ATI RN
Medical Surgical Nursing Concepts and Practice Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 9
The nurse is discussing the goals of treatment with a patient experiencing an end-stage renal disease. Which goal should the nurse identify as being appropriate for this patient?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: For a patient experiencing end-stage renal disease, it is important for the nurse to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different renal replacement therapies. This goal is crucial to help the patient make informed decisions about their treatment options. Patients with end-stage renal disease often face choices between hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and kidney transplantation. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each therapy can empower the patient to actively participate in their treatment decision-making process and achieve the best possible outcomes for their health. It is essential for the nurse to promote patient education and shared decision-making to ensure that the patient's preferences and values are respected throughout their care journey.
Question 2 of 9
The nurse is caring for a patient with newly diagnosed hypothyroidism. What should the nurse expect when assessing this patient’s skin?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Patients with hypothyroidism often exhibit rough, dry skin as a result of decreased thyroid hormone levels impacting the skin's ability to retain moisture. This condition, known as myxedema, can lead to skin changes such as dryness, scaling, and thickening. The skin may also appear pale or yellowish due to reduced blood flow. Therefore, the nurse should expect the patient with newly diagnosed hypothyroidism to present with rough, dry skin during assessment.
Question 3 of 9
A patient is diagnosed with a renal system disorder that is believed to be the result of genetic and environmental factors. Which health problem is the patient most likely experiencing?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Bladder cancer is a health problem that can result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Genetic mutations can predispose individuals to developing bladder cancer, while environmental factors such as smoking, exposure to certain chemicals, and chronic bladder irritation can also contribute to the development of the disease. Hematuria (blood in the urine) can be a symptom of bladder cancer, but it is not specific to this type of cancer and can also occur in other renal system disorders. Incontinence and kidney infections are not typically associated with genetic predisposition as much as bladder cancer.
Question 4 of 9
The nurse is caring for a client with a new tracheostomy. After completing a teaching session on tracheostomy care, what should the nurse include in the documentation?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Documenting the client's questions after the teaching session is important because it demonstrates the client's understanding of the information provided during the teaching session. It also helps to identify any areas where the client may need further clarification or education. This information is crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of the teaching session and ensuring that the client is able to perform tracheostomy care safely and effectively. Additionally, documenting the client's questions allows for continuity of care by providing insight into the client's concerns and educational needs.
Question 5 of 9
A client diagnosed with peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is obese, has a 30-year history of cigarette smoking, and works as a contractor. When discussing risk factors for PVD, which statement by the nurse is appropriate?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The statement "Nicotine causes vasospasms, which reduce blood flow to the legs" is the most appropriate response when discussing risk factors for PVD with a client who is obese, has a history of smoking, and works as a contractor. Nicotine in cigarette smoke can lead to constriction or narrowing of blood vessels, including those in the legs, which can reduce blood flow to the lower extremities. This can contribute to the development and progression of peripheral vascular disease (PVD) in individuals with a history of smoking. Identifying and educating the client about this specific risk factor related to their smoking history is important in managing their condition and preventing further complications.
Question 6 of 9
The day following a below-the-knee amputation, the patient complains of toes cramping in the amputated foot. What should the nurse realize the patient is experiencing?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Phantom limb sensation is a common phenomenon where a patient perceives sensations such as cramping, itching, or pain in the limb that has been amputated. This occurs because the brain continues to receive signals from the nerves that originally innervated the amputated limb, leading to the perception of sensation in the absent body part. In this case, the patient's complaint of toes cramping in the amputated foot is indicative of phantom limb sensation rather than contractures, attention-seeking behavior, or chronic stump pain. It is important for the nurse to educate the patient about this phenomenon and provide appropriate support and reassurance.
Question 7 of 9
A client reports morning headaches that extend into the neck and go away as the day wears on. Based on this initial data, which assessment finding does the nurse anticipate?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Morning headaches that extend into the neck and subside as the day progresses can be indicative of elevated blood pressure, which is a common cause of morning headaches. Increased blood pressure can cause headaches that are usually worse in the morning due to the body's natural circadian rhythms. Monitoring the client's blood pressure and assessing for other signs of hypertension would be important in this case. Tachycardia, otitis media, and swollen lymph nodes are less likely to be associated with the described symptoms.
Question 8 of 9
The nurse is providing care to several clients on a medical-surgical unit. Which client is at highest risk for a nonthrombotic pulmonary embolism (PE)?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The client who is postoperative from a major surgery, such as femur fracture repair, is at the highest risk for a nonthrombotic pulmonary embolism (PE). Postoperative clients are at an increased risk due to factors such as immobility, surgical trauma, and possible venous stasis. Additionally, major orthopedic surgeries involving the lower extremities carry a higher risk of developing a PE because of the potential for blood clots to form in the veins of the legs (deep vein thrombosis) and then travel to the lungs, leading to a pulmonary embolism. Close monitoring and preventative measures, such as early ambulation, compression devices, and anticoagulant therapy, are crucial in preventing this serious complication in postoperative clients.
Question 9 of 9
What is the most common clinical manifestation of coronary artery disease?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The most common clinical manifestation of coronary artery disease is chest pain, also known as angina pectoris. This pain is typically described as a pressure, squeezing, tightness, or heaviness in the chest that may radiate to the arms, neck, jaw, shoulders, or back. It is usually triggered by physical exertion or emotional stress and is relieved by rest or medications such as nitroglycerin. Chest pain occurs due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscles caused by atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries. While dyspnea (shortness of breath), irritability, and tachycardia (rapid heart rate) can also be associated with coronary artery disease, chest pain is the hallmark symptom that often prompts individuals to seek medical attention for further evaluation.