ATI RN
hesi health assessment test bank 2023 Questions
Question 1 of 9
Which medication should be used to treat anaphylaxis?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Epinephrine. It is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis as it rapidly reverses severe allergic reactions by constricting blood vessels, relaxing airway muscles, and increasing heart rate. Diphenhydramine (B) and steroids (C) are used as adjunct therapies but do not provide immediate relief like epinephrine. Albuterol (D) is used for bronchospasm in asthma, not for anaphylaxis. In summary, epinephrine is the most effective and life-saving medication for treating anaphylaxis.
Question 2 of 9
Which nursing activities help promote health and prevent disease?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because reinforcing good habits, such as healthy eating and exercise, is essential for promoting health and preventing disease. This involves educating patients on proper self-care practices. Providing medical diagnosis (B) is not a nursing role, as it falls under the domain of medical professionals. Maintaining optimal functioning (C) is important but not specific to promoting health. Prescribing treatment (D) is beyond the scope of nursing practice, as only advanced practice nurses have prescriptive authority.
Question 3 of 9
What should be the nurse's first action when a client develops symptoms of anaphylaxis?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer epinephrine. This is the first action because epinephrine is the primary treatment for anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. It works quickly to reverse the symptoms by constricting blood vessels and opening airways. Administering epinephrine promptly can prevent progression to severe complications such as respiratory distress or cardiovascular collapse. Placing the client in a supine position and administering oxygen (B) may be necessary but should not delay the administration of epinephrine. Administering fluids (C) may help maintain blood pressure but is not the priority in the acute phase of anaphylaxis. Antihistamines (D) are not effective for treating the severe symptoms of anaphylaxis and should not be the first-line treatment.
Question 4 of 9
Which electrolyte is lost with intestinal suctioning in a client with an ileus?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: sodium chloride. Intestinal suctioning in a client with an ileus leads to loss of fluids rich in sodium chloride. This loss can result in electrolyte imbalances and dehydration. Calcium (A), magnesium (B), and potassium (C) are not typically lost in significant amounts through intestinal suctioning in the context of an ileus. Therefore, sodium chloride is the most likely electrolyte to be lost in this scenario.
Question 5 of 9
Which medication should be used to treat anaphylaxis?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Epinephrine. It is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis as it rapidly reverses severe allergic reactions by constricting blood vessels, relaxing airway muscles, and increasing heart rate. Diphenhydramine (B) and steroids (C) are used as adjunct therapies but do not provide immediate relief like epinephrine. Albuterol (D) is used for bronchospasm in asthma, not for anaphylaxis. In summary, epinephrine is the most effective and life-saving medication for treating anaphylaxis.
Question 6 of 9
Which technique is most effective for assessing the patient's abdominal organ size?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Palpation. Palpation is the most effective technique for assessing the patient's abdominal organ size as it allows the healthcare provider to feel and evaluate the size, texture, and consistency of the abdominal organs through touch. This hands-on approach provides valuable information about any abnormalities or tenderness in the organs. Inspection (choice A) involves looking at the abdomen for any visible signs but does not provide information on organ size. Percussion (choice C) involves tapping on the abdomen to assess the density of underlying structures, not specifically organ size. Auscultation (choice D) involves listening to sounds within the abdomen and does not directly assess organ size. Palpation is the preferred method for accurately assessing abdominal organ size due to its tactile nature.
Question 7 of 9
A nurse is caring for a patient who is post-operative following abdominal surgery. The nurse should monitor for which of the following complications?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Atelectasis and pneumonia. Following abdominal surgery, patients are at risk for atelectasis (lung collapse) due to shallow breathing and pneumonia due to impaired lung function. A nurse should monitor for signs such as decreased oxygen saturation, increased respiratory rate, and crackles on auscultation. Wound infection (A) is a common post-operative complication but not specific to abdominal surgery. Hyperglycemia (B) may occur due to stress response but is not directly related to abdominal surgery. Dehydration (C) is a concern post-operatively, but respiratory complications like atelectasis and pneumonia are higher priority due to potential life-threatening consequences.
Question 8 of 9
A 45-year-old man arrives at the clinic and tells the nurse that he has been experiencing severe chest pain. Upon assessment, the nurse notes that his pain radiates to his left arm. The nurse's priority action would be:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assess vital signs and oxygen saturation levels. This is the priority action because the patient's symptoms suggest a possible cardiac event. Assessing vital signs and oxygen saturation levels can provide crucial information on the patient's condition and help determine the urgency of the situation. Administering pain medication (choice A) should not be done before assessing the patient's vital signs. Having the patient walk around (choice C) could worsen the situation if it is indeed a cardiac event. Ordering an EKG (choice D) is important but should come after assessing vital signs to guide further evaluation and treatment.
Question 9 of 9
What is important when making an occupied bed?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Use a bath blanket for warmth and privacy. This is important when making an occupied bed to ensure the comfort and dignity of the patient. The bath blanket provides warmth and privacy during the bed-making process, maintaining the patient's comfort and respecting their privacy. Keeping the bed in a low position (choice A) is important for safety but not directly related to the patient's comfort during bed-making. Constantly raising side rails (choice C) is unnecessary and may cause discomfort to the patient. Moving back and forth between sides (choice D) is not essential for making an occupied bed and may disrupt the process.