how should a nurse assess pain in a non verbal patient
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

ATI RN Exit Exam 2023

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

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 nurse is assessing a client who has been taking haloperidol for several years. Which of the following assessment findings should the nurse recognize as a long-term side effect of this medication?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Lipsmacking is a common sign of tardive dyskinesia, a long-term side effect of haloperidol. Tardive dyskinesia is characterized by repetitive, involuntary, purposeless movements such as lipsmacking, tongue protrusion, and facial grimacing. Agranulocytosis (choice B) is a potential side effect of antipsychotic medications but is not specifically associated with haloperidol. Clang association (choice C) is a form of disorganized speech seen in conditions like schizophrenia but is not a side effect of haloperidol. Alopecia (choice D) refers to hair loss and is not a common long-term side effect of haloperidol.

3. A nurse is assessing a client who is 30 minutes postoperative following an arterial thrombectomy. What should the nurse report?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, postoperative chest pain is a critical finding that must be reported promptly. Chest pain after an arterial thrombectomy could indicate serious complications such as myocardial infarction or pulmonary embolism. Muscle spasms and cool, moist skin are not the priority assessments in this situation. Incisional pain is common after surgery and is not typically a cause for immediate concern unless it is severe and accompanied by other symptoms.

4. A nurse is teaching at a community health fair about electrical fire prevention. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Use three-pronged grounded plugs.' This is important in preventing electrical fires as it provides a grounded connection, reducing the risk of electrical malfunctions. Choice B is incorrect because covering extension cords with a rug can lead to overheating and increase the risk of fire. Choice C is also incorrect as tingling sensations around a cord indicate an electrical hazard, not proper functioning. Choice D is incorrect as pulling the cord to remove a plug can damage the cord, leading to potential electrical dangers.

5. A client who had a colon resection and a new ascending colostomy is receiving discharge teaching from a nurse. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because avoiding popcorn and fresh pineapple helps prevent complications with an ascending colostomy. Statements A, B, and D are incorrect. Statement A is inaccurate as it takes time for bowel function to normalize after surgery. Statement B is incorrect as alcohol can be irritating to the skin; gentle soap and water are recommended for cleaning. Statement D is incorrect as bruising around the stoma is not an expected outcome of colostomy creation.

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