how should a nurse assess pain in a non verbal patient

ATI RN

ATI RN Exit Exam 2023

1. How should pain be assessed in a non-verbal patient?

A. Observe facial expressions
B. Use the Wong-Baker faces scale
C. Assess heart rate
D. Ask the patient to rate their pain

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Observing facial expressions is essential in assessing pain levels in non-verbal patients. Non-verbal cues, such as facial grimacing, furrowed brows, or clenched jaws, can provide valuable information about the patient's pain experience. Using the Wong-Baker faces scale or assessing heart rate may not be as effective in non-verbal patients as they are unable to communicate their pain through these methods. Asking the patient to rate their pain is also not suitable for non-verbal patients as they may not have the ability to verbally communicate their pain levels.

2. A client with multiple sclerosis and dysphagia requires care. Which intervention should the nurse include in the plan?

A. Position the client supine with the head of the bed flat.
B. Have the client tuck their chin while swallowing.
C. Provide the client with thickened liquids.
D. Place the food on the unaffected side of the mouth.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: For clients with dysphagia, especially those with multiple sclerosis, thin liquids can increase the risk of aspiration. Thickened liquids are recommended to reduce the risk of aspiration and help with swallowing difficulties. Positioning the client supine with the head of the bed flat can further increase the risk of aspiration. Having the client tuck their chin while swallowing is a strategy used for some types of dysphagia but not specifically for multiple sclerosis-related dysphagia. Placing food on the unaffected side of the mouth does not address the swallowing difficulties associated with dysphagia.

3. Which lab value should be monitored in patients receiving heparin therapy?

A. Monitor aPTT
B. Monitor INR
C. Monitor platelet count
D. Monitor sodium levels

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor aPTT in patients receiving heparin therapy. Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) is crucial to assess the therapeutic effectiveness of heparin and to prevent bleeding complications. Monitoring INR (Choice B) is more relevant for patients on warfarin therapy, not heparin. Platelet count (Choice C) monitoring is essential for detecting heparin-induced thrombocytopenia rather than assessing heparin therapy itself. Monitoring sodium levels (Choice D) is not directly related to heparin therapy monitoring.

4. A nurse is providing teaching about folic acid to a client who is primigravida. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

A. You should take folic acid to prevent neural tube defects in your baby.
B. You should consume at least 400 micrograms of folic acid daily.
C. You can increase your dietary intake of folic acid by consuming cereals and citrus fruits.
D. You should expect improved energy levels when taking folic acid supplements.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects, and dietary sources like cereals and citrus fruits are good options to increase folic acid intake. Choice A is incorrect because folic acid is primarily recommended to prevent neural tube defects, not to prevent infections. Choice B is incorrect because the recommended daily intake of folic acid for pregnant women is at least 400 micrograms, not 300. Choice D is incorrect because folic acid is not typically associated with improving energy levels.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for a high-protein diet to promote wound healing. Which of the following foods should the nurse recommend?

A. Bananas
B. Fish
C. White bread
D. Chicken breast

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Chicken breast is an excellent source of protein, which is essential for wound healing due to its role in tissue repair and regeneration. Fish is also a good source of protein, but chicken breast is a more commonly recommended option for wound healing due to its high protein content and lower fat content compared to some types of fish. Bananas and white bread, on the other hand, are not high-protein foods and do not provide the necessary nutrients for wound healing.