ATI RN
foundation of nursing practice questions Questions
Question 1 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 2 of 9
The nurse is caring for a patient who has undergone a mastoidectomy. In an effort to prevent postoperative infection, what intervention should the nurse implement?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: After a mastoidectomy, the ear should be protected from water for several weeks. This is because exposing the area to water can increase the risk of infection. Keeping the ear dry allows the surgical site to heal properly and reduces the likelihood of postoperative complications such as infection. Therefore, instructing the patient to protect the ear from water is an important intervention to prevent postoperative infection following a mastoidectomy.
Question 3 of 9
A patient has informed the home health nurse that she has recently noticed distortions when she looks at the Amsler grid that she has mounted on her refrigerator. What is the nurses most appropriate action?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The most appropriate action for the home health nurse to take in this situation where a patient reports distortions when looking at an Amsler grid is to arrange for the patient to be assessed for macular degeneration. Distortions in straight lines on an Amsler grid are a common early symptom of macular degeneration, a progressive eye condition that affects central vision. Macular degeneration is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults, making assessment and early intervention crucial in preserving vision. It is important for the nurse to take the patient's symptoms seriously and facilitate timely evaluation and management to prevent further vision loss. This would involve referring the patient to an ophthalmologist or an eye care specialist for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate treatment.
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
A patient who is scheduled for a skin test informs the nurse that he has been taking corticesteroids to help control his allergy symptoms. What nursing intervention should the nurse implement?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The patient should continue taking his corticosteroids regularly prior to testing. Corticosteroids can suppress the body's immune response and affect the results of skin tests by potentially causing a false-negative result. Instructing the patient to maintain his regular corticosteroid regimen will help ensure accurate testing results. It is essential to consult with the healthcare provider to determine the appropriate timing for testing in relation to corticosteroid use.
Question 6 of 9
A patients rapid cancer metastases have prompted a shift from active treatment to palliative care. When planning this patients care, the nurse should identify what primary aim?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The primary aim when transitioning a patient with rapid cancer metastases from active treatment to palliative care is to prevent and relieve suffering. Palliative care focuses on enhancing quality of life, managing symptoms, and addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. By prioritizing the prevention and relief of suffering, healthcare providers can work towards improving the patient's comfort and overall well-being during this difficult time. This approach aligns with the goals of palliative care, which aim to provide holistic support and care for patients facing serious illnesses like cancer.
Question 7 of 9
Patients who are enrolled in hospice care through Medicare are often felt to suffer unnecessarily because they do not receive adequate attention for their symptoms of the underlying illness. What factor most contributes to this phenomenon?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The factor that most contributes to patients in hospice care not receiving adequate attention for their symptoms of the underlying illness is the unwillingness of patients and families to acknowledge that the patient is terminal. When patients and families are in denial or struggle to accept the terminal nature of the illness, they may avoid focusing on symptom management and comfort care that is essential in hospice care. This can prevent healthcare providers from effectively addressing and managing the patient's symptoms, leading to unnecessary suffering for the patient. Accepting the terminal nature of the illness allows for a shift in focus towards providing quality end-of-life care that prioritizes symptom management and comfort for the patient.
Question 8 of 9
A nurse is caring for a patient who has allergic rhinitis. What intervention would be most likely to help the patient meet the goal of improved breathing pattern?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, is a condition characterized by inflammation in the nasal passages triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust mites, or animal dander. Modifying the patient's environment to reduce exposure to these allergens can significantly help improve the breathing pattern in patients with allergic rhinitis. This can include measures such as using air purifiers, keeping indoor humidity levels low, avoiding exposure to pollen by keeping windows closed during peak seasons, and regularly cleaning bedding to reduce dust mites.
Question 9 of 9
A male patient with a metastatic brain tumor is having a generalized seizure and begins vomiting. What should the nurse do first?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When a patient is experiencing a seizure and begins vomiting, the priority action for the nurse is to turn the patient onto their side. This position helps to prevent aspiration, which can occur when the patient inhales vomit into their lungs. Turning the patient on their side allows for the vomit to drain out of the mouth, reducing the risk of aspiration and maintaining a clear airway. Performing oral suctioning would be necessary after turning the patient on their side, but it is not the initial priority in this situation. Paging the physician and inserting a tongue depressor are not appropriate actions during a seizure and vomiting episode.