ATI RN
Adult Health Med Surg Nursing Test Banks Questions
Question 1 of 5
When communicating with a patient who speaks a different language, what is the nurse's best approach?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Using professional medical interpreters is the best approach when communicating with a patient who speaks a different language. This ensures accurate communication and helps prevent misunderstandings that can have serious consequences for the patient's health. Family members or friends may not be fluent in the necessary medical terminology and could unintentionally misinterpret information. Relying solely on written instructions can also be risky as the patient may have difficulty reading or comprehending the information. Speaking loudly and slowly may come across as disrespectful and does not address the root issue of the language barrier. Professional medical interpreters are trained to facilitate effective communication between healthcare providers and patients, ensuring that the patient receives the best possible care.
Question 2 of 5
A patient presents with polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia. Laboratory tests reveal hyperglycemia and glycosuria. Which endocrine disorder is most likely responsible for these symptoms?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The symptoms of polyuria (excessive urination), polydipsia (excessive thirst), and polyphagia (excessive hunger) are classic signs of diabetes mellitus. In this case, the presence of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and glycosuria (glucose in the urine) further support the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. Insulin deficiency or resistance in diabetes leads to impaired glucose utilization and excessive glucose in the bloodstream, causing the classic symptoms observed in the patient. Hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and Cushing's syndrome do not typically present with the hallmark symptoms of polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia associated with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus.
Question 3 of 5
Which endocrine disorder is most likely responsible for these symptoms?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The symptoms described—tachycardia, weight loss, and tremors—are consistent with hyperthyroidism. Graves' disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism and is an autoimmune disorder in which the thyroid gland is overactive. This condition can lead to an increased production of thyroid hormones, resulting in symptoms such as rapid heartbeat (tachycardia), unintended weight loss, and tremors. In contrast, Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder that causes hypothyroidism, leading to symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance. Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels, which typically presents with symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue. Thyroid nodules are growths within the thyroid gland that can sometimes be associated with overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism) thyroid function, but they do not
Question 4 of 5
A patient presents with a thyroid nodule and signs of hyperthyroidism. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy reveals spindle-shaped cells and psammoma bodies. Which endocrine disorder is most likely responsible for these symptoms?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The presence of spindle-shaped cells and psammoma bodies on fine-needle aspiration biopsy is characteristic of follicular thyroid carcinoma. This type of thyroid cancer can present as a thyroid nodule associated with signs of hyperthyroidism due to the release of thyroid hormones from the cancerous thyroid cells. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition that typically presents with hypothyroidism, while Graves' disease is another autoimmune disorder that results in hyperthyroidism but is not associated with the presence of spindle-shaped cells and psammoma bodies in this context. Papillary thyroid carcinoma may also present with thyroid nodules, but it is more commonly associated with papillary structures and nuclear features rather than spindle-shaped cells seen in follicular thyroid carcinoma.
Question 5 of 5
A patient presents with swelling of the ankles, dyspnea on exertion, and orthopnea. An echocardiogram reveals decreased left ventricular ejection fraction and dilated left ventricle. Which cardiovascular disorder is most likely responsible for these symptoms?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The patient's presentation of swelling of the ankles, dyspnea on exertion, and orthopnea is highly suggestive of heart failure. The echocardiogram findings of decreased left ventricular ejection fraction and dilated left ventricle are characteristic of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), also known as systolic heart failure. In this condition, the heart's ability to pump blood effectively is compromised, leading to symptoms of congestion and decreased cardiac output. The decreased ejection fraction indicates that the heart is not able to efficiently pump out blood with each contraction. Dilatation of the left ventricle is a compensatory mechanism in response to increased volume overload.