ATI RN
test bank for health assessment Questions
Question 1 of 9
Which of the following signs and symptoms is indicative of a post-operative wound infection?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Tenderness, warmth, and swelling at the site. Post-operative wound infection often presents with localized tenderness, warmth, and swelling due to inflammation and immune response. Redness, heat, and purulent drainage (choice A) can also indicate infection but are not specific to wound infections. Excessive swelling and redness (choice C) may be present in inflammatory responses but do not specifically point to an infection. Fever, chills, and nausea (choice D) can be systemic signs of infection but are not specific to wound infections. Tenderness, warmth, and swelling are more indicative of a localized wound infection.
Question 2 of 9
What should be the nurse's first intervention for a client with acute abdominal pain?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Assess vital signs. This is the first intervention because it provides immediate information on the client's condition and helps determine the severity of the pain. Monitoring vital signs can reveal signs of shock, dehydration, or other serious complications. Performing a CT scan (B) is not the first priority as it requires time and resources. Monitoring urine output (C) may be important but not as immediate as assessing vital signs. Monitoring for signs of shock (D) can be included in assessing vital signs but is not the primary intervention.
Question 3 of 9
Which sign might a nurse observe in a client with a high ammonia level?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: coma. High ammonia levels can lead to hepatic encephalopathy, causing impaired brain function and potentially leading to coma. Edema (B) is typically associated with fluid retention, not high ammonia levels. Hypoxia (C) is a condition of low oxygen levels, not directly related to high ammonia levels. Polyuria (D) is excessive urination, which is not a common sign of high ammonia levels.
Question 4 of 9
What is the nurse's first action when a client presents with symptoms of hypoglycemia?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer glucose. The nurse's first action in treating hypoglycemia is to increase the client's blood glucose levels to prevent further complications. Administering glucose helps quickly raise blood sugar levels, addressing the immediate issue. Options B, C, and D are incorrect as administering insulin would further decrease blood sugar levels, administering oxygen is not the primary intervention for hypoglycemia, and administering antipyretics is used for reducing fever, not treating hypoglycemia.
Question 5 of 9
What is the proper hand position when performing chest percussion?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The proper hand position for chest percussion is to cup the hands, creating a hollow space to allow for effective transmission of percussion vibrations. Cupping the hands helps to produce the desired percussion sound and ensures proper force distribution. Using the side of the hands (B) may not provide enough surface area for effective percussion. Flattening the hands (C) may not generate the desired percussive effect, and spreading the fingers of both hands (D) can result in uneven force application. Therefore, cupping the hands is the most appropriate hand position for chest percussion.
Question 6 of 9
What is the first intervention for a client with an acute asthma attack?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer bronchodilators. In an acute asthma attack, the priority is to open the airways and improve breathing. Bronchodilators work quickly to relax the muscles around the airways, allowing the client to breathe easier. Corticosteroids are used for long-term control, not immediate relief. Oxygen therapy may be needed if the client's oxygen levels are low. Pain medication is not indicated for an acute asthma attack as the primary issue is airway constriction, not pain. Administering bronchodilators first helps address the immediate breathing difficulty in an asthma attack.
Question 7 of 9
What intervention should a nurse recommend for a client with stress incontinence?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Purchase absorbent undergarments. For stress incontinence, which is caused by weakened pelvic floor muscles, absorbent undergarments can help manage symptoms. Kegel exercises (choice A) strengthen pelvic floor muscles but may not provide immediate relief. Constipation (choice C) can exacerbate incontinence but is not the primary intervention. Surgical treatments (choice D) are not typically recommended as a first-line intervention for stress incontinence.
Question 8 of 9
What is the priority nursing intervention for a client with a deep wound infection?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Apply sterile dressings. This is the priority nursing intervention for a client with a deep wound infection because it helps prevent further contamination and promotes wound healing. Sterile dressings create a barrier against external pathogens and keep the wound environment clean, which is crucial in managing infections. Administering IV antibiotics (choice A) may be necessary but treating the wound first is essential. Applying heat to the wound (choice C) can worsen the infection by promoting bacterial growth. Administering IV fluids (choice D) may be needed for hydration but is not the priority in managing a deep wound infection.
Question 9 of 9
What should the nurse do first for a client who is post-operative and experiencing confusion?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Place in a safe environment. This is the first priority to ensure the safety of the confused post-operative client. Placing the client in a safe environment prevents harm from falls or accidents. Reorienting the client (choice A) can come after ensuring safety. Administering pain relief (choices C and D) should be done based on assessment but is not the first priority when the client is confused.