ATI RN
foundation of nursing questions and answers Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient who is to begin receiving external radiation for a malignant tumor of the neck. While providing patient education, what potential adverse effects should the nurse discuss with the patient?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Impaired nutritional status. Radiation therapy to the neck can lead to mucositis, dysphagia, and taste changes, which can impair the patient's ability to eat and maintain adequate nutrition. This can lead to weight loss, weakness, and delayed wound healing. Discussing this potential adverse effect with the patient is crucial for proactive management. Choice B: Cognitive changes, and Choice C: Diarrhea are less likely to be direct adverse effects of radiation therapy to the neck. Cognitive changes are more commonly associated with brain radiation, while diarrhea is a more common side effect of abdominal radiation. Choice D: Alopecia is a side effect of chemotherapy, not radiation therapy. Radiation therapy does not typically cause hair loss unless it is in the treatment field. Therefore, discussing alopecia with the patient receiving radiation for a malignant neck tumor is not a priority.
Question 2 of 5
A 16-year-old female patient experiences alopecia resulting from chemotherapy, prompting the nursing diagnoses of disturbed body image and situational low self-esteem. What action by the patient would best indicate that she is meeting the goal of improved body image and self-esteem?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because discussing the future indicates acceptance and hope, a positive step towards improved body image and self-esteem. The patient is focusing on moving forward, which shows emotional growth and resilience. Choice A may provide temporary comfort but does not necessarily address underlying emotional issues. Choice C is related to pain management, not body image or self-esteem. Choice D suggests continued emotional distress rather than progress towards improved self-image.
Question 3 of 5
A 54-year-old has a diagnosis of breast cancer and is tearfully discussing her diagnosis with the nurse. The patient states, They tell me my cancer is malignant, while my coworkers breast tumor was benign. I just dont understand at all. When preparing a response to this patient, the nurse should be cognizant of what characteristic that distinguishes malignant cells from benign cells of the same tissue type?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Different molecular structure in the cells. Malignant cells have alterations in their molecular structure, leading to uncontrolled growth and invasion of surrounding tissues, while benign cells retain their normal molecular structure and do not invade nearby tissues. This distinction is crucial in understanding why malignant cells are cancerous and pose a greater risk compared to benign cells. Other choices are incorrect because: A: Slow rate of mitosis of cancer cells - Malignant cells actually have a rapid rate of mitosis, contributing to their uncontrolled growth. B: Different proteins in the cell membrane - While there may be differences in proteins, the molecular structure is a more fundamental difference between malignant and benign cells. C: Differing size of the cells - Cell size alone is not a definitive characteristic that distinguishes between malignant and benign cells; molecular structure plays a more significant role.
Question 4 of 5
You are caring for a patient who has just been told that her stage IV colon cancer has recurred and metastasized to the liver. The oncologist offers the patient the option of surgery to treat the progression of this disease. What type of surgery does the oncologist offer?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Palliative surgery. In this scenario, the patient's colon cancer has already progressed to stage IV with metastasis to the liver, indicating an advanced and incurable condition. Palliative surgery aims to alleviate symptoms, improve quality of life, and prolong survival without aiming for a cure. Reconstructive surgery (B) is typically done to restore form or function, which is not the primary goal in this case. Salvage surgery (C) is usually performed to rescue a situation where initial treatment has failed, which is not the case here. Prophylactic surgery (D) is preventive and is not appropriate in a situation where cancer is already present and advanced.
Question 5 of 5
The hospice nurse has just admitted a new patient to the program. What principle guides hospice care?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because hospice care is centered on a holistic approach that considers the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of both the patient and their family. This principle recognizes that caring for a terminally ill patient involves supporting the entire family unit. Choice B is incorrect because family support is integral to hospice care. Choice C is incorrect because hospice care extends beyond just the patient to include their loved ones. Choice D is incorrect because the care team should address all aspects of care for both the patient and their family, not prioritize one over the other.