Which of the following are considered second-level priority problems?

Questions 37

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advanced health assessment test bank Questions

Question 1 of 9

Which of the following are considered second-level priority problems?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Abnormal laboratory values. Second-level priority problems are those that are important to the patient's health but may not be life-threatening. Abnormal laboratory values fall into this category as they indicate an underlying health issue that needs attention. Low self-esteem (A) and lack of knowledge (B) are typically considered third-level priority problems, as they do not pose an immediate threat to the patient's health. Severely abnormal vital signs (D) are first-level priority problems, as they indicate an acute and potentially life-threatening situation that requires immediate intervention. Therefore, the correct answer is C as it aligns with the definition of second-level priority problems.

Question 2 of 9

A nurse is caring for a patient with pneumonia. The nurse should prioritize which of the following assessments?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Oxygen saturation levels. This assessment is crucial in pneumonia to ensure adequate oxygenation. Low oxygen levels can lead to respiratory distress. Pain levels (B) are important but not a priority over oxygenation. Bowel sounds (C) are not directly related to pneumonia. Level of consciousness (D) is also important but not as critical as ensuring proper oxygen levels for a patient with pneumonia. Oxygen saturation levels should be prioritized to prevent complications and ensure the patient's respiratory status is stable.

Question 3 of 9

The nurse is obtaining the health history of an 87-year-old woman. Which of the following areas of questioning would be most useful at this time?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Rationale: 1. Current health promotion activities are important to assess the patient's preventive measures. 2. At 87 years old, focusing on current habits can help identify areas for improvement. 3. Obstetrical history is irrelevant as the patient is postmenopausal. 4. Childhood illnesses are less relevant compared to current health status. 5. General health for the past 20 years may not reflect current health behaviors.

Question 4 of 9

A nurse is caring for a patient who is post-operative following abdominal surgery. The nurse should encourage the patient to:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step 1: Post-operative patients are at risk for developing pneumonia due to decreased lung expansion and secretion retention. Step 2: Deep breathing exercises help improve lung expansion and prevent pneumonia. Step 3: Therefore, encouraging the patient to perform deep breathing exercises is essential. Summary: - A: Avoiding deep breathing exercises is incorrect as it can lead to respiratory complications. - B: Taking shallow breaths can worsen lung function and increase the risk of pneumonia. - D: Limiting mobility can lead to complications like blood clots and pneumonia.

Question 5 of 9

Which of the following statements represents subjective data about the patient's skin?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because it indicates that the information was provided directly by the patient and is based on their perception or feeling. Subjective data is based on the patient's experiences and cannot be observed or measured by others. Choices A, B, and D are all objective data as they can be observed or measured by healthcare providers. Choice A describes a visible characteristic of the skin, choice B indicates absence of observable lesions, and choice D reports an observed lesion on a specific location of the skin. Therefore, choice C is the only option that reflects subjective data about the patient's skin.

Question 6 of 9

During the health assessment, the nurse notes that a patient is anxious and worried about upcoming surgery. What is the nurse's first priority in this situation?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Assess the patient's emotional state and provide reassurance. The first priority is to address the patient's anxiety and worry, as this can impact their overall well-being and ability to cope with the upcoming surgery. By assessing the emotional state, the nurse can understand the patient's concerns and provide appropriate support and reassurance. Discussing the risks and benefits (choice B) may be important but not the immediate priority. Encouraging relaxation (choice C) may not address the underlying anxiety. Calling the surgeon (choice D) is not necessary at this point as the nurse should first focus on the patient's emotional needs.

Question 7 of 9

When examining a patient, the nurse can assess mental health by:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because observing the patient and inferring health or dysfunction allows the nurse to assess mental health holistically. This method considers various factors such as behavior, emotions, communication, and overall functioning. It provides a comprehensive view of the patient's mental well-being. A: Examining the patient's electroencephalogram is more related to brain activity rather than mental health assessment. B: Observing the patient as he or she performs an IQ test is limited to cognitive abilities and does not capture the full spectrum of mental health. D: Examining the patient's response to a specific set of questions may not provide a complete picture of mental health as it focuses on specific aspects rather than overall assessment.

Question 8 of 9

A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of hypertension and heart failure. The nurse should monitor for which of the following signs of worsening heart failure?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Swelling in the legs and shortness of breath. In heart failure, fluid can build up in the body causing swelling, particularly in the legs. Shortness of breath is a common symptom due to fluid accumulation in the lungs. Increased urine output and weight loss (A) are not indicative of worsening heart failure as they suggest fluid loss. Decreased blood pressure and dizziness (C) can be seen in other conditions like dehydration. Fatigue and constipation (D) are not specific signs of heart failure worsening.

Question 9 of 9

A man has come in to the clinic because he is afraid he might have skin cancer. During the skin assessment, the nurse notices several areas of pigmentation that look greasy, dark, and "stuck on' on his skin. Which of the following is the best prediction?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: He probably has seborrheic keratosis, which do not become cancerous. Seborrheic keratosis typically appear as greasy, dark, and "stuck on" pigmented growths on the skin, commonly seen in older adults. They are benign and do not progress to skin cancer. This conclusion is based on the characteristics of seborrheic keratosis and the fact that they are not associated with malignancy. Choice A (senile lentigines) is incorrect because although they are also common in older adults, they are flat and dark spots rather than raised growths. Choice B (actinic keratoses) is incorrect as they are precancerous lesions related to sun exposure, leading to a risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma, not basal cell carcinoma. Choice C (acrochordons) are skin tags and not precursors to squamous cell carcinoma.

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