ATI RN
Test Bank Pharmacology and the Nursing Process Questions
Question 1 of 9
When instructing the client diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism about diet, the nurse should stress the importance of which of the following?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Restricting sodium. In hyperparathyroidism, there is an excess of parathyroid hormone leading to increased calcium levels. Sodium can worsen calcium excretion, exacerbating the condition. Restricting sodium can help reduce calcium loss. A: Restricting fluids is not necessary unless the client has kidney issues. B: Forcing fluids may not be beneficial and can lead to fluid overload. D: Restricting potassium is not typically necessary unless the client has kidney issues.
Question 2 of 9
Just as the nurse was entering the room, the patient who was sitting on his chair begins to have a seizure. Which of the following must the nurse do first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Ease the patient to the floor. This is the first step because it helps prevent injury during a seizure. Lowering the patient to the floor prevents falls and protects the patient's head. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Choice B can cause injury or obstruct the airway, choice C involves unnecessary movement, and choice D can lead to further harm or injury. It is crucial to prioritize safety and prevent harm during a seizure episode.
Question 3 of 9
At 1400, the nurse notices that the dressing is saturated and leaking. What is the nurse’s next action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because a saturated and leaking dressing indicates a potential infection risk and compromised wound healing. The nurse should revise the plan of care and change the dressing immediately to prevent complications. Waiting until 1800 (choice A) could lead to further contamination and delay in treatment. Reassessing in 2 hours (choice C) might worsen the condition. Discontinuing the plan of care (choice D) is not appropriate without addressing the immediate issue.
Question 4 of 9
A 39-year old male client underwent Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) eight hours ago and asks the nurse, “Why is my urine in the bag clotting like blood?” The nurse’s best interpretation of this finding is that:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: after the surgery, bleeding is normal. This is because after a TURP procedure, it is common for some bleeding to occur, leading to blood clots in the urine bag. The surgical site undergoes trauma, causing bleeding as a part of the healing process. Choice B is incorrect because while irrigation may be done post-surgery, blood clots in the urine bag are expected due to the surgery itself, not just irrigation. Choice C is incorrect as it is normal for some bleeding to occur after TURP, and immediate physician intervention is not necessary unless excessive bleeding is observed. Choice D is incorrect as tugging on the catheter may cause bleeding, but in this case, the presence of blood clots is likely due to the surgery itself, not catheter irritation.
Question 5 of 9
A client with rheumatoid arthritis is being discharged with a prescription for aspirin (Ecotrin), 600mg PO every 6 hours. The nurse should instruct the client to notify the physician if which adverse drug reaction occurs?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Tinnitus. Aspirin can cause tinnitus (ringing in the ears) as an adverse drug reaction, which can indicate potential ototoxicity. Tinnitus is an important side effect that should be reported promptly to the physician to prevent further auditory complications. Dysuria (A), leg cramps (C), and constipation (D) are not typically associated with aspirin use and are less urgent compared to tinnitus. Reporting these side effects may still be necessary but are not as critical as tinnitus in this scenario.
Question 6 of 9
A client with rheumatoid arthritis is about to begin aspirin therapy to reduce inflammation. When teaching the client about aspirin, the nurse discusses adverse reactions to prolonged aspirin therapy. These include:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Respiratory acidosis. Aspirin can lead to respiratory acidosis due to its effect on the respiratory center in the brainstem. It causes hyperventilation, leading to respiratory alkalosis initially, followed by respiratory acidosis as compensation mechanism fails. Weight gain is not a typical adverse reaction of aspirin. Fine motor tremors are not associated with aspirin therapy. Bilateral hearing loss is a rare but serious side effect of aspirin overdose, not prolonged therapy.
Question 7 of 9
For which of the ff conditions would the use of salt tablets be considered?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale: - Salt tablets are used for mild deficits of serum sodium to help restore electrolyte balance. - Sodium is crucial for fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contraction. - Severe deficits of serum magnesium, potassium, and calcium require specific electrolyte replacement therapy, not salt tablets. Summary: - Choice A is correct because salt tablets are used for mild deficits of serum sodium. - Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they involve severe deficits of different electrolytes that require specific replacement therapy.
Question 8 of 9
Which of the following guidekines does not observe surgical asepisi in the operating room?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because in surgical asepsis, sterile articles should not touch other sterile articles or surfaces to maintain sterility. Choice B is correct as surgical team gowns are sterile in front. Choice C is correct as any breach makes the area contaminated. Choice D is correct as sterile drapes create a sterile field.
Question 9 of 9
On the third day after a partial thyroidectomy, a client exhibits muscle twitching and hyperirritability of the nervous system. When questioned, the client reports numbness and tingling of the mouth and fingertips. Suspecting a life- threatening electrolyte disturbance, the nurse notifies the surgeon immediately. Which electrolyte disturbance most commonly follows thyroid surgery?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale: 1. Following thyroid surgery, there is a risk of damaging the parathyroid glands, leading to hypocalcemia. 2. Symptoms of hypocalcemia include muscle twitching, hyperirritability, numbness, and tingling. 3. These symptoms align with the client's presentation, indicating a probable electrolyte imbalance. 4. Hypocalcemia is a common complication post-thyroidectomy due to parathyroid gland damage. 5. Prompt recognition and treatment of hypocalcemia are essential to prevent severe complications. Summary: B: Hyperkalemia - Not typically associated with thyroid surgery, symptoms differ. C: Hyponatremia - Unlikely post-thyroidectomy, symptoms don't match presentation. D: Hypermagnesemia - Rare post-thyroidectomy, symptoms and electrolyte disturbance don't align.