ATI RN
foundation of nursing questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
The nurse is preparing to insert a nasogastric tube in a patient who is semiconscious. To determine the length of the tube needed to be inserted, how should the nurse measure the tube?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer (C): To determine the correct length of the nasogastric tube needed to be inserted, the nurse should measure from the tip of the earlobe to the nose and then to the xiphoid process. This method ensures that the tube reaches the stomach without coiling in the esophagus or being inserted too far down. The distance from the earlobe to the nose approximates the distance from the nose to the stomach, and measuring to the xiphoid process ensures proper placement. This technique minimizes the risk of complications such as aspiration or misplacement. Summary of Incorrect Choices: A: Measuring from the tip of the nose to the earlobe is incorrect because it does not take into account the distance to the stomach. B: Measuring from the tip of the earlobe to the xiphoid process alone is incorrect because it does not consider the distance through the nasal passage. D: Measuring from the tip of the nose to the earlobe to
Question 2 of 9
The clinic nurse is caring for a 42-year-old male oncology patient. He complains of extreme fatigue and weakness after his first week of radiation therapy. Which response by the nurse would best reassure this patient?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it acknowledges the patient's symptoms, reassures monitoring, and addresses the cause. It validates his experience while offering a proactive approach. Choice B is incorrect as it dismisses the patient's symptoms and can cause distress. Choice C is incorrect because it generalizes the patient's experience and lacks individualized care. Choice D is incorrect as it may give false hope and oversimplifies the situation. A provides the best balance of empathy and information for the patient's well-being.
Question 3 of 9
A patient has undergone diagnostic testing and has been diagnosed with otosclerosis? What ear structure is primarily affected by this diagnosis?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Stapes. Otosclerosis is a condition characterized by abnormal bone growth in the middle ear, causing the stapes bone to become fixed in place. This results in hearing loss due to the inability of the stapes to transmit sound vibrations to the inner ear. The malleus (choice A), incus (choice C), and tympanic membrane (choice D) are not primarily affected by otosclerosis. The malleus and incus are located in the middle ear but are not typically affected by otosclerosis. The tympanic membrane is part of the outer ear and is not directly involved in otosclerosis.
Question 4 of 9
A nurse is planning the postoperative care of a patient who is scheduled for radical prostatectomy. What intraoperative position will place the patient at particular risk for the development of deep vein thrombosis postoperatively?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Lithotomy position. In lithotomy position, the patient's legs are elevated and positioned higher than the heart, which can lead to venous stasis and increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This position compresses the femoral veins, hindering blood flow and predisposing the patient to DVT formation. Summary: A: Fowlers position - Not typically associated with increased DVT risk. B: Prone position - Not typically associated with increased DVT risk. C: Supine position - Generally considered a safe position regarding DVT risk.
Question 5 of 9
The nurse in a pediatric ICU is caring for a child who is dying of sickle cell anemia. The childs mother has been unable to eat or sleep and can talk only about her impending loss and the guilt she feels about the childs pain and suffering. What intervention has the highest priority?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Allowing the patient to express her feelings without judging her. This intervention has the highest priority as it focuses on providing emotional support and creating a safe space for the mother to express her emotions without feeling judged. In this situation, the mother is experiencing intense guilt and grief, and allowing her to talk about her feelings can help her process her emotions and cope with the impending loss. By listening actively and without judgment, the nurse can demonstrate empathy and compassion, which are crucial in supporting the mother through this difficult time. Summary: B: Helping the patient to understand the phases of the grieving process may be helpful, but it is not the highest priority at this moment. C: Reassuring the patient that the child's death is not her fault is important, but the priority is to address the mother's emotional needs first. D: Arranging for genetic counseling is not the highest priority at this time as the immediate focus should be on providing emotional support to the mother
Question 6 of 9
A woman calls the clinic and tells the nurse she has had bloody drainage from her right nipple. The nurse makes an appointment for this patient, expecting the physician or practitioner to order what diagnostic test on this patient?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Breast ultrasound. Bloody drainage from the nipple can be indicative of various conditions such as breast cancer. A breast ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging test that can help visualize any abnormalities in the breast tissue, including masses or tumors. It is commonly used to evaluate breast symptoms like nipple discharge. Radiography (B) is not typically used for evaluating breast conditions. Positron emission testing (PET) (C) is more commonly used in cancer staging and may not be the first-line test for this symptom. Galactography (D) is a specific imaging test used to evaluate the ducts of the breast and may not be the initial test for bloody nipple discharge.
Question 7 of 9
A nurse is caring for a patient who has had diarrhea for the past week. Which additional assessment finding will the nurse expect?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Decreased skin turgor. Diarrhea leads to fluid loss, causing dehydration and decreased skin turgor. This indicates the patient's hydration status. A: Distended abdomen is more common in conditions like bowel obstruction, not necessarily in diarrhea. C: Increased energy levels are unlikely due to the patient's weakened state from dehydration. D: Elevated blood pressure is not typically associated with dehydration.
Question 8 of 9
A child has been transported to the emergency department (ED) after a severe allergic reaction. The ED nurse is evaluating the patients respiratory status. How should the nurse evaluate the patients respiratory status? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rationale: Assessing breath sounds is crucial in evaluating respiratory status as it helps identify any signs of airway obstruction or respiratory distress. This includes listening for wheezing, crackles, or diminished breath sounds. Lung function testing (A) may not be feasible in an acute emergency situation. Oxygen saturation (C) is important but does not provide a comprehensive assessment of respiratory status. Monitoring respiratory pattern (D) and assessing respiratory rate (E) are important but do not directly assess breath sounds, which are vital in identifying immediate respiratory issues.
Question 9 of 9
A male patient presents at the free clinic with complaints of impotency. Upon physical examination, the nurse practitioner notes the presence of hypogonadism. What diagnosis should the nurse suspect?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Prolactinoma. Hypogonadism is often associated with decreased testosterone levels, which can be caused by excessive prolactin secretion from a prolactinoma. Prolactin inhibits the secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), leading to decreased production of testosterone. Angioma, glioma, and ACTH-producing adenoma are not typically associated with hypogonadism. Angiomas are benign tumors of blood vessels, gliomas are tumors of the brain or spinal cord, and ACTH-producing adenomas are associated with Cushing's disease, not hypogonadism.