ATI RN
Nursing Process Test Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
Which of the following is the most critical intervention needed for a client with myxedema coma?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administering an oral dose of levothyroxine (Synthroid). In myxedema coma, there is severe hypothyroidism leading to altered mental status, hypothermia, and organ failure. Administering levothyroxine is crucial to replace the deficient thyroid hormone rapidly and restore metabolic function. Warming the client (B) is important but secondary to addressing the underlying hormonal imbalance. Measuring intake and output (C) is essential for overall assessment but not the most critical intervention. Maintaining a patent airway (D) is always important in any medical emergency but does not directly address the primary issue of hypothyroidism in myxedema coma.
Question 2 of 9
60 year-old Mrs. Torres arrived just in time for her doctor’s appointment. She complains of pain and stiffness in her back. She is suspected of having osteoporosis. Nurse Ariane will inform Mrs. Torres that the primary complication of osteoporosis is:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: fractures. Osteoporosis weakens bones, making them more prone to fractures. Fractures are the primary complication of osteoporosis due to decreased bone density. Increased trabeculae (A) is incorrect as osteoporosis leads to decreased bone density, not increased. Poor posture (B) may be a result of osteoporosis but is not its primary complication. Chronic pain (C) can occur with osteoporosis but is not as directly linked as fractures.
Question 3 of 9
A client is receiving methotrexate (Mexate), 12g/m2 IV to treat osteogenic carcinoma. During methotrexate therapy, the nurse expects the client to receive which other drug to protect normal cells?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, Leucovorin. Leucovorin is administered with methotrexate to protect normal cells from methotrexate toxicity by acting as a "rescue" agent. Methotrexate inhibits dihydrofolate reductase, leading to decreased levels of tetrahydrofolate needed for DNA synthesis. Leucovorin bypasses this step by directly providing the reduced form of folic acid, thus preventing toxicity in normal cells. Probenecid (choice A) is not used to protect normal cells during methotrexate therapy. Cytarabine (choice B) and Thioguanine (choice C) are not rescue agents for methotrexate toxicity.
Question 4 of 9
A client who is receiving cyclosporine (Sandimmune) must practice good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing of the teeth, to minimize gingival hyperplasia during long-term therapy with certain drugs. Which of the following drug falls into this category?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Phenytoin (Dilantin). Phenytoin is known to cause gingival hyperplasia as a side effect, which can be minimized with good oral hygiene practices. Procainamide, Azathioprine, and Allopurinol are not associated with gingival hyperplasia. Therefore, the client receiving cyclosporine should focus on practicing good oral hygiene specifically when taking Phenytoin to minimize the risk of developing gingival hyperplasia.
Question 5 of 9
The nurse should expect a client with hypothyroidism to report which health concerns?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. In hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland is underactive, leading to symptoms like puffiness of the face and hands due to fluid retention. This occurs as a result of decreased metabolism. Options A and B are symptoms of hyperthyroidism, where the thyroid gland is overactive. Option D is a symptom of goiter, which is thyroid gland swelling, not specific to hypothyroidism. Therefore, the correct answer is C based on the characteristic symptoms of hypothyroidism.
Question 6 of 9
Which iron-rich foods should the nurse encourage an anemic client requiring iron therapy to eat?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D (Lamb and peaches) because lamb is a good source of heme iron, which is more easily absorbed by the body compared to non-heme iron found in plant-based foods. Peaches are high in vitamin C, which enhances iron absorption. Shrimp and tomatoes (A) have some iron but are not as rich in iron as lamb. Cheese and bananas (B) are not significant sources of iron. Lobster and squash (C) also do not provide as much iron as lamb. Overall, the combination of heme iron from lamb and vitamin C from peaches makes them the most suitable choices for an anemic client requiring iron therapy.
Question 7 of 9
Which of the following is the most critical intervention needed for a client with myxedema coma?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administering an oral dose of levothyroxine (Synthroid). In myxedema coma, there is severe hypothyroidism leading to altered mental status, hypothermia, and organ failure. Administering levothyroxine is crucial to replace the deficient thyroid hormone rapidly and restore metabolic function. Warming the client (B) is important but secondary to addressing the underlying hormonal imbalance. Measuring intake and output (C) is essential for overall assessment but not the most critical intervention. Maintaining a patent airway (D) is always important in any medical emergency but does not directly address the primary issue of hypothyroidism in myxedema coma.
Question 8 of 9
One of the complications of prolonged bed rest is decubitus ulcer. Which of the following can best prevent its occurrence?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Turn frequently every 2 hours. This is because changing positions regularly helps to relieve pressure on specific areas, reducing the risk of developing decubitus ulcers. Turning every 2 hours helps to maintain blood flow and prevent tissue damage. A: Massaging reddened areas with lotion or oils can actually cause further damage by increasing friction and pressure on the skin. B: While using a special water mattress can help distribute pressure more evenly, it is not as effective as regular turning to prevent decubitus ulcers. D: Keeping the skin clean and dry is important for overall skin health but alone is not sufficient to prevent decubitus ulcers. Regular repositioning is crucial in reducing pressure and avoiding tissue breakdown.
Question 9 of 9
A client is scheduled for a prostatectomy, and the anesthesiologist plans to use a spinal (sub-arachnoid) block during surgery. In the operating room, the nurse positions the client according to the anesthesiologist’s instructions. Why does the client require special positioning for this type of anesthesia?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: To prevent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. Rationale: During a spinal block, the anesthesiologist injects anesthesia into the subarachnoid space, which contains CSF. Proper positioning ensures that the anesthesia stays in place and prevents leakage of CSF, which could lead to complications such as post-dural puncture headache. Incorrect choices: A: To prevent confusion - Irrelevant to the procedure. C: To prevent seizures leakage - Seizures are not a concern with spinal blocks. D: To prevent cardiac arrhythmias - Cardiac arrhythmias are not directly related to spinal blocks.