ATI RN
health assessment exam 2 test bank Questions
Question 1 of 9
What is the correct interpretation of a drumlike sound heard during percussion of the abdomen?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct interpretation of a drumlike sound heard during percussion of the abdomen is that it indicates air-filled areas within the abdomen. This sound, known as tympany, occurs when air is present in the gastrointestinal tract or hollow organs. Percussion produces a resonant, drum-like sound over these air-filled areas. This is a normal finding during a physical examination. Incorrect Answers: A: Constipation does not typically produce a drumlike sound during percussion. Constipation may cause a dull sound due to fecal matter retention. C: The presence of a tumor would not cause a drumlike sound during percussion. Tumors are typically solid masses and would produce a dull sound during percussion. D: Dense organs such as the liver or spleen would produce a dull sound, not a drumlike sound, during percussion due to their solid nature.
Question 2 of 9
During an interview, a woman says, "I just know labour will be so painful that I won't be able to stand it. I know it sounds awful, but I really dread going into labour." The nurse responds by stating, "Oh, don't worry about labour so much. I have been through it myself, and yes, it is painful, but there are many good medications to decrease the pain." Which of the following statements about this response is true?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: It was a nontherapeutic response. The nurse responded in a way that downplayed the patient's concerns and shut down the conversation. Rationale: 1. The nurse's response of dismissing the woman's fear and immediately shifting the focus to medication options invalidates the woman's feelings. 2. By sharing her own experience without acknowledging the woman's emotions, the nurse fails to provide genuine support. 3. The response lacks empathy and fails to address the woman's emotional needs, thus hindering effective communication. 4. This type of response may discourage the woman from expressing her concerns openly in the future, leading to potential emotional distress. Summary of other choices: A: Incorrect. Sharing personal experience alone does not make it therapeutic. In this context, it did not address the woman's emotional concerns effectively. C: Incorrect. Providing information about medications, although helpful, does not address the woman's emotional distress and fears. D: Incorrect. While the response did minimize the patient
Question 3 of 9
Which of the following statements reflects a component of spirituality?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because spirituality is a personal and intrinsic search for meaning and purpose in life, which is central to the human experience. This definition aligns with the concept of spirituality as a journey of self-discovery and reflection, independent of organized religion or cultural background. Explanation for why other choices are incorrect: A: Worshiping a higher power within an organization implies a religious practice rather than spirituality, which is more individualistic and introspective. B: Attendance at a specific house of worship is a religious practice, not necessarily reflective of spirituality, which can exist outside formal religious institutions. D: While spirituality can be influenced by cultural background, it is not solely tied to it, as it transcends social, ethnic, and historical boundaries.
Question 4 of 9
A nurse is teaching a patient about managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which of the following statements by the patient indicates the need for further education?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because stopping the inhaler once feeling better is incorrect. Inhalers are used to manage COPD symptoms long-term, not just when feeling unwell. Step 1: Explain that inhalers are essential for managing COPD and should be used consistently. Step 2: Emphasize that stopping inhaler use prematurely can lead to exacerbation of symptoms and worsening of the condition. Step 3: Reinforce the importance of following the prescribed treatment plan for optimal COPD management. Other choices are incorrect: A: True, avoiding second-hand smoke is crucial for COPD management. B: True, taking medications as prescribed is essential. D: True, breathing exercises can help improve lung function.
Question 5 of 9
During her prenatal checkup, a patient begins to cry as the nurse asks her about previous pregnancies. The patient says that she is remembering her last pregnancy, which ended in miscarriage. The nurse's best response to her crying would be:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it shows empathy and validation towards the patient's emotions. By acknowledging the patient's sadness and giving her permission to cry, the nurse creates a safe and supportive environment. This response helps the patient feel understood and accepted, facilitating emotional expression and potentially leading to a deeper therapeutic relationship. Choice A is incorrect because it focuses on the nurse's discomfort rather than the patient's feelings. Choice C is incorrect as it may come across as dismissive of the patient's emotions. Choice D is incorrect as it suggests avoiding the topic rather than addressing the patient's feelings directly.
Question 6 of 9
A nurse is caring for a patient who has undergone a colonoscopy. The nurse should prioritize monitoring for which of the following complications?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Bleeding or perforation. After a colonoscopy, the patient is at risk for bleeding or perforation which are serious complications requiring immediate attention. Monitoring for signs such as abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, or signs of peritonitis is crucial. Choice A is not a priority unless the patient shows signs of shock. Choice C is a common post-procedure issue but not a priority complication. Choice D, pain at the insertion site, is expected and can be managed with analgesics.
Question 7 of 9
The public's concept of health has changed since the 1950s. Which of the following statements most accurately describes this change?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it reflects the shift towards a holistic view of health focusing on preventive measures and lifestyle choices. In the 1950s, the emphasis was more on treating diseases rather than preventing them through healthy habits. Choice B is incorrect as it only focuses on identifying pathogens, not overall health. Choice C is incorrect because it emphasizes physician-centered healthcare rather than individual responsibility. Choice D is incorrect as it only considers the absence of symptoms, not overall well-being. Therefore, A is the best choice as it aligns with the modern understanding of health promotion and disease prevention.
Question 8 of 9
A nurse is caring for a patient with chronic heart failure. The nurse should monitor for which of the following signs of worsening heart failure?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Pitting edema and weight gain. In chronic heart failure, worsening symptoms indicate fluid retention. Pitting edema in the extremities and weight gain are signs of fluid overload, indicating worsening heart failure. It is crucial for the nurse to monitor these signs to prevent exacerbation. Fatigue and shortness of breath (Choice A) are common symptoms in heart failure but not specific to worsening condition. Increased urine output (Choice B) is not typically seen in worsening heart failure as the kidneys may be compromised. Decreased blood pressure (Choice C) can occur in acute decompensation but is not a consistent sign of worsening chronic heart failure.
Question 9 of 9
A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The nurse should monitor for which of the following signs of exacerbation?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because increased sputum production and shortness of breath are classic signs of exacerbation in COPD. This indicates worsening airflow limitation and potential respiratory distress. Monitoring these signs helps in early intervention and preventing further complications. B: Improved oxygen saturation is not a sign of exacerbation in COPD. It would actually suggest improvement in the patient's condition. C: Increased energy levels are not typical signs of exacerbation in COPD. Patients usually experience fatigue and weakness during exacerbations. D: Decreased respiratory rate is not indicative of exacerbation in COPD. It could be a sign of respiratory depression or sedation, but not exacerbation.