a nurse is assessing a patient with chronic pain which finding is most concerning
Logo

Nursing Elites

ATI RN

RN ATI Capstone Proctored Comprehensive Assessment A

1. A healthcare provider is assessing a patient with chronic pain. Which finding is most concerning?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the context of chronic pain management, the most concerning finding is when the patient's pain persists despite medication. This suggests inadequate pain control or the need for a re-evaluation of the treatment plan. Choices A, B, and D are not as concerning in this scenario. A pain level of 6 on a scale of 0 to 10 is moderate and may be manageable with appropriate interventions. Patients with chronic pain can sometimes lie still due to pain or other reasons, and anxiety and restlessness are common in individuals with pain conditions but may not necessarily indicate a critical issue like uncontrolled pain.

2. A client scheduled for a CT scan of the head with contrast is being taught by a nurse. Which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because metformin should be held before a contrast CT scan to prevent the risk of kidney damage. Choices A, B, and C are all correct statements regarding the preparation and experience of a CT scan with contrast. It is important to fast before the procedure, keep the head still during the scan, and expect a warm sensation when the dye is injected.

3. A healthcare professional is reviewing the lab results of a client with liver disease. Which finding requires immediate intervention?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Elevated ammonia levels in a client with liver disease can lead to hepatic encephalopathy, requiring immediate intervention. Ammonia is a neurotoxin that can cause cognitive impairment and altered mental status. Elevated bilirubin levels (Choice A) are common in liver disease but do not require immediate intervention. Low albumin levels (Choice B) and low hemoglobin levels (Choice D) are also common in liver disease but do not pose an immediate threat compared to elevated ammonia levels.

4. The nurse is performing hand hygiene before assisting a healthcare provider with insertion of a chest tube. While washing hands, the nurse touches the sink. Which action will the nurse take next?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The sink is considered a contaminated area. When hand hygiene is compromised during the process, it is essential to repeat handwashing using antiseptic soap to ensure proper hygiene. Choice B is incorrect because the situation can be managed by proper handwashing. Choice C is incorrect as extending the handwashing procedure to 5 minutes is not necessary in this scenario. Choice D is incorrect as the hands need to be properly cleaned before assisting the healthcare provider.

5. When administering IV fluids to a dehydrated patient, what is the nurse's priority assessment?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to assess the patient's blood pressure regularly. Monitoring blood pressure is crucial when administering IV fluids to a dehydrated patient as it helps in evaluating the patient's fluid status. Changes in blood pressure can indicate the effectiveness of the fluid therapy, the patient's response to treatment, and the possibility of complications such as fluid overload or hypovolemia. Monitoring electrolyte levels (Choice A) is essential but not the priority when assessing a dehydrated patient receiving IV fluids. Heart rate (Choice C) should be monitored more frequently than every 4 hours in such a situation. Checking urine output (Choice D) is important but not as critical as assessing blood pressure in this scenario.

Similar Questions

A patient requires assistance to stand from a sitting position. Which action by the nurse ensures patient safety?
A nurse is preparing to administer medications to a client via a nasogastric (NG) tube. What should the nurse do first?
A health care provider asks the nurse to administer a medication with a dosage significantly higher than usual. What is the nurse's first action?
Which of the following is a common manifestation of opioid withdrawal?
How is the effectiveness of a diuretic in a patient with heart failure evaluated?

Access More Features

ATI RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

ATI RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

Other Courses