ATI RN
foundation of nursing questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
When planning discharge teaching with a patient who has undergone a total mastectomy with axillary dissection, the nurse knows to instruct the patient that she should report what sign or symptom to the physician immediately?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Sudden cessation of output from the drainage device. This is crucial because it can indicate a potential complication like a blocked drain or infection, requiring immediate medical attention to prevent further issues. Other choices like fatigue (A) are common after surgery but not urgent. Temperature elevation (B) may indicate infection but is not as critical as sudden cessation of drainage. Gradual decline in output (D) is expected as the drainage decreases over time, so it doesn't require immediate reporting.
Question 2 of 5
A patient at high risk for breast cancer is scheduled for an incisional biopsy in the outpatient surgery department. When the nurse is providing preoperative education, the patient asks why an incisional biopsy is being done instead of just removing the mass. What would be the nurses best response?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because an incisional biopsy is typically performed to confirm a diagnosis by obtaining a sample of the tissue in question. This allows for further analysis through special studies to determine the best course of treatment. The other choices are incorrect because: A: The reason for performing an incisional biopsy is not primarily based on pain or accuracy comparisons with other testing methods. C: An incisional biopsy is not done to assess potential recovery from a mastectomy but rather to diagnose the nature of the mass. D: Age and general health status are not sole criteria for determining the need for an incisional biopsy.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse has assessed that a patient is not yet willing to view her mastectomy site. How should the nurse best assist the patient is developing a positive body image?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Step 1: Providing encouragement is essential to building trust and rapport with the patient, which is crucial in supporting her emotional needs. Step 2: Empathy helps the patient feel understood and supported, fostering a positive therapeutic relationship. Step 3: Thoughtful encouragement acknowledges the patient's feelings and validates her experiences, empowering her to gradually accept her body changes. Step 4: By offering empathic and thoughtful encouragement, the nurse helps the patient develop a positive body image at her own pace. Choice A focuses on physical appearance, Choice B generalizes experiences, and Choice C overlooks the patient's emotional journey.
Question 4 of 5
A woman calls the clinic and tells the nurse she has had bloody drainage from her right nipple. The nurse makes an appointment for this patient, expecting the physician or practitioner to order what diagnostic test on this patient?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Breast ultrasound. Bloody drainage from the nipple can be indicative of various conditions such as breast cancer. A breast ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging test that can help visualize any abnormalities in the breast tissue, including masses or tumors. It is commonly used to evaluate breast symptoms like nipple discharge. Radiography (B) is not typically used for evaluating breast conditions. Positron emission testing (PET) (C) is more commonly used in cancer staging and may not be the first-line test for this symptom. Galactography (D) is a specific imaging test used to evaluate the ducts of the breast and may not be the initial test for bloody nipple discharge.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is planning the postoperative care of a patient who is scheduled for radical prostatectomy. What intraoperative position will place the patient at particular risk for the development of deep vein thrombosis postoperatively?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Lithotomy position. In lithotomy position, the patient's legs are elevated and positioned higher than the heart, which can lead to venous stasis and increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This position compresses the femoral veins, hindering blood flow and predisposing the patient to DVT formation. Summary: A: Fowlers position - Not typically associated with increased DVT risk. B: Prone position - Not typically associated with increased DVT risk. C: Supine position - Generally considered a safe position regarding DVT risk.