ATI RN
advanced health assessment test bank Questions
Question 1 of 9
The nurse is preparing to assess a hospitalized patient who is experiencing significant shortness of breath. How should the nurse proceed with the assessment?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because when a patient is experiencing significant shortness of breath, the nurse should initially focus on assessing the areas directly related to the presenting problem to address the immediate issue. This approach allows for prompt intervention and treatment of the patient's acute condition. Once the patient's respiratory distress is managed, the nurse can then proceed with a complete assessment to identify any underlying or additional health issues. This stepwise approach ensures that the patient's urgent needs are met first before conducting a comprehensive assessment. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because: B: Performing a mini-database by only examining body areas directly related to the problem may not provide a comprehensive understanding of the patient's condition and could overlook other potential health issues. C: Dismissing significant shortness of breath as a normal finding and proceeding with an abdominal assessment is inappropriate and could delay necessary interventions for the respiratory distress. D: Examining the entire body to determine if the problem is linked to something else is inefficient and
Question 2 of 9
When examining a patient, the nurse can assess mental health by:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because observing the patient and inferring health or dysfunction allows the nurse to assess mental health holistically. This method considers various factors such as behavior, emotions, communication, and overall functioning. It provides a comprehensive view of the patient's mental well-being. A: Examining the patient's electroencephalogram is more related to brain activity rather than mental health assessment. B: Observing the patient as he or she performs an IQ test is limited to cognitive abilities and does not capture the full spectrum of mental health. D: Examining the patient's response to a specific set of questions may not provide a complete picture of mental health as it focuses on specific aspects rather than overall assessment.
Question 3 of 9
A nurse is frequently bothered when a patient does not take the medications as prescribed until the patient speaks with her family. The nurse is so irritated by this behaviour that he often finds it hard to provide appropriate care to this individual. What should the nurse do first in trying to overcome his difficulty?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step 1: Recognize Cultural Sensitivity - Understanding that family inclusion is a cultural practice is crucial as it helps the nurse appreciate the patient's perspective. Step 2: Empathy - Acknowledging the significance of family involvement for the patient shows empathy and respect for their beliefs and values. Step 3: Effective Communication - By recognizing and respecting the cultural practice, the nurse can build a trusting relationship with the patient and her family, leading to better adherence to medication and improved care outcomes. In summary, Option B is correct as it emphasizes cultural competence and patient-centered care. Options A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not address the core issue of cultural understanding and may hinder effective communication and relationship-building with the patient and her family.
Question 4 of 9
A nurse is teaching a patient with diabetes about foot care. Which of the following statements by the patient indicates proper understanding?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because daily inspection helps identify issues early, preventing complications. B is incorrect as tight shoes can cause blisters. C is wrong as proper toenail trimming is essential. D is incorrect because prevention is key in diabetic foot care.
Question 5 of 9
A nurse is teaching a patient with osteoarthritis about managing their condition. Which of the following statements by the patient indicates the need for further education?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because avoiding physical activity to prevent joint strain is not recommended for managing osteoarthritis. Exercise is crucial for strengthening joints and improving flexibility. Choice A is correct as heat or cold therapy can help relieve joint pain. Choice B is correct as taking pain medication regularly can help manage symptoms. Choice C is correct as regular exercise is important for maintaining joint health. In summary, avoiding physical activity is not a recommended approach for managing osteoarthritis, unlike the other choices which are beneficial for the condition.
Question 6 of 9
A nurse is caring for a patient with diabetes. The nurse should monitor for which of the following complications?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Hyperglycemia. In diabetes, hyperglycemia occurs when blood sugar levels are too high. This can lead to various complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state. Monitoring for hyperglycemia is crucial to prevent these serious complications. A: Hypoglycemia is low blood sugar and can also occur in diabetes, but it is not the primary complication to monitor for in this case. B: Hyperkalemia is high potassium levels and is not a common complication of diabetes unless there are other underlying issues. C: Hypotension is low blood pressure, which can be a complication of diabetes but is not as directly related to glucose management as hyperglycemia. In summary, monitoring for hyperglycemia is essential in diabetes care to prevent serious complications associated with high blood sugar levels.
Question 7 of 9
A nurse is caring for a patient with acute pancreatitis. The nurse should monitor for which of the following signs of complications?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Hypotension and tachycardia. In acute pancreatitis, complications like hypovolemic shock can lead to hypotension and tachycardia due to fluid shifts and inflammation. Decreased urine output and increased thirst (A) may indicate dehydration but are not specific to pancreatitis. Increased blood pressure and heart rate (B) are not typical signs of complications in pancreatitis. Tachypnea and cyanosis (D) suggest respiratory distress, which is not a common complication of pancreatitis.
Question 8 of 9
A nurse is caring for a patient who is post-operative following abdominal surgery. The nurse should encourage the patient to:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step 1: Post-operative patients are at risk for developing pneumonia due to decreased lung expansion and secretion retention. Step 2: Deep breathing exercises help improve lung expansion and prevent pneumonia. Step 3: Therefore, encouraging the patient to perform deep breathing exercises is essential. Summary: - A: Avoiding deep breathing exercises is incorrect as it can lead to respiratory complications. - B: Taking shallow breaths can worsen lung function and increase the risk of pneumonia. - D: Limiting mobility can lead to complications like blood clots and pneumonia.
Question 9 of 9
A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of hypertension and heart failure. The nurse should monitor for which of the following signs of worsening heart failure?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Swelling in the legs and shortness of breath. In heart failure, fluid can build up in the body causing swelling, particularly in the legs. Shortness of breath is a common symptom due to fluid accumulation in the lungs. Increased urine output and weight loss (A) are not indicative of worsening heart failure as they suggest fluid loss. Decreased blood pressure and dizziness (C) can be seen in other conditions like dehydration. Fatigue and constipation (D) are not specific signs of heart failure worsening.