ATI RN
health assessment test bank Questions
Question 1 of 9
Which of the following best describes the purpose of a functional assessment?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because a functional assessment specifically evaluates an older adult's ability to manage day-to-day activities, such as personal care, meal preparation, and mobility. This assessment helps identify any difficulties the individual may have in performing these essential tasks, which can then inform appropriate interventions or support services. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not align with the primary focus of a functional assessment, which is to evaluate an individual's functional abilities and independence in daily living tasks, particularly in the context of aging or disability.
Question 2 of 9
What is the nurse's priority when caring for a client experiencing acute renal failure?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer IV fluids. In acute renal failure, the priority is to maintain adequate hydration to support kidney function. IV fluids help improve renal perfusion and urine output. Monitoring vital signs is important but not the priority. Performing a kidney function test can provide valuable information but does not address the immediate need for fluid resuscitation. Administering IV antibiotics may be necessary if there is an infection contributing to renal failure, but hydration takes precedence. In summary, administering IV fluids is crucial to support kidney function in acute renal failure, making it the top priority among the choices given.
Question 3 of 9
A 59-year-old patient tells the nurse that he is in the clinic to "check up on his ulcerative colitis." He has been having "black stools" in the last 24 hours. How would the nurse document his reason for seeking care?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it accurately reflects the patient's chief complaint of having black stools in the last 24 hours, which is a concerning symptom suggestive of gastrointestinal bleeding. This documentation is specific and focused on the reason for seeking care, prioritizing the urgent nature of the symptom. Choice A is incorrect because it does not mention the presenting symptom of black stools. Choice B is incorrect as it does not directly state the reason for seeking care. Choice C is incorrect as it focuses on the patient's self-diagnosis of ulcerative colitis rather than the current concerning symptom of black stools.
Question 4 of 9
A nurse is teaching a patient with asthma about managing asthma attacks. Which of the following statements by the patient indicates proper understanding?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A Rationale: Using the inhaler when feeling an asthma attack coming on allows for prompt relief by opening airways. Waiting for symptoms to worsen (B) can lead to a severe attack. Using the inhaler only when short of breath (C) may delay treatment. Skipping the inhaler when feeling fine (D) can be dangerous if an attack occurs suddenly. Answer A ensures timely intervention for effective asthma management.
Question 5 of 9
Which of the following statements about the mental health examination is true?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because the mental health examination should be integrated into the health history interview. This allows for a comprehensive understanding of the patient's mental health status. Gathering mental health information during the health history interview is crucial as it provides insight into the patient's current mental state, past history, and potential risk factors. This integrated approach is efficient and effective in assessing the patient's mental health needs. A is incorrect because while family input can be valuable, it is not always the best or only resource for information about coping skills. C is incorrect as integrating the mental health examination into the health history interview should not necessarily take an enormous amount of extra time if done efficiently. D is incorrect as a complete mental health examination may not always be necessary to assess the patient's level of functioning; integrating mental health information into the health history interview can often provide sufficient insight.
Question 6 of 9
What should the nurse assess first in a client with severe abdominal pain?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Assess vital signs. Vital signs provide crucial information on the client's overall condition and can help identify any life-threatening issues. Monitoring vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature can guide immediate interventions and determine the urgency of further assessments or treatments. Administering oxygen (B) would be appropriate after assessing vital signs. Performing an ECG (C) may be indicated later but is not the priority in this acute situation. Monitoring serum glucose levels (D) is not typically the first assessment in a client with severe abdominal pain.
Question 7 of 9
What should be the nurse's first action for a client who has sustained a spinal cord injury?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Place the client in a supine position. This is the first action because it helps prevent further injury to the spinal cord by maintaining alignment. Immobilizing the spine (choice A) is important but should come after placing the client in a supine position. Assessing the client's airway (choice B) is crucial but not the first action in a spinal cord injury. Encouraging deep breathing (choice D) is not appropriate as the priority is to stabilize the spine. In summary, placing the client in a supine position is the initial step to prevent worsening of the spinal cord injury, while the other choices are important but secondary actions.
Question 8 of 9
What is the most appropriate action when a client with suspected meningitis presents with a positive Brudzinski sign?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, perform a lumbar puncture. A positive Brudzinski sign indicates meningeal irritation, a hallmark of meningitis. A lumbar puncture is the gold standard for diagnosing meningitis by analyzing cerebrospinal fluid. Placing the client on their back without proper diagnosis or treatment delays could lead to serious complications. Option B is incorrect as antibiotics should be given after confirming the diagnosis. Option C is partially correct but does not address the need for a definitive diagnostic test. Option A is incorrect as pain medication alone does not address the underlying cause of meningitis.
Question 9 of 9
What term describes excessive stretching of a ligament, as seen in a client with a pulled ligament?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: strain. A strain refers to excessive stretching or tearing of a muscle or tendon, not a ligament. A sprain (choice A) is the correct term for excessive stretching of a ligament. Subluxation (choice C) refers to partial dislocation of a joint, not a ligament injury. Distortion (choice D) is a general term that does not specifically describe ligament stretching. Therefore, the correct term for excessive stretching of a ligament is a sprain, making choice A the correct answer.