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 nurse is planning care for a client who has pneumonia. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include to promote airway clearance?

A. Encourage the client to increase fluid intake.
B. Suction the client every 2 hours.
C. Perform chest physiotherapy every 8 hours.
D. Administer oxygen via nasal cannula.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Encouraging the client to increase fluid intake is essential to promote airway clearance in pneumonia. Adequate hydration helps to thin respiratory secretions, making them easier to expectorate. Suctioning every 2 hours may be too frequent and can lead to airway trauma and irritation. Chest physiotherapy is not typically indicated for pneumonia unless there are specific complications. Administering oxygen via nasal cannula may be necessary to maintain oxygen saturation but does not directly promote airway clearance.

3. Which medication is commonly prescribed for a patient with hypertension?

A. Lisinopril
B. Metformin
C. Atorvastatin
D. Aspirin

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Lisinopril. Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor commonly prescribed to patients with hypertension to manage their blood pressure. Metformin is used to treat type 2 diabetes, not hypertension (choice B). Atorvastatin is a statin used to lower cholesterol levels, not primarily prescribed for hypertension (choice C). Aspirin is used for its antiplatelet effects and in preventing cardiovascular events, but it is not a first-line treatment for hypertension (choice D). Therefore, Lisinopril is the most suitable choice for a patient with hypertension.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving chemotherapy. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

A. Alopecia
B. Weight gain of 1 kg (2.2 lb) in 24 hours
C. White blood cell count of 6,000/mm³
D. Temperature of 37.2°C (99°F)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. A weight gain of 1 kg (2.2 lb) in 24 hours is concerning as it indicates fluid retention, which can be a sign of complications in clients receiving chemotherapy. Rapid weight gain can be associated with conditions like fluid overload or electrolyte imbalances, which need prompt medical attention. Choices A, C, and D are not typically immediate concerns related to chemotherapy. Alopecia (choice A) is a common side effect of chemotherapy, a white blood cell count of 6,000/mm³ (choice C) falls within the normal range, and a temperature of 37.2°C (99°F) (choice D) is slightly elevated but not a critical finding in this context.

5. Which electrolyte imbalance is most common in patients receiving furosemide?

A. Hypokalemia
B. Hypercalcemia
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hyperkalemia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Hypokalemia. Furosemide, a loop diuretic, commonly leads to potassium loss in the urine, causing hypokalemia. This electrolyte imbalance should be closely monitored in patients taking furosemide. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because hypercalcemia, hyponatremia, and hyperkalemia are not typically associated with furosemide use.