ATI RN
Fundamentals of Nursing Skin Integrity Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse who notes that a 59-yr-old female patient has lost 1 inch in height over the past 2 years will plan to teach the patient about
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). This test is used to measure bone mineral density and can help diagnose osteoporosis, which is a common cause of height loss in older adults. Teaching the patient about DXA can help in early detection and management of osteoporosis. A: Discography studies are used to evaluate back pain, not height loss. B: Myelographic testing is used to detect spinal cord or nerve root compression, not height loss. C: MRI is useful for imaging soft tissues and organs, not for assessing bone density or height loss.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse will instruct the patient with a fractured left radius that the cast will need to remain in place
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because x-rays showing complete bony union indicate proper healing of the fracture. This ensures that the bone is strong enough to bear weight and function normally. Choice A is incorrect as leaving the cast for several months is excessive. Choice B is incorrect as 3 weeks may not be sufficient for proper healing. Choice C is incorrect as swelling resolution does not guarantee complete healing.
Question 3 of 5
A patient with a right lower leg fracture will be discharged home with an external fixation device in place. Which information will the nurse teach?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Check and clean the pin insertion sites daily. This is important to prevent infection, which is a common complication with external fixation devices. Cleaning the pin sites reduces the risk of infection and promotes healing. Summary of other choices: B: Removing the external fixator for showering can compromise the stability of the fracture. C: Remaining on bed rest until bone healing is complete is not necessary and can lead to complications like muscle atrophy. D: Taking prophylactic antibiotics until the fixator is removed is not recommended unless there is a specific indication for infection prevention.
Question 4 of 5
When giving home care instructions to a patient who has comminuted left forearm fractures and a long-arm cast, which information should the nurse include?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Call the health care provider for numbness of the hand. In a patient with comminuted left forearm fractures and a long-arm cast, numbness could indicate compartment syndrome, a serious complication. Prompt intervention is crucial to prevent tissue damage. Keeping the shoulder elevated (A) is important for comfort but not directly related to the fractures. Avoiding NSAIDs (B) is generally recommended for fractures due to their potential to delay healing. Keeping the hand immobile (D) is important, but it does not address the potential emergency situation of developing compartment syndrome.
Question 5 of 5
A pedestrian who was hit by a car is admitted to the emergency department with possible right lower leg fractures. The initial action by the nurse should be to
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct initial action by the nurse in this scenario is to assess the pedal pulses (Choice C). This is crucial to determine the circulation and perfusion status of the injured limb. If the pedal pulses are absent or weak, it indicates compromised blood flow, which is a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention. Elevating the right leg (Choice A) may worsen circulation if pulses are weak. Splinting the lower leg (Choice B) should only be done after assessing the pulses. Verifying tetanus immunization (Choice D) is important but not the immediate priority in this situation.