which question should the nurse ask when assessing the client for an endocrine dysfunction

ATI RN

ATI RN Custom Exams Set 1

1. Which question should the healthcare provider ask when assessing the client for an endocrine dysfunction?

A. “Have you noticed any pain in your legs when walking?”
B. “Have you had any unexplained weight loss?”
C. “Have you noticed any change in your bowel movements?”
D. “Have you experienced any joint pain or discomfort?”

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: “Have you had any unexplained weight loss?” Unexplained weight loss can be a significant symptom of various endocrine disorders, such as hyperthyroidism and diabetes. Weight changes are often closely linked to endocrine dysfunction due to the hormonal imbalances affecting metabolism. Choices A, C, and D are less specific to endocrine dysfunction. Pain in the legs, changes in bowel movements, and joint pain or discomfort are symptoms that can be related to various health conditions but are not as indicative of endocrine disorders as unexplained weight loss.

2. Why may patients with hiatal hernia develop anemia?

A. Iron absorption is reduced
B. Gastritis may cause bleeding
C. Iron stores turn over more quickly
D. Patients have an aversion to foods that are good sources of iron

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Gastritis may cause bleeding. In patients with hiatal hernia, gastritis can lead to gastrointestinal bleeding, resulting in anemia due to blood loss. Choice A is incorrect because hiatal hernia does not directly affect iron absorption. Choice C is incorrect as iron stores turning over more quickly is not a typical reason for anemia in hiatal hernia patients. Choice D is incorrect as an aversion to iron-rich foods does not directly cause anemia in this context.

3. The nurse is caring for a client in a sickle cell crisis. Which is the pain regimen of choice to relieve the pain?

A. Frequent aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) and a non-narcotic analgesic
B. Motrin (ibuprofen), an NSAID, PRN
C. Demerol (meperidine), a narcotic analgesic, every four (4) hours
D. Morphine, a narcotic analgesic, every two (2) to three (3) hours PRN

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In a sickle cell crisis, morphine is the preferred analgesic due to its potency and effectiveness in managing severe pain. Choice A is incorrect because aspirin is contraindicated in sickle cell disease due to its potential to cause a further decrease in blood flow. Choice B, Motrin (ibuprofen), is also not the ideal choice as NSAIDs can exacerbate renal complications in sickle cell patients. Choice C, Demerol (meperidine), is not recommended for sickle cell pain management due to its toxic metabolite accumulation which can cause seizures and other complications.

4. Which laboratory data indicate the client’s pancreatitis is improving?

A. The amylase and lipase serum levels are decreased
B. The white blood cell count (WBC) is decreased
C. The conjugated and unconjugated bilirubin levels are decreased
D. The blood urea nitrogen (BUN) serum level is decreased

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Amylase and lipase are specific markers for pancreatitis. A decrease in their serum levels indicates improvement in pancreatitis. Choice B, a decreased white blood cell count (WBC), is more indicative of an improvement in infection rather than pancreatitis. Choices C and D, decreased bilirubin levels and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels respectively, are not specific markers for pancreatitis improvement.

5. Which of the following is inappropriate in collecting midstream clean-catch urine specimen for urine analysis?

A. Collect early in the morning, first voided specimen
B. Do perineal care before specimen collection
C. Collect 5 to 10 ml of urine
D. Discard the first flow of urine

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The inappropriate action in collecting a midstream clean-catch urine specimen for urine analysis is to collect only 5 to 10 ml of urine. Adequate urine volume of 30 to 60 ml is required for accurate testing. Collecting a small amount like 5 to 10 ml may lead to inaccurate results due to insufficient sample size. It is crucial to follow proper collection techniques, such as discarding the first flow of urine, performing perineal care, and collecting an adequate volume, to ensure reliable test results.