ATI RN
Health Assessment Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
What is the most effective intervention for a client experiencing a panic attack?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because lorazepam is a fast-acting medication that can help reduce the intensity of a panic attack quickly. It works by calming the central nervous system and reducing anxiety symptoms. Encouraging slow, deep breathing (choice A) can be helpful, but it may not be as effective as medication in stopping a severe panic attack. Lying down (choice C) can provide comfort but does not address the underlying physiological response. Breathing into a paper bag (choice D) can actually be harmful as it may lead to hyperventilation.
Question 2 of 9
Which of the following assessment findings is most consistent with clubbing of the fingernails?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Clubbing of the fingernails is characterized by an increased angle between the nail base and the nail plate (usually 180 degrees or greater) and a spongy texture at the nail base. This is due to underlying tissue changes associated with conditions like lung disease. Choice D is correct as it accurately describes the characteristic findings of clubbing. Choices A, B, and C do not align with clubbing features. Choice A describes tenderness and firmness, not sponginess and increased angle. Choice B mentions a convex profile and ridges, which are not specific to clubbing. Choice C includes an angle of 150 degrees, which is less than the typical angle seen in clubbing.
Question 3 of 9
The nurse notices that the mother of a 2-year-old boy brings him to the clinic quite frequently for various injuries and suspects there may be some child abuse involved. The nurse should inspect the young child for:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: bruising on the buccal mucosa or gums. This is the most relevant choice as it is a common sign of physical abuse in children. Bruising in unusual places or patterns, such as the mouth, should raise suspicion. Swollen, red tonsils (A) are more likely related to infection rather than abuse. Ulcerations on the hard palate (B) can also be due to various non-abuse related reasons. Small yellow papules along the hard palate (D) are typically harmless and not indicative of abuse. It is crucial for the nurse to recognize signs of potential abuse and take appropriate action to protect the child.
Question 4 of 9
A mother brings her 4-month-old to the clinic with concerns about a small padlike growth on the mid- upper lip that has been present since the baby was 1 month old. The infant has no health problems. On physical examination, the nurse notes a 5-cm, fleshy, elevated area on the mid-upper lip. There is no evidence of inflammation or drainage. What would the nurse tell this mother?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because a sucking tubercle is a normal finding in infants caused by friction during breastfeeding or bottle feeding. The growth is typically painless, noninflammatory, and resolves on its own over time. This explanation reassures the mother that the condition is harmless and does not require any specific treatment. Choice A is incorrect because teething does not cause a sucking tubercle. Choice B is incorrect as there is no indication of abnormality that warrants specialist evaluation. Choice C is incorrect because chronic drooling does not typically result in a sucking tubercle.
Question 5 of 9
A nurse is caring for a patient who is post-operative following a knee replacement. The nurse should prioritize which of the following interventions?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Encouraging early ambulation. This is the priority intervention as it helps prevent complications such as blood clots and pneumonia, promotes circulation, and aids in faster recovery. Ambulation also helps maintain joint mobility and muscle strength. Administering pain medications (B) is important but not the priority. Providing wound care (C) and monitoring for infection (D) are important, but ambulation takes precedence in preventing complications.
Question 6 of 9
Which of the following is an example of a symptom?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Chest pain. A symptom is a subjective indication of a condition experienced by the patient. Chest pain is a subjective sensation that a patient reports, making it a symptom. Clammy skin, serum potassium level, and temperature are all objective signs or measurements, not subjective experiences reported by the patient. Symptoms are what the patient feels or experiences, while signs are objective findings that can be measured or observed by healthcare providers.
Question 7 of 9
For which condition might blood be drawn to check uric acid levels?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: gout. Uric acid levels are typically checked for gout, a type of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. This condition directly relates to uric acid levels in the blood. Asthma (choice A), diverticulitis (choice C), and meningitis (choice D) do not typically require checking uric acid levels. Asthma is a respiratory condition, diverticulitis is a gastrointestinal condition, and meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
Question 8 of 9
When examining a patient's eyes, the nurse knows that stimulation of the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because stimulation of the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system results in the elevation of the eyelid (ptosis) and dilation of the pupil (mydriasis). This is due to the action of the dilator pupillae muscle and the superior tarsal muscle. Pupillary constriction (choice A) is controlled by the parasympathetic branch via the sphincter pupillae muscle. Adjusting the eye for near vision (choice B) is controlled by the ciliary muscle, which is under parasympathetic control, not sympathetic. Contraction of the ciliary body (choice D) is also controlled by the parasympathetic system for accommodation of near vision, not the sympathetic system.
Question 9 of 9
A nurse is caring for a patient with diabetes who is experiencing hypoglycemia. The nurse should prioritize which of the following actions?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Provide a source of fast-acting carbohydrate. In hypoglycemia, the priority is to raise blood glucose levels quickly to prevent complications like seizures or loss of consciousness. Fast-acting carbs like juice or glucose tablets are the first-line treatment. Administering insulin (choice A) would lower blood sugar further. Administering an oral hypoglycemic agent (choice C) takes time to work and is not suitable for emergencies. Monitoring blood pressure (choice D) is important but not the priority in this situation.