ATI RN
health assessment exam 1 test bank Questions
Question 1 of 9
The nurse is unable to identify any changes in sound when percussing over the abdomen of an obese patient. What should the nurse do next?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Use less force to percuss over the abdomen. When percussing an obese patient's abdomen, more force may not be effective due to the increased tissue thickness. Using less force allows for better transmission of sound waves through the tissues, improving the nurse's ability to assess for changes in sound. Asking the patient to take deep breaths (choice A) may help relax the abdominal muscles but won't address the issue of increased tissue thickness. Considering it a normal finding (choice B) without attempting to improve assessment techniques could lead to missed abnormalities. Using more force (choice D) can be uncomfortable for the patient and may still not produce clear sounds due to the tissue barrier.
Question 2 of 9
Which technique should be used to assess a murmur in a patient's heart?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: The diaphragm of the stethoscope. The diaphragm is used to assess heart murmurs as it allows for higher-frequency sounds to be heard more clearly. When assessing heart murmurs, using the diaphragm helps to differentiate between systolic and diastolic murmurs, as well as to identify specific characteristics such as intensity and location. A: The bell of the stethoscope is used for low-frequency sounds and would not be ideal for assessing heart murmurs. C: Palpation with the palm of the hand is used to assess pulses and vibrations, not heart murmurs. D: Asking another nurse to double-check the finding is important for validation but does not directly relate to the technique used to assess a heart murmur.
Question 3 of 9
Which of the following statements illustrates the biomedical model of Western traditional views?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the biomedical model focuses on defining health as the absence of disease. This model emphasizes biological factors in understanding and treating illnesses. It is reductionist in nature, viewing health issues as purely physical and separate from social or psychological aspects. Choices B, C, and D do not align with the biomedical model. B emphasizes overall well-being, not just the absence of disease. C suggests a more holistic approach, while D implies a focus on nursing rather than the medical model's emphasis on disease treatment.
Question 4 of 9
A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of hypertension. The nurse should prioritize which of the following interventions?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administering antihypertensive medication as prescribed. This is the priority intervention because it directly addresses the patient's hypertension, which is a critical condition that needs immediate management to prevent complications. Encouraging weight loss (B), monitoring blood pressure (C), and promoting a low-sodium diet (D) are all important aspects of managing hypertension. However, administering antihypertensive medication takes precedence as it directly targets lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events. Weight loss, monitoring, and dietary changes are important for long-term management but may not provide immediate control of hypertension compared to medication.
Question 5 of 9
A 60-year-old woman is undergoing a mammogram. The nurse explains that the procedure is done to:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because mammograms are specifically designed to detect abnormal growths or tumors in the breast tissue, particularly in the early stages of breast cancer. This is crucial for early detection and effective treatment. Choice B is incorrect because mammograms are not used to identify changes in hormone levels. Choice C is incorrect because mammograms do not evaluate lung function related to breast cancer. Choice D is incorrect because mammograms do not assess for signs of osteoporosis; a bone density scan is typically used for that purpose.
Question 6 of 9
A 19-year-old woman comes to the clinic at the insistence of her brother. She is wearing black combat boots and a black lace nightgown over her other clothes. Her hair is dyed pink with black streaks. She has several piercings in her nares and ears and is wearing an earring on her eyebrow and heavy black makeup. The nurse concludes that:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because more information should be gathered to assess the situation appropriately. The woman's appearance may suggest alternative lifestyles or personal expression rather than mental health issues. It is essential to avoid assumptions based solely on appearance and gather a comprehensive history to understand her choices. Options A and B are dismissive and judgmental, failing to consider the complexity of human behavior. Option C is incorrect as the presented information does not provide enough evidence to diagnose manic syndrome. In summary, option D is the most logical and ethical approach to understanding the woman's situation without making unfounded assumptions.
Question 7 of 9
A nurse is assessing a 45-year-old male patient with a history of smoking. The nurse would be most concerned if the patient reports:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because shortness of breath with minimal exertion indicates possible respiratory distress, which can be a sign of significant lung damage from smoking. This symptom suggests a decreased ability to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide efficiently, potentially leading to serious health complications. Choice B is incorrect because an occasional cough with mucus production is common in smokers and may not be as alarming as shortness of breath. Choice C is incorrect as slight wheezing after physical activity could be due to exercise-induced asthma rather than solely smoking-related issues. Choice D is incorrect because even though the patient may not be experiencing symptoms related to smoking currently, it does not rule out potential underlying lung damage or future health risks associated with smoking.
Question 8 of 9
A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which of the following interventions should the nurse prioritize?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Providing supplemental oxygen. In COPD, patients often have difficulty breathing due to impaired lung function. Supplemental oxygen helps improve oxygenation and relieves respiratory distress. Prioritizing this intervention is crucial for managing COPD exacerbations and preventing complications. Administering diuretics (A) may be indicated for comorbid conditions like heart failure but is not a priority in managing COPD. Increasing fluid intake (C) may not directly address the patient's respiratory distress. Encouraging bed rest (D) may lead to deconditioning and worsen respiratory function in COPD patients.
Question 9 of 9
When a nurse is performing a neurological assessment, which of the following is most important to assess first?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Patient's level of consciousness. Assessing the patient's level of consciousness is crucial in a neurological assessment as it provides immediate information on the overall function of the brain. Changes in consciousness can indicate serious neurological issues such as head injuries or stroke. It is essential to prioritize assessing consciousness first to determine the urgency of the situation. Assessing reflexes (A), cranial nerve function (B), and pupil response (D) are also important in a neurological assessment but come after assessing the patient's level of consciousness, as they provide more specific and detailed information about the neurological status.