ATI RN
health assessment in nursing test bank Questions
Question 1 of 9
Which of the following statements best describes the purpose of a health history?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because a health history aims to gather subjective information about a patient's past and current health. It helps in understanding the patient's health concerns, medical history, lifestyle factors, and other relevant information. By collecting this data, healthcare providers can make informed decisions regarding the patient's care. Option A is incorrect as the purpose is more than just interaction. Option B is incorrect as it focuses solely on biographical information. Option C is incorrect as it pertains to physical assessment findings, not subjective health information.
Question 2 of 9
A 75-year-old woman is at the clinic for a preoperative interview. The nurse is aware that the interview with her may take longer than interviews with younger persons. What is the reason for this?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because as people age, they accumulate more life experiences, medical history, and details to share. This can lead to longer conversations during interviews. Choice B is incorrect as not all older adults are lonely and seek conversation. Choice C is incorrect because aging does not necessarily equate to a loss of mental abilities. Choice D is incorrect as hearing loss is not a universal issue among older adults and does not significantly impact the length of interviews.
Question 3 of 9
A nurse is assessing a patient's family history. Which of the following would be most relevant to include in the assessment?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because a family history of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes can provide crucial information about potential genetic predispositions and health risks for the patient. This information helps the nurse assess the patient's risk factors and tailor preventative measures or interventions accordingly. Choice B is incorrect as siblings' hobbies and interests are not relevant to the patient's medical history. Choice C is incorrect as the father's occupation does not directly impact the patient's health risks. Choice D is incorrect as the patient's favorite sports team is not relevant to assessing the patient's family history for health-related issues.
Question 4 of 9
A nurse is providing education to a patient with chronic liver disease. The nurse should educate the patient to monitor for signs of which of the following complications?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Jaundice. Patients with chronic liver disease are at risk for developing jaundice due to impaired liver function leading to the accumulation of bilirubin. Jaundice is characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes. Monitoring for jaundice is crucial as it indicates worsening liver function. Incorrect choices: A: Hypoglycemia - Not directly related to chronic liver disease, more commonly seen in diabetes. B: Hyperglycemia - Not typically associated with chronic liver disease unless the patient has underlying diabetes. D: Anemia - Can be a complication of chronic liver disease, but monitoring for jaundice takes priority due to its direct association with liver dysfunction.
Question 5 of 9
Which of the following responses might the nurse expect during the functional assessment of a patient whose leg is in a cast?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the nurse would expect the patient to demonstrate functional independence in activities like transferring from a wheelchair to the bed despite having a leg in a cast. This response indicates good mobility and strength, which are positive signs of recovery. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not directly address the functional assessment of the patient. Choice A provides historical information, choice B focuses on pain management, and choice C mentions a self-care routine that is not related to functional ability.
Question 6 of 9
The nurse is assessing a 75-year-old male patient. At the beginning of the mental status portion of the assessment, the nurse expects that this patient:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer C: - As individuals age, it is normal to experience a slight decline in cognitive abilities, such as response time. - However, general knowledge and abilities are usually well-preserved in older adults. - It is expected that the 75-year-old patient may take a little longer to respond due to age-related changes but should not have a significant decline in general knowledge. Summary of Incorrect Choices: - Choice A is incorrect because it is unrealistic to expect no decrease in any abilities with age. - Choice B is incorrect because while remote memory may decline with age, it is not a universal expectation for all older adults. - Choice D is incorrect as it inaccurately attributes language loss and a decrease in general knowledge to all older adults.
Question 7 of 9
Which of the following questions would best assess a person's judgement?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because asking about future plans post-hospital discharge assesses judgment by evaluating the individual's ability to make considered decisions and anticipate consequences. Choice A focuses on paranoia, not judgment. Choice C assesses interpretation skills, not judgment. Choice D evaluates honesty or ethics, not judgment. Therefore, B is the best choice for assessing judgment.
Question 8 of 9
The nurse knows that developing appropriate nursing interventions for a patient relies on the appropriateness of the:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Nursing interventions are based on nursing diagnosis, which identifies patient's unique health needs. 2. Nursing diagnosis focuses on patient's response to health problems, not just medical conditions. 3. It guides nurses in planning individualized care to meet patient's specific needs. 4. Medical diagnosis (B) focuses on disease pathology, not holistic patient care. 5. Admission diagnosis (C) is a temporary identification of patient's primary reason for admission. 6. Collaborative diagnosis (D) involves joint identification of interprofessional health problems, not specific to nursing care. Summary: The correct answer is A because nursing interventions are tailored based on nursing diagnosis, which considers patient's responses to health issues. Medical diagnosis, admission diagnosis, and collaborative diagnosis do not provide the same level of individualized and holistic care planning as nursing diagnosis.
Question 9 of 9
The nurse is conducting a health interview with a patient named Salil. There is a language barrier, and no interpreter is available. Which of the following is the best example of an appropriate question for the nurse to ask in this situation?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: "Does Salil take medicine?" This is the best question because it is simple, direct, and focuses on gathering important medical information. It is clear and easy to understand even with a language barrier. Choice B is irrelevant and not related to the patient's health status. Choice C assumes symptoms without context. Choice D is inappropriate as it refers to the patient in the third person and includes a leading statement. Asking about medication directly is the most appropriate approach in this scenario.