ATI RN
health assessment test bank Questions
Question 1 of 9
The nurse is caring for a patient who is a recent immigrant and has limited English proficiency. Which of the following is the best action the nurse should take?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Use a professional interpreter or translation services to communicate effectively. This is the best action because it ensures accurate communication and understanding between the nurse and the patient. Professional interpreters are trained to accurately convey information while respecting cultural nuances. Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect: A: Using medical jargon can confuse the patient further and hinder effective communication. B: Speaking loudly and slowly can come across as patronizing and does not address the language barrier. D: Relying on the patient's family for translation can lead to miscommunication or breaches of patient confidentiality.
Question 2 of 9
Which nursing intervention should be prioritized for a client with congestive heart failure (CHF)?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer (C): Promoting activity is the most prioritized nursing intervention for a client with CHF. Activity helps improve cardiac function, decreases fluid accumulation, and enhances overall cardiovascular health. It also prevents complications like muscle weakness and deconditioning. It is crucial in managing CHF symptoms and improving the client's quality of life. Summary of Incorrect Choices: A: Administering diuretics helps in reducing fluid overload but does not address the underlying issue of improving cardiac function through physical activity. B: Limiting fluid intake is important, but promoting activity takes precedence as it directly impacts cardiac function and fluid accumulation. D: Maintaining fluid balance is necessary but is a broad concept that includes various interventions, with promoting activity being more focused and critical in CHF management.
Question 3 of 9
A nurse is caring for a patient with diabetes who is experiencing diabetic neuropathy. The nurse should educate the patient to prioritize which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Inspecting feet daily for signs of injury. This is crucial in diabetic neuropathy to prevent complications such as infections and ulcers. By inspecting the feet daily, the patient can identify any injuries early and seek prompt treatment. Exercising (choice B) is important, but not the top priority. Taking pain medication (choice C) only addresses symptoms, not the root cause. Increasing protein intake (choice D) may be beneficial for healing, but foot inspection is more directly related to preventing complications in diabetic neuropathy.
Question 4 of 9
What is the priority nursing action for a client with a suspected stroke?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer oxygen. Oxygenation is the priority in stroke management to ensure adequate oxygen supply to the brain. Oxygen therapy can help reduce hypoxia, which is crucial in the acute phase of a stroke. Administering aspirin (B) is important but comes after ensuring oxygenation. Administering thrombolytics (C) requires proper assessment and diagnostic confirmation, not an immediate priority. Placing the client in a supine position (D) may worsen stroke symptoms if there is compromised blood flow, so it is not recommended as the initial action.
Question 5 of 9
What should be the first intervention for a client suspected of having a stroke?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct first intervention for a client suspected of having a stroke is to perform a CT scan (Choice B). This is because a CT scan can quickly identify the type of stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic) and guide treatment decisions. Monitoring neurological status (Choice A) can be important but does not provide a definitive diagnosis. Administering fibrinolytics (Choice C) should only be done after confirming the type of stroke to avoid complications. Performing an MRI (Choice D) is more time-consuming and may not be feasible in the acute setting where quick intervention is crucial. Therefore, a CT scan is the most appropriate initial intervention for a suspected stroke.
Question 6 of 9
What is the most appropriate intervention for a client with severe nausea and vomiting?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer antiemetics. Antiemetics help alleviate nausea and vomiting by blocking neurotransmitters in the brain. This intervention directly targets the symptoms and provides relief for the client. Administering fluids (B) may help with hydration but does not address the root cause. Administering analgesics (C) is for pain relief, not for nausea and vomiting. Monitoring electrolytes (D) is important but does not directly treat the symptoms. Therefore, administering antiemetics is the most appropriate intervention for severe nausea and vomiting.
Question 7 of 9
What is the most effective treatment for a client with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer oxygen. ARDS is characterized by severe hypoxemia, and oxygen therapy is essential to improve oxygenation. Administering corticosteroids (B) is not recommended as they do not improve outcomes in ARDS. Monitoring serum glucose (C) is unrelated to the treatment of ARDS. Administering pain relief (D) is important for patient comfort but does not address the underlying hypoxemia in ARDS. Oxygen therapy is the primary treatment to support respiratory function and improve oxygen delivery in ARDS.
Question 8 of 9
Which condition places a client at risk for elevated ammonia levels?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Lupus. Lupus can affect the kidneys, leading to renal impairment. Renal impairment can decrease the body's ability to excrete ammonia, resulting in elevated levels. Renal failure (choice A) can also lead to elevated ammonia levels, but lupus specifically contributes to renal issues. Cirrhosis (choice B) primarily affects the liver, not kidneys. Psoriasis (choice C) is a skin condition and does not directly impact ammonia levels.
Question 9 of 9
A nurse is assessing a patient who is experiencing dizziness and weakness. The nurse should prioritize which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Blood pressure measurement. Dizziness and weakness can be symptoms of hypotension or low blood pressure. Prioritizing blood pressure measurement is crucial because it can indicate if the patient is at risk of complications like cardiovascular collapse. Pulse oximetry (B) is important for assessing oxygen levels in the blood but may not directly address dizziness and weakness. Blood glucose levels (C) are important but not the priority in this scenario. Cardiac monitoring (D) may be necessary but should come after assessing blood pressure to rule out immediate life-threatening conditions.