ATI RN
health assessment test bank Questions
Question 1 of 9
What should a nurse assess for in a client with an arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Inspect for visible pulsation. This is because an arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis should have a visible pulsation, indicating proper blood flow. Palpating for thrill (B) and auscultating for bruit (C) are also common assessments for an arteriovenous fistula, but inspecting for visible pulsation is the most direct and reliable way to assess the patency of the fistula. Percussing for dullness (D) is not relevant in this context as it does not provide information about the vascular access site.
Question 2 of 9
What is the first intervention when a client develops symptoms of shock?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer oxygen. Oxygen administration is the first intervention for shock as it helps improve oxygenation to vital organs. Lack of oxygen can worsen shock. Administering IV fluids (choice B) could be the second step to improve perfusion. Monitoring respiratory rate (choice C) is important but not the first intervention. Administering pain medication (choice D) is not a priority in managing shock.
Question 3 of 9
What is the most appropriate action for a client with a history of asthma who is experiencing wheezing?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer albuterol. Albuterol is a bronchodilator that helps open the airways, relieving wheezing in asthma patients. It is the first-line treatment for acute asthma exacerbations. Antihistamines (B) do not treat asthma symptoms. Monitoring for infection (C) is important but not the immediate action for wheezing. Epinephrine (D) is used for severe allergic reactions, not routine asthma management.
Question 4 of 9
What should be the nurse's first action for a client with a suspected myocardial infarction (MI)?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer nitroglycerin. This is the nurse's first action for a client with a suspected MI because nitroglycerin helps dilate blood vessels, improving blood flow to the heart. This can help reduce chest pain and prevent further damage to the heart muscle. Administering nitroglycerin promptly is crucial in managing an MI. Monitoring cardiac rhythm (B) and assessing the ECG (C) are important steps, but administering nitroglycerin takes precedence in addressing the client's immediate symptoms. Assisting with positioning (D) is not as urgent or directly related to managing an MI compared to administering nitroglycerin.
Question 5 of 9
What should a nurse base their response on when a client asks about an increase in opioid dose for chronic pain?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because tolerance is a physiological phenomenon where the body adapts to a drug, requiring higher doses for the same effect. This is a common occurrence with opioids in chronic pain management. Choice B is incorrect as it refers to drug-seeking behavior, not tolerance. Choice C is incorrect because addiction and physical dependence are different concepts. Choice D is incorrect as it relates to a specific scenario of substance abuse alongside chronic pain, not the mechanism behind the need for increased opioid doses in chronic pain management.
Question 6 of 9
A woman is describing the problems she is having with her 2-year-old son. "He won't go to sleep at night, and during the day he has several fits. I get so upset when that happens." The nurse's best verbal response would be:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it demonstrates active listening and seeks clarification on the issue at hand. By asking the woman to explain what she means by "fits," the nurse can gain a better understanding of the child's behavior and provide appropriate support and guidance. This response shows empathy and a willingness to address the woman's concerns effectively. Choice A is incorrect because it does not address the woman's specific concerns or invite further discussion. Choice C is incorrect because it simply acknowledges the woman's feelings without delving deeper into the issue. Choice D is incorrect as it dismisses the woman's feelings and generalizes the behavior as typical for all 2-year-olds without addressing her individual situation.
Question 7 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 8 of 9
Critique the following statement made by the nurse: "I know it may be hard, but you should do what the doctor ordered because he/she is the expert in this field.'
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the statement made by the nurse implies a power dynamic that can create dependency and inferiority in the patient, which is not conducive to a patient-centered approach. In a healthcare setting, it is important to empower patients to be active participants in their care decisions rather than being passive recipients. Encouraging patients to blindly follow orders without understanding or questioning can lead to poor outcomes and lack of patient engagement. Therefore, it is best to avoid making statements that reinforce hierarchical relationships and instead foster open communication and shared decision-making. The other choices are incorrect because: A: This choice focuses on bias, which is not the main issue at hand in this scenario. B: While healthcare team members are experts in their respective fields, the emphasis should be on collaborative decision-making rather than blind obedience. D: Using authority statements may be necessary in certain situations, but it does not address the potential harm of creating dependency and inferiority in the patient.
Question 9 of 9
What should be the first intervention for a client suspected of having a stroke?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct first intervention for a client suspected of having a stroke is to perform a CT scan (Choice B). This is because a CT scan can quickly identify the type of stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic) and guide treatment decisions. Monitoring neurological status (Choice A) can be important but does not provide a definitive diagnosis. Administering fibrinolytics (Choice C) should only be done after confirming the type of stroke to avoid complications. Performing an MRI (Choice D) is more time-consuming and may not be feasible in the acute setting where quick intervention is crucial. Therefore, a CT scan is the most appropriate initial intervention for a suspected stroke.