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
A nurse is caring for a patient who is post-operative following an abdominal surgery. The nurse should prioritize which of the following interventions?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Encouraging early ambulation to prevent deep vein thrombosis. Early ambulation helps prevent blood clot formation in the legs, reducing the risk of deep vein thrombosis post-surgery. It also promotes circulation and aids in preventing complications like pneumonia. Administering pain medication (B) is important, but preventing complications should take priority. Providing wound care (C) is essential but not the top priority. Encouraging a high-protein diet (D) is beneficial for healing, but immediate post-operative mobility is crucial for preventing complications.
Question 3 of 9
The major electrolytes in the extracellular fluid are:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: sodium and chloride. In the extracellular fluid, sodium and chloride are the major electrolytes due to their roles in maintaining fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contraction. Potassium and phosphate (choice B) are primarily found in intracellular fluid, while potassium and chloride (choice A) are not the major electrolytes in extracellular fluid. Similarly, sodium and phosphate (choice D) are not major extracellular electrolytes. Thus, choice C is the correct answer based on the significant presence and functions of sodium and chloride in the extracellular fluid.
Question 4 of 9
The nurse is caring for a patient who is a recent immigrant and has limited English proficiency. Which of the following is the best action the nurse should take?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Use a professional interpreter or translation services to communicate effectively. This is the best action because it ensures accurate communication and understanding between the nurse and the patient. Professional interpreters are trained to accurately convey information while respecting cultural nuances. Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect: A: Using medical jargon can confuse the patient further and hinder effective communication. B: Speaking loudly and slowly can come across as patronizing and does not address the language barrier. D: Relying on the patient's family for translation can lead to miscommunication or breaches of patient confidentiality.
Question 5 of 9
Which of the following best describes the purpose of a functional assessment?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because a functional assessment specifically evaluates an older adult's ability to manage day-to-day activities, such as personal care, meal preparation, and mobility. This assessment helps identify any difficulties the individual may have in performing these essential tasks, which can then inform appropriate interventions or support services. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not align with the primary focus of a functional assessment, which is to evaluate an individual's functional abilities and independence in daily living tasks, particularly in the context of aging or disability.
Question 6 of 9
Which client should avoid foods high in potassium?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because clients with renal disease may have impaired kidney function, leading to difficulty in regulating potassium levels. High potassium intake can further burden the kidneys, potentially causing hyperkalemia. Clients on diuretic therapy (choice A) may actually need to monitor potassium levels due to potential electrolyte imbalances. Clients with an ileostomy (choice B) typically do not have issues with potassium absorption. Clients with metabolic alkalosis (choice C) may have potassium shifts but do not necessarily need to avoid high-potassium foods unless specifically advised by their healthcare provider.
Question 7 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 8 of 9
A patient tells the nurse that he is very nervous, that he is nauseated, and that he "feels hot." This type of data would be:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: subjective. Subjective data refers to information provided by the patient based on their feelings, perceptions, and experiences. In this case, the patient's report of feeling nervous, nauseated, and hot is subjective because it reflects their personal sensations and cannot be measured or observed directly by the nurse. Objective data (choice A) is measurable and observable, such as vital signs or physical examination findings. Reflective (choice B) and introspective (choice D) do not accurately describe the type of data provided by the patient in this scenario. The patient's symptoms are subjective because they are based on the patient's own feelings and experiences, making choice C the most appropriate answer.
Question 9 of 9
What is the most effective treatment for a client with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer oxygen. ARDS is characterized by severe hypoxemia, and oxygen therapy is essential to improve oxygenation. Administering corticosteroids (B) is not recommended as they do not improve outcomes in ARDS. Monitoring serum glucose (C) is unrelated to the treatment of ARDS. Administering pain relief (D) is important for patient comfort but does not address the underlying hypoxemia in ARDS. Oxygen therapy is the primary treatment to support respiratory function and improve oxygen delivery in ARDS.