what are the signs and symptoms of a potential infection

ATI LPN

ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Answers

1. What are the signs and symptoms of a potential infection?

A. Fever, chills, and increased heart rate
B. Increased white blood cell count and fever
C. Shortness of breath and confusion
D. Sweating and low blood pressure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Fever, chills, and increased heart rate are classic signs of an infection. These symptoms indicate the body's response to an invading pathogen. Choice B, 'Increased white blood cell count and fever,' is not a primary symptom that a person would typically notice themselves, and white blood cell count needs to be tested. Choice C, 'Shortness of breath and confusion,' may indicate other conditions like heart or lung issues rather than a general infection. Choice D, 'Sweating and low blood pressure,' are not specific to infections and can be caused by various factors like heat or dehydration.

2. A client is being taught by a nurse how to ascend stairs while using crutches. Which of the following actions should the nurse instruct the client to take first?

A. Move both crutches up first
B. Step up with the unaffected leg first
C. Lean forward on the crutches before stepping up
D. Hold onto the handrail for support

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to instruct the client to step up with the unaffected leg first. This action is crucial as it ensures proper balance and safety when ascending stairs with crutches. By stepping up with the unaffected leg first, the client can maintain stability and reduce the risk of falls. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Moving both crutches up first (Choice A) may lead to imbalance and difficulty in weight distribution. Leaning forward on the crutches before stepping up (Choice C) can compromise the client's stability and increase the risk of falling. While holding onto the handrail for support (Choice D) is important, stepping up with the unaffected leg first takes precedence to establish a secure and safe movement up the stairs.

3. What are the key interventions for managing a patient with asthma?

A. Administer bronchodilators and monitor oxygen levels
B. Encourage deep breathing exercises
C. Provide corticosteroids and monitor for respiratory distress
D. Provide antihistamines and monitor blood pressure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer bronchodilators and monitor oxygen levels. Asthma management involves using bronchodilators to help open the airways and improve breathing. Monitoring oxygen levels is essential to ensure the patient is getting enough oxygen. Choice B, encouraging deep breathing exercises, can be helpful for some respiratory conditions but is not a key intervention for managing an acute asthma attack. Choice C, providing corticosteroids and monitoring for respiratory distress, is important for long-term asthma management and severe exacerbations but is not the immediate key intervention during an acute attack. Choice D, providing antihistamines and monitoring blood pressure, is not typically indicated for asthma management as asthma is primarily an airway disease, not a histamine-mediated condition.

4. When providing family education for those who have a relative with Alzheimer's disease about minimizing stress, which of the following suggestions is most relevant?

A. Allow the client to rest four to five times during the day
B. Assess the cognitive functioning of the client regularly
C. Provide reality orientation even if the memory loss is severe
D. Maintain consistency in environment, routine, and caregivers

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most relevant suggestion for minimizing stress in individuals with Alzheimer's disease is to maintain consistency in the environment, routine, and caregivers. This approach helps create a sense of familiarity and security for the individual, reducing stress and anxiety. Choice A is incorrect as it suggests allowing the client to go to bed multiple times during the day, which may disrupt their routine and lead to confusion. Choice B is incorrect as continuously testing cognitive functioning can be overwhelming and stressful for the individual. Choice C is also incorrect as providing reality orientation in cases of severe memory loss can cause frustration and confusion, ultimately increasing stress levels.

5. A client who has a new prosthesis for an above-the-knee amputation of the right leg needs teaching on its use. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

A. Wear the prosthesis for 2 hours at a time
B. Remove the prosthesis every other day
C. Apply the prosthesis immediately upon waking each day
D. Elevate the stump for 24 hours after applying the prosthesis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction is to apply the prosthesis immediately upon waking each day. This helps the client adjust to and maintain mobility. Choice A is incorrect because wearing the prosthesis for only 2 hours at a time may not be sufficient for proper adjustment. Choice B is incorrect as removing the prosthesis every other day is not a standard practice and may hinder the client's mobility. Choice D is incorrect because elevating the stump for 24 hours after applying the prosthesis is unnecessary and not a recommended practice.