ATI RN
Neurological System Assessment Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
What does the nurse know this patient will need help with?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is D) Self-care activities. When assessing the neurological system, the nurse must consider the impact on the patient's ability to perform self-care activities such as grooming, bathing, toileting, and dressing. Neurological conditions can affect motor skills, coordination, and cognitive function, making it challenging for patients to engage in these activities independently. Option A) Eating could be impacted by neurological conditions, but it is not the most comprehensive answer in terms of addressing the patient's overall self-care needs. Option B) Walking focuses on mobility, which is also important but does not encompass the full range of self-care activities. Option C) Dressing is a specific aspect of self-care, but choosing option D) demonstrates a broader understanding of the patient's holistic needs. In an educational context, understanding the impact of neurological conditions on self-care activities is crucial for nurses to provide comprehensive and patient-centered care. By selecting option D), nurses demonstrate their ability to assess the patient's functional abilities comprehensively and identify areas where the patient may require assistance or accommodations. This knowledge is essential for developing individualized care plans and promoting the patient's independence and quality of life.
Question 2 of 5
A patient with an extracapsular hip fracture is admitted to the orthopedic unit and placed in Buck's traction. The nurse explains to the patient that the purpose of the traction is to do what?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, option C, "Reduce pain and muscle spasms before surgery," is the correct answer. Buck's traction is commonly used in patients with hip fractures to alleviate pain, reduce muscle spasms, and prevent further displacement of the fracture before surgical intervention. By applying traction, the muscles surrounding the fracture are relaxed, which helps to decrease pain and muscle spasms. This preparatory step is crucial before surgery to ensure better outcomes and facilitate the surgical procedure. Option A, "Pull bone fragments back into alignment," is incorrect because traction is not typically used to directly realign bone fragments in an extracapsular hip fracture. This type of fracture usually requires surgical intervention for realignment and stabilization. Option B, "Immobilize the leg until healing is complete," is not the primary purpose of Buck's traction. While immobilization is important, the main goal of Buck's traction in this context is to provide pain relief and muscle relaxation. Option D, "Prevent damage to the blood vessels at the fracture site," is not the primary purpose of Buck's traction. While traction can indirectly help by reducing muscle spasms and preventing further displacement of the fracture, its main purpose in this case is pain management and muscle relaxation. From an educational standpoint, understanding the rationale behind using Buck's traction in orthopedic care is essential for nursing students and healthcare professionals. It is important to grasp the specific goals and benefits of traction in different clinical scenarios to provide effective patient care and optimize outcomes.
Question 3 of 5
Priority Decision: A patient with severe ulnar deviation of the hands undergoes an arthroplasty with reconstruction and replacement of finger joints. Postoperatively, what is it most important for the nurse to do?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this case, the correct answer is B) Perform neurovascular assessments of the fingers q2-4hr. The rationale behind this choice is rooted in the critical need for monitoring postoperative patients for any signs of compromised blood flow or nerve function, which could lead to complications such as ischemia or nerve damage. Performing frequent neurovascular assessments allows the nurse to quickly identify and address any circulation or nerve-related issues that may arise after the arthroplasty procedure. Early detection and prompt intervention in cases of compromised blood flow or nerve function can prevent serious complications and promote optimal healing and recovery for the patient. Options A, C, and D are incorrect in this scenario. Positioning the fingers lower than the elbow (Option A) is not the priority compared to monitoring neurovascular status. While gentle finger exercises (Option C) are important for postoperative rehabilitation, they do not take precedence over neurovascular assessments in ensuring the patient's safety and recovery. Additionally, reminding the patient about the importance of hand function over cosmetic appearance (Option D) is not as immediately critical as ensuring the patient's neurovascular status is stable postoperatively. In an educational context, understanding the rationale behind the priority of neurovascular assessments postoperatively is crucial for nurses caring for patients undergoing hand surgery. It emphasizes the importance of vigilant monitoring and early intervention to prevent complications and promote positive outcomes for surgical patients.
Question 4 of 5
A health care provider diagnoses a patient with a plantar wart. What should the nurse know about this kind of abnormality?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A) Papilloma growth on the sole of the foot. A plantar wart is a type of papilloma caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) infecting the skin on the sole of the foot. Understanding this is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Option B) Thickening of skin on the weight-bearing part of the foot is incorrect because it describes calluses or corns, not plantar warts. Option C) Local thickening of skin caused by pressure on bony prominences refers to a corn, not a plantar wart. Option D) Tumor on nerve tissue between the third and fourth metatarsal heads is incorrect as it describes a Morton's neuroma, not a plantar wart. In an educational context, it is important for nurses to differentiate between various skin abnormalities to provide proper care and treatment. Understanding the characteristics and etiology of plantar warts helps nurses educate patients on prevention strategies and treatment options. Nurses play a crucial role in patient education and promoting foot health, making accurate knowledge of foot abnormalities essential.
Question 5 of 5
Which drug that prevents binding of the tumor necrosis factor and inhibits the inflammatory response is used in the management of RA?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B) Entanercept (Enbrel) for managing Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) because it is a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor. RA is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation, and TNF plays a crucial role in the inflammatory response in RA. By blocking TNF, Entanercept helps reduce inflammation, pain, and joint damage in RA patients. Option A) Anakinra (Kineret) is also a drug used in RA, but it works by inhibiting interleukin-1 (IL-1), not TNF. While IL-1 is involved in the inflammatory process, it is not the primary target in the management of RA. Option C) Leflunomide (Arava) is a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) that works by inhibiting pyrimidine synthesis, thereby reducing inflammation and joint damage in RA. It does not target TNF directly. Option D) Azathioprine (Imuran) is an immunosuppressant drug that is used in various autoimmune conditions, but it does not specifically target TNF or play a significant role in the management of RA. Educationally, understanding the mechanism of action of different drugs used in RA is crucial for healthcare providers to make informed treatment decisions. Knowing how each drug targets specific pathways in the inflammatory process helps in tailoring treatment to individual patients, optimizing outcomes, and minimizing adverse effects.