ATI RN
foundation of nursing practice questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
The nurse responds to the call light of a patient who has had a cervical diskectomy earlier in the day. Thecpatient states that she is having severe pain that had a sudden onset. What is the nurses most appropriate action?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the patient who has had a cervical diskectomy is experiencing severe pain with a sudden onset, which can be indicative of a complication such as bleeding, infection, or nerve impingement. The nurse's most appropriate action is to call the surgeon immediately to report the patient's pain. The surgeon needs to be informed promptly so that a further assessment can be made and appropriate interventions can be initiated to address the cause of the sudden pain. Palpating the surgical site or removing the dressing without consulting the surgeon first may worsen the situation or increase the risk of complications. Administering an NSAID is not appropriate in this situation without further evaluation and guidance from the surgeon. It is essential to prioritize patient safety and ensure that the patient receives timely and appropriate care by involving the surgeon in the decision-making process.
Question 2 of 9
A hospitalized patient with impaired vision must get a picture in his or her mind of the hospital room and its contents in order to mobilize independently and safely. What must the nurse monitor in the patients room?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: It is crucial for the nurse to monitor that all furniture remains in the same position in the hospitalized patient's room. For a patient with impaired vision who needs to create a mental picture of the room to mobilize independently and safely, any changes in the position of furniture can disrupt this mental map and potentially lead to accidents or falls. By ensuring that all furniture remains unchanged, the nurse supports the patient's ability to navigate the room confidently and without obstacles. This monitoring helps promote the patient's safety and independence during their stay in the hospital.
Question 3 of 9
The nurse is caring for a patient who has undergone a mastoidectomy. In an effort to prevent postoperative infection, what intervention should the nurse implement?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: After a mastoidectomy, the ear should be protected from water for several weeks. This is because exposing the area to water can increase the risk of infection. Keeping the ear dry allows the surgical site to heal properly and reduces the likelihood of postoperative complications such as infection. Therefore, instructing the patient to protect the ear from water is an important intervention to prevent postoperative infection following a mastoidectomy.
Question 4 of 9
The nurse in the ED is caring for a 4 year-old brought in by his parents who state that the child will not stop crying and pulling at his ear. Based on information collected by the nurse, which of the following statements applies to a diagnosis of external otitis?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: External otitis, also known as swimmer's ear, is an infection of the outer ear canal. It is often characterized by aural tenderness, which means that the ear is sensitive to touch and can be painful, especially when pressure is applied to the area. This tenderness is a hallmark symptom of external otitis and helps differentiate it from other ear conditions. Other common symptoms of external otitis include ear pain, itchiness, redness, and swelling of the ear canal. External otitis is usually not accompanied by a high fever, and it is not typically related to an upper respiratory infection. Using cotton-tipped applicators to clean the ear can actually increase the risk of developing external otitis by disrupting the natural protective barrier of the ear canal.
Question 5 of 9
A patient with glaucoma has presented for a scheduled clinic visit and tells the nurse that she has begun taking an herbal remedy for her condition that was recommended by a work colleague. What instruction should the nurse provide to the patient?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct instruction for the nurse to provide to the patient is that the patient should discuss this new herbal remedy with her ophthalmologist promptly. This is essential because herbal remedies can interact with prescription medications or affect the patient's eye condition. The ophthalmologist can provide guidance on the safety and effectiveness of the herbal remedy in relation to the patient's glaucoma treatment plan. It is crucial for healthcare providers to be aware of all treatments the patient is receiving to ensure coordinated and optimal care.
Question 6 of 9
Which of the following individuals would be the most appropriate candidate for immunotherapy?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots, is a form of treatment that can help reduce symptoms for individuals with severe allergies to substances such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. This treatment involves exposing the patient to small, increasing doses of the allergen over time to help the immune system gradually build up a tolerance. Patients with severe allergies to grass and tree pollen would most likely benefit from immunotherapy as it can help reduce their allergy symptoms and improve their quality of life. On the other hand, individuals with anaphylactic reactions to insect stings (Choice A), allergies to eggs and dairy (Choice B), or a positive tuberculin skin test (Choice C) are not typically candidates for immunotherapy as their conditions are not related to the type of allergies that are commonly treated with this method.
Question 7 of 9
The nurse is caring for a patient who has terminal lung cancer and is unconscious. Which assessment finding would most clearly indicate to the nurse that the patients death is imminent?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Mottling of the lower limbs is a common physical sign seen in patients approaching death. This occurs when there is poor circulation leading to a bluish or purplish discoloration of the skin, particularly on the extremities. The appearance of mottling indicates that the body is no longer able to maintain adequate blood flow to the extremities, signaling that the patient is in the final stages of life. It is a significant finding that strongly suggests imminent death in patients with terminal illness, such as in this case of a patient with terminal lung cancer who is unconscious.
Question 8 of 9
When planning care for an adolescent who plays sports, which modification should the nurse include in the care plan?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When planning care for an adolescent who plays sports, it is important to provide adequate nutrition to meet their increased energy needs. Carbohydrates are the main source of energy, providing fuel for physical activity. Adolescents engaged in sports require a higher carbohydrate intake and should aim for 55% to 60% of their total daily kilocalories to support their activity levels. Carbohydrates are essential for providing energy during exercise, building and repairing muscles, and promoting overall performance. Increasing carbohydrate intake in the diet is a key modification to support the energy demands of an active adolescent involved in sports.
Question 9 of 9
While a patient is receiving IV doxorubicin hydrochloride for the treatment of cancer, the nurse observes swelling and pain at the IV site. The nurse should prioritize what action?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Swelling and pain at the IV site can indicate extravasation, which is the leakage of a vesicant medication like doxorubicin hydrochloride into the surrounding tissues. It is crucial to stop the administration of the drug immediately upon suspicion of extravasation to minimize tissue damage and potential complications. By stopping the administration promptly, further harm can be prevented, and early interventions can be initiated to mitigate the effects of the extravasation. Notifications to the physician and appropriate actions, such as aspiration of any remaining drug, may follow after discontinuing the infusion.