ATI RN
health assessment test bank Questions
Question 1 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 2 of 9
A nurse is caring for a patient who is post-operative following abdominal surgery. The nurse should prioritize which of the following in the immediate post-operative period?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Encouraging deep breathing and coughing exercises. This is prioritized in the immediate post-operative period to prevent respiratory complications like atelectasis and pneumonia. Deep breathing helps to expand the lungs and coughing helps clear secretions. Administering pain medication (A) is important but not the top priority. Monitoring for signs of infection (C) is crucial but usually done after ensuring respiratory stability. Providing solid food (D) is contraindicated initially to prevent post-operative complications like ileus.
Question 3 of 9
A patient keeps saying, "I feel hot. Hot, cot, rot, tot, got. I'm a spot.' This is an illustration of:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Clanging. Clanging refers to the phenomenon where words are chosen based on sound rather than meaning. In this case, the patient's speech demonstrates a pattern of words that rhyme or have similar sounds, despite lacking coherence or logical connection. This behavior is commonly seen in individuals with conditions like schizophrenia. Incorrect choices: A: Blocking - Blocking refers to sudden interruption or cessation of speech. This does not apply to the scenario described. C: Echolalia - Echolalia involves repetition of words or phrases spoken by others, not self-generated word patterns like in the scenario. D: Neologism - Neologism refers to the creation of new words or phrases with unique meanings, which is not reflected in the patient's speech pattern.
Question 4 of 9
A newly admitted patient is in acute pain, has not been sleeping well lately, and is having difficulty breathing. How should the nurse prioritize these problems?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Breathing, pain, sleep. Prioritizing breathing is crucial as it is a life-threatening issue. Pain should be addressed next to ensure the patient's comfort and well-being. Sleep can be addressed last as it is a lower priority compared to breathing and pain. Prioritizing in this order ensures the patient's immediate needs are met first. Choice B is incorrect because sleep should not take precedence over pain when the patient is in acute pain. Choice C is incorrect because addressing sleep before breathing and pain can be detrimental to the patient's health. Choice D is incorrect because breathing should be the top priority over both pain and sleep.
Question 5 of 9
A nurse is caring for a patient who is post-operative following a lung resection. The nurse should monitor for which of the following signs of complications?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increased respiratory rate and dyspnea. After a lung resection, complications like atelectasis or pneumonia can occur, leading to respiratory distress. Monitoring respiratory rate and dyspnea helps detect these issues early. Incorrect choices: B: Constipation and abdominal distension are not directly related to post-operative lung resection complications. C: Nausea and vomiting are more likely related to gastrointestinal issues rather than lung resection. D: Muscle weakness and fatigue are not specific signs of complications following a lung resection.
Question 6 of 9
A nurse is caring for a patient with diabetes who is experiencing diabetic neuropathy. The nurse should educate the patient to prioritize which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Inspecting feet daily for signs of injury. This is crucial in diabetic neuropathy to prevent complications such as infections and ulcers. By inspecting the feet daily, the patient can identify any injuries early and seek prompt treatment. Exercising (choice B) is important, but not the top priority. Taking pain medication (choice C) only addresses symptoms, not the root cause. Increasing protein intake (choice D) may be beneficial for healing, but foot inspection is more directly related to preventing complications in diabetic neuropathy.
Question 7 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 8 of 9
In response to a question about use of alcohol, a patient asks the nurse why the nurse needs that information. What reason would the nurse give the patient?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because alcohol can interact with medications and exacerbate certain medical conditions. The nurse needs this information to ensure the patient's safety and well-being. Choice A is incorrect because the question is not about the patient's reliability. Choice C is incorrect as it assumes the nurse is required to educate the patient about alcohol dangers. Choice D is incorrect because even without an obvious drinking problem, alcohol use can still impact the patient's health.
Question 9 of 9
What is the first intervention when a client develops symptoms of shock?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer oxygen. Oxygen administration is the first intervention for shock as it helps improve oxygenation to vital organs. Lack of oxygen can worsen shock. Administering IV fluids (choice B) could be the second step to improve perfusion. Monitoring respiratory rate (choice C) is important but not the first intervention. Administering pain medication (choice D) is not a priority in managing shock.