ATI RN
health assessment test bank Questions
Question 1 of 9
What is the first step in the care of a client with a severe allergic reaction?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer epinephrine. This is the first step in the care of a client with a severe allergic reaction because epinephrine is the primary medication used to reverse the life-threatening symptoms of anaphylaxis. Epinephrine acts quickly to constrict blood vessels, relax smooth muscles in the lungs to improve breathing, and increase heart rate. Administering epinephrine promptly can prevent progression to severe outcomes like respiratory failure or shock. Corticosteroids (B and C) are used as adjunct therapy and do not provide immediate relief. Applying a cold compress (D) does not address the systemic effects of anaphylaxis and can delay potentially life-saving treatment.
Question 2 of 9
Which medication should be administered first for a client with acute asthma exacerbation?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for choosing Albuterol as the correct answer: 1. Albuterol is a rapid-acting bronchodilator that provides immediate relief by relaxing the airway muscles during asthma exacerbation. 2. It is the first-line medication recommended by guidelines for acute asthma attacks due to its quick onset of action. 3. Albuterol helps in opening the airways, improving airflow, and relieving symptoms like shortness of breath and wheezing. 4. Epinephrine is not the first choice for asthma exacerbation as it can have more systemic side effects. 5. Levalbuterol is a similar medication to Albuterol but may not be as widely available or cost-effective. 6. IV corticosteroids are important for long-term control but take longer to show effects, making them less suitable as the initial treatment for acute exacerbation.
Question 3 of 9
A 20-year-old construction worker has suffered heat stroke and has been brought into the emergency department. He has delirium as a result of fluid and electrolyte imbalance. The nurse will assess his:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Level of consciousness and cognitive abilities. In this scenario, the individual is experiencing delirium due to fluid and electrolyte imbalance, which can affect his level of consciousness and cognitive abilities. Assessing these aspects is crucial in determining the severity of the condition and guiding appropriate interventions. Option A (Affect and mood) is incorrect as the primary concern is the individual's cognitive functioning. Option B (Memory and affect) is incorrect as it does not cover the assessment of consciousness. Option C (Thought processes and memory) is incorrect as it does not specifically address the evaluation of the individual's level of consciousness.
Question 4 of 9
What should be the nurse's first action when caring for a client who has a suspected stroke?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Assess the client's airway. This is the first action because airway patency is the top priority in any emergency situation, including a suspected stroke. Ensuring the client can breathe effectively is crucial to prevent hypoxia and further complications. Administering oxygen (choice B) may be necessary after assessing the airway. Administering aspirin (choice C) should be done after a definitive diagnosis of an ischemic stroke. Performing a CT scan (choice D) is important for diagnosis but is not the first action to take in a suspected stroke scenario.
Question 5 of 9
A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The nurse should prioritize which of the following interventions?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administering bronchodilators as prescribed. Rationale: 1. Bronchodilators help dilate the airways, improving airflow in COPD patients. 2. Priority is to address the underlying respiratory issue. 3. Bronchodilators are a standard treatment for managing COPD symptoms. 4. Improving airway patency is crucial in COPD exacerbations. Summary: - B: Encouraging avoidance of physical activity is incorrect as it can lead to deconditioning. - C: Providing supplemental oxygen is important but not the priority in this case. - D: Monitoring for acute kidney injury is unrelated to COPD management.
Question 6 of 9
The nurse is performing a mental health assessment on a 5-year-old girl. Her parents are in the middle of a bitter divorce and are worried about the effect it is having on their daughter. Which of the following might lead the nurse to be concerned about the girl's mental health?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it indicates a potential concern about the girl's mental health. This behavior may suggest a difficulty in socializing with peers of her own age, which could be a sign of emotional distress or developmental issues. This is concerning in the context of her parents' bitter divorce. A: Clinging to her mother is a common behavior for a child going through a stressful situation, so it may not necessarily indicate a mental health issue. B: Appearing angry and avoiding eye contact could also be a normal reaction to stress or discomfort. C: Riding a tricycle is a typical activity for a 5-year-old and may not directly relate to mental health concerns.
Question 7 of 9
What should be done for a client who is post-op and develops a fever within the first 48 hours?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Monitor for signs of infection. Within the first 48 hours post-op, fever is often indicative of an infection. Monitoring for signs such as increased pain, redness, swelling, warmth at the surgical site, elevated white blood cell count, and changes in vital signs helps in early detection and prompt treatment of infections. Administering antipyretics (choice A) may help reduce fever but does not address the underlying cause. Administering fluids (choice C) is important for hydration but does not directly address the fever's cause. Performing an abdominal assessment (choice D) is not specific to addressing fever in a post-op client.
Question 8 of 9
What should the nurse assess first in a client with severe abdominal pain?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Assess vital signs. Vital signs provide crucial information on the client's overall condition and can help identify any life-threatening issues. Monitoring vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature can guide immediate interventions and determine the urgency of further assessments or treatments. Administering oxygen (B) would be appropriate after assessing vital signs. Performing an ECG (C) may be indicated later but is not the priority in this acute situation. Monitoring serum glucose levels (D) is not typically the first assessment in a client with severe abdominal pain.
Question 9 of 9
Which is an inappropriate item in planning care for a severely neutropenic client?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Transfuse neutrophils. Neutrophil transfusion is not a standard treatment for neutropenia as neutrophils do not survive well outside the body. For the other choices: B: Excluding raw vegetables is correct to prevent infection. C: Avoiding rectal suppositories is correct to prevent mucosal injury. D: Prohibiting vases of fresh flowers is correct to prevent exposure to fungal spores. So, transfusing neutrophils is inappropriate as it is not a standard treatment for neutropenia.