ATI RN
Nursing Process Exam Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
While interviewing an older female patient of Asian descent, the nurse notices that the patient looks at the ground when answering questions. What should the nurse do?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Consider cultural differences during this assessment. In many Asian cultures, avoiding direct eye contact is a sign of respect and humility, especially when speaking to authority figures. By being aware of this cultural norm, the nurse can avoid misinterpreting the patient's behavior as a sign of depression or dishonesty. Asking the patient to make eye contact (choice B) may make the patient uncomfortable and disrupt the therapeutic relationship. Continuing with the interview and documenting depression (choice C) without considering cultural differences can lead to inaccurate assessment and inappropriate interventions. Notifying the health care provider for a psychological evaluation (choice D) is premature and unnecessary without first understanding the cultural context of the patient's behavior.
Question 2 of 9
Following a splenectomy, a client has a hemoglobin (Hb) level of 7.5g/dl and has vertigo when getting out of bed. The nurse suspects abnormal orthostatic changes. The vital sign values that would most support the nurse’s analysis are:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Drop in blood pressure and rise in heart rate. After a splenectomy, the client is at risk for orthostatic hypotension due to decreased blood volume. A drop in blood pressure and a compensatory rise in heart rate are common orthostatic changes. This occurs because the body tries to maintain perfusion to vital organs. A rise in blood pressure and heart rate (Choice A) would not align with orthostatic changes. A rise in blood pressure and drop in heart rate (Choice B) is contradictory to the body's compensatory response to maintain perfusion. Therefore, the most supportive vital sign values for abnormal orthostatic changes in this client would be a drop in blood pressure and a rise in heart rate.
Question 3 of 9
While interviewing an older female patient of Asian descent, the nurse notices that the patient looks at the ground when answering questions. What should the nurse do?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Consider cultural differences during this assessment. In many Asian cultures, avoiding direct eye contact is a sign of respect and humility, especially when speaking to authority figures. By being aware of this cultural norm, the nurse can avoid misinterpreting the patient's behavior as a sign of depression or dishonesty. Asking the patient to make eye contact (choice B) may make the patient uncomfortable and disrupt the therapeutic relationship. Continuing with the interview and documenting depression (choice C) without considering cultural differences can lead to inaccurate assessment and inappropriate interventions. Notifying the health care provider for a psychological evaluation (choice D) is premature and unnecessary without first understanding the cultural context of the patient's behavior.
Question 4 of 9
The nurse is reviewing a patient’s database for significant changes and discovers that the patient has not voided in over 8 hours. The patient’s kidney function lab results are abnormal, and the patient’s oral intake has significantly decreased since previous shifts. Which step of the nursing process should the nurse proceed to after this review?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Diagnosis. After reviewing the patient's database and identifying concerning signs such as not voiding for over 8 hours, abnormal kidney function, and decreased oral intake, the nurse must move to the diagnosis step. In this step, the nurse will analyze the data collected to identify the patient's actual and potential health problems. This will help the nurse formulate appropriate nursing diagnoses and develop a plan of care to address the identified issues. Choice B (Planning) comes after the diagnosis step, where specific goals and interventions are established; Choice C (Implementation) follows planning and involves executing the planned interventions; Choice D (Evaluation) is the final step where the nurse assesses the effectiveness of the interventions. In this scenario, the nurse must first determine the patient's health problems before proceeding to planning, implementing, and evaluating care.
Question 5 of 9
A client who underwent litholapaxy surgery for removing bladder stones wants to know how long the urethral catheter needs to stay in place. Which of the ff is the correct response?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: The catheter should remain in place for 1-2 days. After litholapaxy surgery, the urethral catheter is typically removed within 1-2 days to prevent infection and promote healing. Keeping the catheter in place for too long can increase the risk of complications such as urinary tract infections. Options A, C, and D suggest longer durations which are not necessary and may lead to unnecessary discomfort and risks for the client. Therefore, the optimal timeframe for catheter removal post-litholapaxy surgery is within 1-2 days.
Question 6 of 9
Which of the ff. would the nurse explain to the patient is indicated by a Snellen chart finding 20/80?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because a Snellen chart reading of 20/80 means the patient can see at 20 feet what a normal eye can see at 80 feet. This indicates that the patient's vision is below average. Choice A is incorrect because it reverses the numerator and denominator. Choice C is incorrect because it does not accurately represent the Snellen chart findings. Choice D is incorrect because 20/80 is not considered normal vision.
Question 7 of 9
A client receives a sealed radiation implant to treat cervical cancer. When caring for this client, the nurse should:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because the client remains radioactive for a period of time after the implant removal, typically around 10 days. During this time, the nurse should take precautions to limit exposure to radiation. Choice A is incorrect because bodily fluids are not highly radioactive, and proper disposal procedures should be followed. Choice C is incorrect as soiled linens should be handled appropriately to prevent contamination. Choice D is incorrect as bed rest may not be necessary, and mobility should be encouraged within safety guidelines.
Question 8 of 9
When administering oxygen to a client, under which of the ff situations should the nurse discontinue the administration and notify the physician?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. When the client is in a state of respiratory arrest, immediate medical intervention is required. Discontinuing oxygen administration and notifying the physician is crucial to address the life-threatening situation. A: Improving color is a positive sign. B: Decreased consciousness may indicate a need for further assessment but does not require immediate discontinuation of oxygen. D: Inability to use the diaphragm may require intervention but does not indicate an immediate threat as respiratory arrest does.
Question 9 of 9
For a patient who is being discharged on digoxin, the nurse should include which of the ff. in an explanation to the patient on the signs and symptoms of digoxin toxicity?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Halos around lights. Digoxin toxicity can cause visual disturbances like seeing halos around lights, which is a common symptom. This is due to its effect on the eyes. Poor appetite (choice A) is a common side effect but not specific to toxicity. Constipation (choice C) is not a typical sign of digoxin toxicity. Tachycardia (choice D) is more commonly associated with digoxin toxicity, but visual disturbances like halos around lights are more specific and should be explained to the patient.