ATI RN
Nursing Process Final Exam Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which assessment finding would prompt the Rn to suspect compartment syndrome in a patient with a long leg cast?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: severe, unrelieved pain. Compartment syndrome is characterized by increased pressure within a muscle compartment leading to decreased blood flow and tissue damage. Severe, unrelieved pain is a hallmark sign as the pressure builds up. Weak movement of the patient's toes (choice A) could indicate nerve damage but is not specific to compartment syndrome. Decreased pedal pulses (choice B) could suggest vascular compromise but are not specific to compartment syndrome. Presence of foot pallor (choice D) could indicate poor circulation but is not a definitive sign of compartment syndrome.
Question 2 of 5
JR is admitted to the medical-surgical unit because of a diagnosis of nephritic syndrome. What is the hallmark of this syndrome?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The hallmark of nephritic syndrome is edema due to proteinuria leading to hypoalbuminemia. Protein loss in urine causes decreased colloid osmotic pressure, leading to fluid leaking into tissues, causing edema. Osmotic diuresis (A) is unrelated to nephritic syndrome. Hypolipidemia (B) and hyperproteinemia (D) are not characteristic of nephritic syndrome.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse expects to note an elevated serum glucose level in a client with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketonic syndrome (HHNS). Which other laboratory finding should the nurse anticipate?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Step 1: In HHNS, there is severe hyperglycemia leading to osmotic diuresis. Step 2: Osmotic diuresis causes loss of potassium in urine, leading to hypokalemia. Step 3: Hypokalemia is a common electrolyte imbalance in HHNS due to excessive urinary loss of potassium. Step 4: Therefore, the nurse should anticipate a below-normal serum potassium level in a client with HHNS. Summary: A: Elevated serum acetone level is seen in diabetic ketoacidosis, not HHNS. B: Serum alkalosis is not typically associated with HHNS. C: Serum ketone bodies are elevated in diabetic ketoacidosis, not HHNS.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is assessing a client with possible Cushing’s syndrome. In a client with Cushing’s syndrome, the nurse would expect to find:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: deposits of adipose tissue in the trunk and dorsocervical area. In Cushing's syndrome, there is excess cortisol production leading to central obesity with fat accumulation in the trunk and dorsocervical area (buffalo hump). This is due to cortisol's role in redistributing fat. A: hypotension is incorrect because individuals with Cushing's syndrome typically have hypertension due to the effects of excess cortisol on blood pressure regulation. B: thick, coarse skin is incorrect as individuals with Cushing's syndrome may have thin, fragile skin due to decreased collagen formation. D: weight gain in arms and legs is incorrect as the weight gain in Cushing's syndrome tends to be centralized in the trunk and face rather than the extremities.
Question 5 of 5
A client with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and a history of two myocardial infarctions and coronary artery disease is to receive levothyroxine (Synthroid). Because of the client’s cardiac history, the nurse would expect that the client’s initial dose for the thyroid replacement would be which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 25 g/day, initially. In this scenario, the client with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and a history of cardiac issues requires a cautious approach due to the risk of exacerbating cardiac conditions with thyroid hormone replacement. Starting with a low dose of 25 µg/day allows for careful monitoring of the client's response and prevents potential adverse effects on the cardiovascular system. Summary: B: Delayed until after thyroid surgery - Not appropriate as the client requires thyroid replacement therapy for Hashimoto's thyroiditis. C: 100 µg/day, initially - Too high of an initial dose and may lead to adverse cardiovascular effects. D: Initiated before thyroid surgery - Not relevant to the client's situation as there is no indication for thyroid surgery mentioned in the question.