ATI RN
Health Assessment Neurological System Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
You have been caring for a patient with osteomyelitis. In preparing the patient for discharge, you include teaching about
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D) All of the above. When caring for a patient with osteomyelitis, it is crucial to provide comprehensive education to ensure optimal outcomes post-discharge. A) The importance of completing the multiple-week treatment with antibiotics is essential to emphasize because osteomyelitis is a serious infection that requires a full course of antibiotics to eradicate the infection completely. Incomplete treatment can lead to treatment failure or recurrence of the infection. B) Teaching about the side effects and interactions of medications is important as it empowers the patient to monitor for and report any adverse effects promptly. Some antibiotics used to treat osteomyelitis can have significant side effects or interactions with other medications, so awareness is crucial for patient safety. C) Educating the patient about symptoms that necessitate contacting healthcare providers is vital for early intervention in case of complications. Prompt recognition of worsening symptoms such as increased pain, fever, or drainage from the affected area can prevent serious consequences and expedite appropriate medical management. Providing this holistic education not only supports the patient in managing their condition effectively but also promotes patient safety, adherence to treatment, and overall well-being. It empowers patients to be active participants in their care and enhances their understanding of the importance of following through with treatment recommendations.
Question 2 of 5
Which of the following measures should the nurse strongly recommend to a client recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon to help regain mobility, strength, and the full range of motion?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C) Physical therapy. Physical therapy plays a crucial role in the rehabilitation process for a client recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon. Physical therapists are trained to design individualized treatment plans to help regain mobility, strength, and the full range of motion. They use specific exercises, manual techniques, modalities, and therapeutic activities to promote healing and improve function. Option A) Regular use of NSAIDs is not the most appropriate measure for regaining mobility, strength, and range of motion. While NSAIDs may help with pain management, they do not address the underlying issues of muscle strength and joint flexibility. Option B) Vigorous exercise may be contraindicated in the early stages of Achilles tendon recovery as it can put excessive stress on the healing tendon, leading to further damage or delayed healing. Option D) Non-medical interventions like yoga can be beneficial for overall flexibility and stress reduction, but they may not provide the targeted rehabilitation needed for a ruptured Achilles tendon. Yoga alone may not be sufficient to address the specific needs of this injury. In an educational context, it is important for nurses to understand the role of different interventions in the rehabilitation process post-injury. By recommending physical therapy, nurses can ensure that their clients receive the specialized care needed to achieve optimal recovery outcomes. Collaboration with physical therapists allows for a holistic approach to care, addressing both physical and functional aspects of healing.
Question 3 of 5
A patient arrives in the ER with blurred and double vision, muscle weakness, and intolerance of temperature changes. The physician suspects multiple sclerosis. What test would you expect the physician to do in order to confirm his or her suspicions?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B) MRI with gadolinium showing demyelination of nerve fibers. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, leading to inflammation and damage to the myelin sheath surrounding nerve fibers. An MRI with gadolinium is a common diagnostic test for MS as it can visualize areas of demyelination and inflammation in the brain and spinal cord, which are characteristic of the disease. Option A) CBC with a very low WBC count is incorrect because MS does not typically present with abnormalities in white blood cell counts. Option C) Endocrine function study with a low growth hormone and high T3 and T4 is incorrect as these abnormalities are not associated with MS. Option D) Fasting glucose test with a result over 300 mg/dL is incorrect as it is indicative of diabetes mellitus, not multiple sclerosis. In an educational context, understanding the diagnostic process for neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis is crucial for healthcare professionals. By knowing the appropriate tests and their significance, healthcare providers can ensure timely and accurate diagnosis, leading to better patient outcomes. MRI with gadolinium remains a cornerstone in diagnosing MS due to its ability to visualize the structural changes in the central nervous system associated with the disease.
Question 4 of 5
What important information should you provide to a post-operative CTS patient for discharge?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In providing discharge instructions to a post-operative carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) patient, it is crucial to ensure they have the necessary information for a successful recovery. Option B, "Hand movements will be restricted for 4-6 weeks after surgery," is the correct answer. This information is essential as it highlights a key aspect of post-operative care for CTS patients. Restricting hand movements helps to promote proper healing and prevent complications such as excessive strain on the surgical site. Option A, "The surgical procedure is a cure for CTS," is incorrect because while surgery can effectively relieve symptoms of CTS, it is not always a guaranteed cure, and patients may still need to manage their condition post-operatively. Option C, "Frequent pain medication dosages will no longer be necessary," is incorrect as post-operative pain management is often required, especially in the immediate aftermath of surgery. Patients should be informed about the pain management plan prescribed by their healthcare provider. Option D, "Notify the physician immediately for any pain or discomfort," is also important but not as crucial as the correct answer. While it is essential for patients to report any concerning symptoms to their healthcare provider, understanding the need for restricted hand movements is more directly related to the immediate post-operative care and outcomes for a CTS patient. Educationally, understanding the specific post-operative care requirements for different surgical procedures is vital for healthcare providers to ensure optimal patient outcomes. Providing accurate and detailed discharge instructions helps patients take an active role in their recovery and minimizes the risk of complications. By choosing the correct answer, healthcare providers can contribute to the overall well-being and successful recovery of their patients undergoing CTS surgery.
Question 5 of 5
Why should the nurse wake up a client, who is to undergo an EEG, at midnight?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In preparing a client for an EEG, it is essential for the nurse to wake the client up at midnight to help them fall asleep naturally during the test. This is the correct answer because sleep deprivation can actually affect the results of the EEG, as it may lead to the client falling asleep during the test, resulting in inaccurate readings. By waking the client up at midnight, it helps induce natural tiredness, making it easier for the client to fall asleep during the EEG. Option A is incorrect because excess sleep does not necessarily make a person lazy or nervous for the EEG. Option B is incorrect as regulating breathing patterns is not the primary reason for waking the client up at midnight. Option D is also incorrect because waking up at midnight is not specifically aimed at reducing the chances of getting a headache when electrodes are fixed to the scalp. From an educational perspective, understanding the importance of proper sleep hygiene and its impact on diagnostic tests like EEGs is crucial for nurses. By ensuring that clients are well-rested and can fall asleep naturally during the procedure, nurses can contribute to more accurate and reliable test results, ultimately leading to better patient care and outcomes.