ATI RN
Pharmacology and the Nursing Process Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 9
The nurse is caring for a client in acute addisonian crisis. Which laboratory data would the nurse expect to find?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hyperkalemia. In acute Addisonian crisis, the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol and aldosterone, leading to electrolyte imbalances. This results in increased potassium levels (hyperkalemia) due to lack of aldosterone to promote potassium excretion. Hypernatremia (choice B) is less likely as aldosterone deficiency leads to sodium loss. Reduced BUN (choice C) is unlikely as Addison's crisis does not directly affect urea levels. Hyperglycemia (choice D) is not typically seen in Addisonian crisis as cortisol deficiency usually results in hypoglycemia.
Question 2 of 9
Why does emotional counselling or helping the client perform common daily activities become important nursing care interventions in clients with Parkinson’s or Huntington’s diseases, or even epilepsy?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because clients with Parkinson's, Huntington's diseases, or epilepsy often experience emotional challenges such as depression and anxiety due to the impact of their conditions on their daily lives. Emotional counseling helps address these issues. Additionally, these clients may struggle with basic self-care activities due to motor and cognitive deficits, making it crucial for nurses to assist them in performing daily tasks. Choice B is incorrect as clients with these conditions may experience paralysis or motor impairments, but it is not a universal symptom. Choice C is incorrect because the question does not mention bone issues in Parkinson's, Huntington's diseases, or epilepsy. Choice D is incorrect as aggression and violence are not common symptoms in clients with these neurologic deficits.
Question 3 of 9
An adult is brought in by ambulance after a motor vehicle accident. He is unconscious, on a backboard with his neck immobilized. He is bleeding profusely from a large gash on his right thigh. What is the first action the nurse should take?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Check his airway. Ensuring a patent airway is the priority in trauma care to maintain oxygenation and ventilation. With the patient unconscious and bleeding profusely, airway obstruction or compromise is a critical concern. By checking the airway first, the nurse can quickly assess and address any immediate threats to the patient's breathing. Stopping the bleeding (choice A) can be addressed once the airway is secured. Taking vital signs (choice B) and finding out what happened from eyewitnesses (choice D) can be important but are secondary to ensuring the patient's airway is clear and unobstructed.
Question 4 of 9
A client takes prednisone (Deltasone), as prescribed, for rheumatoid arthritis. During follow-up visits, the nurse should assess the client for common adverse reactions to this drug, such as:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Fluid retention and weight gain. Prednisone is a corticosteroid that can cause fluid retention and weight gain as common adverse reactions. Here's the rationale: Prednisone is known to increase sodium and water retention in the body, leading to fluid retention and subsequent weight gain. This occurs due to the drug's impact on the body's electrolyte balance. Tetany and tremors (Choice A) are not common adverse reactions associated with prednisone use. Anorexia and weight loss (Choice C) are also not typical reactions, as prednisone is more likely to cause weight gain. Choice D, "None of the above," is incorrect as prednisone commonly causes fluid retention and weight gain as adverse reactions.
Question 5 of 9
The nurse is caring for a patient who has an open wound and is evaluating the progress of wound healing. Which priority action will the nurse take?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because measuring the wound and observing for redness, swelling, or drainage are essential steps in evaluating wound healing progress. Measuring the wound provides objective data on its size changes, while observing for signs of infection like redness, swelling, or drainage helps identify complications. - Choice A is incorrect because the nursing assistive personnel may not have the necessary knowledge to assess wound healing accurately. - Choice B is incorrect because documenting progress as "better" without objective data is subjective and does not provide a clear picture of the wound status. - Choice D is incorrect because leaving the dressing off can expose the wound to contaminants and compromise healing, making it a potentially harmful action.
Question 6 of 9
Decreasing level of consciousness is a symptom of which of the following physiological phenomena?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increased ICP. Decreasing level of consciousness is a classic sign of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) due to the compression of the brain. As ICP rises, it impairs cerebral perfusion leading to altered mental status. Parasympathetic response (B) and sympathetic response (C) are related to autonomic nervous system functions, not consciousness. Increased cerebral blood flow (D) might lead to conditions like hyperemia but does not directly cause a decreased level of consciousness.
Question 7 of 9
Which of the ff is the most important factor in the nursing management of a client with CFS?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because educating the client about the disease process and its limitations is crucial in managing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). By understanding the disease, the client can make informed decisions regarding their lifestyle, activities, and self-care. This empowers the client to manage symptoms effectively and prevent exacerbations. Choice A is not the most important factor as simply avoiding aggravating the disease does not address the overall management of CFS. Choice B focuses solely on drug therapy, which is only one aspect of the client's management and may not provide significant improvement for all clients with CFS. Choice C, altering diet and environment, can be helpful but may not be the most important factor as understanding the disease process and limitations is essential for long-term management and quality of life.
Question 8 of 9
When monitoring for hypernatremia, the nurse should assess the client for:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Confusion. Hypernatremia is an electrolyte imbalance characterized by high sodium levels in the blood. Confusion is a common symptom as high sodium levels can affect brain function. Dry skin (A) is more indicative of dehydration, tachycardia (B) is a symptom of various conditions, and pale coloring (D) is not specific to hypernatremia. Confusion is a key indicator that the nurse should assess for when monitoring for hypernatremia.
Question 9 of 9
A client with suspected lymphoma is scheduled for lymphangiography. The nurse should inform the client that this procedure may cause which harmless, temporary change?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Redness of the upper part of the feet. During lymphangiography, a contrast dye is injected into the lymphatic vessels. This may cause temporary redness in the upper part of the feet due to the dye spreading throughout the lymphatic system. Purplish stools (A), bluish urine (C), and coldness of the soles (D) are not expected side effects of lymphangiography and do not have a direct correlation with the procedure.