of retinal detachment is flashing lights in the visual field. Summary: B: Sudden eye pain is not a characteristic symptom of retinal detachment. C: Loss of color vision is not typically associated with retinal detachment. D: Colored halos around lights are more indicative of conditions like glaucoma or corneal edema, not retinal detachment.
Question 2 of 9
A patient is experiencing oliguria. Which actionshould the nurse performfirst?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Assess for bladder distention. Oliguria indicates decreased urine output, which could be due to urinary retention. Assessing for bladder distention helps identify the underlying cause. Requesting diuretics (B) without assessing first is premature. Increasing IV fluid rate (C) may worsen the situation if there is urinary retention. Encouraging caffeinated beverages (D) is not appropriate as they can worsen dehydration.
Question 3 of 9
A nurse is explaining that each breast contains 12 to 20 cone-shaped lobes. The nurse should explain that each lobe consists of what elements?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Lobules and ducts. Each lobe of the breast consists of lobules, which are responsible for milk production, and ducts, which transport the milk to the nipple. This is essential for breastfeeding. Modified tendons and ligaments (choice A) are not present in the lobes of the breast. Connective tissue and smooth muscle (choice B) are important components of the breast but do not specifically make up the lobes. Endocrine glands and sebaceous glands (choice D) are not the primary elements within the lobes of the breast responsible for milk production and transport. The lobules and ducts are vital components for the functioning of the breast in lactation.
Question 4 of 9
The nurse is orienting a new nurse to the oncology unit. When reviewing the safe administration of antineoplastic agents, what action should the nurse emphasize?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Dispose of the antineoplastic wastes in the hazardous waste receptacle. This is crucial to prevent exposure to potentially harmful substances. Here's the rationale: 1. Antineoplastic agents are hazardous chemicals that can harm individuals and the environment. 2. Proper disposal in a hazardous waste receptacle ensures safety and compliance with regulations. 3. Options A, B, and C are incorrect as adjusting doses based on symptoms, hand hygiene, and personal protective equipment are important but not as critical as proper disposal of hazardous waste in this context.
Question 5 of 9
A patient with a family history of allergies has suffered an allergic response based on a genetic predisposition. This atopic response is usually mediated by what immunoglobulin?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Immunoglobulin E. The atopic response in allergies is mainly mediated by IgE antibodies. IgE binds to allergens and triggers the release of histamine and other chemicals that cause allergic symptoms. IgA is mainly found in mucosal areas, IgM is involved in early immune responses, and IgG is important for long-term immunity. IgE is specifically associated with allergic reactions due to its role in sensitizing mast cells and basophils to allergens.
Question 6 of 9
A patient who is scheduled for an open prostatectomy is concerned about the potential effects of the surgery on his sexual function. What aspect of prostate surgery should inform the nurses response?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step 1: Prostate surgery can damage nerves responsible for erectile function. Step 2: Nerve damage can lead to erectile dysfunction post-prostatectomy. Step 3: Choice B correctly states that all prostatectomies carry a risk of nerve damage and consequent erectile dysfunction, aligning with the potential impact of surgery on sexual function. Step 4: Other choices lack accuracy: A incorrectly attributes erectile dysfunction solely to hormonal changes, C falsely suggests temporary nature of dysfunction, and D wrongly claims no risk of dysfunction due to modern techniques.
Question 7 of 9
The nurse leading an educational session is describing self-examination of the breast. The nurse tells the womens group to raise their arms and inspect their breasts in a mirror. A member of the womens group asks the nurse why raising her arms is necessary. What is the nurses best response?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: It helps to spread out the fat that makes up your breast. Raising the arms during breast self-examination stretches the breast tissue, making it easier to detect any lumps or abnormalities. This action also helps to distribute the breast tissue evenly, providing a clearer view of the entire breast. This method ensures a more thorough examination and increases the chances of detecting any changes in the breast tissue early on. Summary of incorrect choices: B: It allows you to simultaneously assess for pain - Although assessing for pain is important, raising the arms specifically helps with spreading out the breast tissue, not necessarily for assessing pain. C: It will help to observe for dimpling more closely - While observing for dimpling is important, raising the arms is primarily for spreading out the breast tissue, not for observing dimpling. D: This is what the American Cancer Society recommends - While recommendations from reputable sources are important, the rationale behind raising the arms during breast self-examination is not solely
Question 8 of 9
A nurse is performing an assessment on a patientwho has not had a bowel movement in 3 days. The nurse will expect which other assessment finding?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypoactive bowel sounds. When a patient has not had a bowel movement in 3 days, it indicates constipation. Constipation can lead to decreased peristalsis, resulting in hypoactive bowel sounds. Increased fluid intake (B) would be a potential intervention, not an expected assessment finding. A soft tender abdomen (C) may indicate other issues like inflammation or infection, not directly related to constipation. Jaundice in the sclera (D) is indicative of liver dysfunction, not a typical finding associated with constipation.
Question 9 of 9
A public health nurse is preparing an educational campaign to address a recent local increase in the incidence of HIV infection. The nurse should prioritize which of the following interventions?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Educational programs that focus on control and prevention. This intervention is the most crucial as it directly addresses the issue of the increasing incidence of HIV infection. By providing education on how to control and prevent the spread of HIV, the nurse can empower the community to take proactive measures to reduce transmission rates. A: Lifestyle actions that improve immune function may be helpful in general health promotion but do not directly target the prevention of HIV transmission. C: Appropriate use of standard precautions is important but is more focused on healthcare settings rather than community-wide prevention efforts. D: Screening programs for youth and young adults are valuable but may not be as effective as educational programs in preventing the spread of HIV.