When a nurse commits an error in the progress notes the BEST action she should do is to

Questions 165

ATI RN

ATI RN Test Bank

Adult Health Nursing Test Bank Questions

Question 1 of 9

When a nurse commits an error in the progress notes the BEST action she should do is to

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct action in this scenario is to choose option C: put a line across the sentence, make the correction over it, and sign. This method is recommended because it maintains the integrity of the original record by showing what was initially written and clearly indicating the correction. By crossing out the error, making the correction, and signing the entry, the nurse acknowledges and takes responsibility for the mistake while ensuring the accuracy and transparency of the documentation. Option A is incorrect as crossing the error many times can make the note illegible and may not clearly indicate the correction. Option B is incorrect because using correction fluid can make the note messy and may raise suspicions of tampering with the record. Option D is incorrect as erasing with a rubber eraser can damage the document and also raise concerns about the validity of the information. In summary, option C is the best choice as it allows for a clear and professional correction without compromising the integrity of the progress notes.

Question 2 of 9

A woman in active labor is receiving an epidural analgesic for pain relief. What assessment findings indicate a potential complication of epidural analgesia?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: One potential complication of epidural analgesia in labor is maternal hypotension. The epidural analgesic can cause vasodilation, leading to a decrease in blood pressure. Maternal hypotension can result in decreased placental perfusion, which may jeopardize fetal well-being. It is important for healthcare providers to monitor the maternal blood pressure closely and intervene promptly if hypotension occurs by providing IV fluids or administering medication to raise blood pressure. Uterine hyperstimulation, fetal tachycardia, and respiratory depression are not typically associated with epidural analgesia as complications.

Question 3 of 9

Which of the following is the PRIMARY reason for surgical repair of myelomeningocele? To ____________.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The primary reason for surgical repair of myelomeningocele is to correct the neurologic defect. This is because myelomeningocele is a type of neural tube defect where the spinal cord and its protective covering do not close properly. Surgical repair aims to close the opening in the spinal cord to prevent further damage, improve neurological function, and reduce the risk of complications such as paralysis and infection. The other choices are incorrect as they are not the primary goal of the surgery. Preventing infection (Choice A) is important but not the primary reason. Seizure disorders (Choice C) and hydrocephalus (Choice D) may be associated complications but are not the main purpose of the surgical repair.

Question 4 of 9

A patient that had a stroke is experiencing memory loss and impaired learning capacity. In which lobe does the nurse determine that brain damage has MOST likely occurred?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Temporal lobe. Memory and learning are primarily associated with the temporal lobe, specifically the hippocampus. Damage to this area due to stroke can lead to memory loss and impaired learning capacity. Frontal lobe (A) is involved in decision-making and problem-solving. Parietal lobe (B) is responsible for sensory processing. Occipital lobe (C) is related to visual processing. Therefore, the temporal lobe is the most likely site of brain damage in this scenario based on the symptoms presented.

Question 5 of 9

The physician ordered to start Ms. Mely on Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN). What Is your INITIAL step to be undertaken PRIOR to this intervention?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct initial step before starting TPN is to evaluate the patient's tolerance to glucose. This is crucial to ensure the patient can metabolize the glucose effectively and avoid complications such as hyperglycemia. Assessing affordability (A) is important but not the immediate concern. Identifying allergies (C) should be done but is not the first step. Assessing the patient's understanding (D) is important but not as critical as evaluating glucose tolerance before starting TPN.

Question 6 of 9

A pregnant woman presents with fever, chills, and abdominal pain localized to the right upper quadrant. On examination, she has tenderness in the right upper abdomen and a positive Murphy's sign. Which of the following conditions is the most likely cause of these symptoms?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The scenario described in the question is consistent with acute cholecystitis, which is inflammation of the gallbladder usually caused by an impacted gallstone in the cystic duct. The key clinical features of acute cholecystitis include fever, chills, right upper quadrant abdominal pain (which can be localized to the right upper quadrant), tenderness in the right upper abdomen, and a positive Murphy's sign (pain and inspiratory arrest upon palpation of the right upper quadrant). This condition is more common in pregnant women due to hormonal changes that can lead to gallstone formation and subsequent inflammation of the gallbladder. Ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease, and ovarian torsion typically present with different clinical features compared to those described in acute cholecystitis.

Question 7 of 9

A nurse is preparing to assist with a lumbar epidural steroid injection (LESI) procedure for a patient with chronic back pain. What action should the nurse prioritize to ensure procedural accuracy?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Correct Answer: A Rationale: 1. Confirming the patient's identity ensures the right patient is receiving the intended procedure. 2. Verifying the procedure site using two identifiers prevents errors in site selection. 3. This step aligns with the World Health Organization's Surgical Safety Checklist, reducing the risk of wrong-site procedures. 4. Positioning, sedation, and local anesthesia are important but secondary to ensuring the correct patient and site. Summary: - Option B: Positioning is essential but not the top priority for procedural accuracy. - Option C: Sedation aims to minimize discomfort but does not guarantee procedural accuracy. - Option D: Administering local anesthesia is crucial but not as critical as confirming patient identity and procedure site.

Question 8 of 9

Outbreak of cases of typhoid fever occurs in the community. Nurse Keena should inform the residents that the transmission of the disease is through _______.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Food and water. Typhoid fever is primarily transmitted through contaminated food and water by the bacterium Salmonella typhi. The bacteria are shed in the feces of infected individuals and can contaminate water sources or food prepared with contaminated water. This transmission route aligns with the typical epidemiology of typhoid fever outbreaks. Now, let's discuss why the other choices are incorrect: A: A vector - Typhoid fever is not transmitted by a vector such as mosquitoes or ticks. B: Blood and body fluids - Typhoid fever is not typically spread through blood or body fluids but rather through ingestion of contaminated food or water. D: Air - Typhoid fever is not an airborne disease and is not transmitted through the air.

Question 9 of 9

A pregnant woman presents with severe abdominal pain and passage of tissue at 12 weeks gestation. On examination, the cervix is partially dilated, and products of conception are protruding through the cervical os. Which of the following conditions is the most likely cause of these symptoms?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the pregnant woman is presenting with severe abdominal pain, passage of tissue, and cervical dilation with products of conception protruding through the cervical os at 12 weeks gestation. These are classic signs and symptoms of an incomplete abortion. Incomplete abortion occurs when not all of the products of conception are expelled from the uterus. It can present with vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, cervical dilation, and passage of tissue. The management of incomplete abortion may involve expectant, medical, or surgical options depending on the clinical context and the patient's condition.

Access More Questions!

ATI RN Basic


$89/ 30 days

ATI RN Premium


$150/ 90 days