the leading cause of death in the geriatric patient is
Logo

Nursing Elites

ATI LPN

ATI Pediatrics Proctored Test

1. What is the leading cause of death in geriatric patients?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Heart disease is the leading cause of death in geriatric patients. It encompasses a range of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, such as coronary artery disease and heart failure, which are more prevalent in older individuals. These conditions can lead to serious complications and ultimately result in higher mortality rates among the elderly population. Hypertension (choice A) is a risk factor for heart disease but not the leading cause of death in geriatric patients. Arthritis (choice B) is a chronic condition affecting the joints, not a primary cause of death in this population. Altered mental status (choice D) is a symptom rather than a leading cause of death in geriatric patients.

2. What comment made by a parent of a 1-month-old would alert the nurse about the presence of a congenital heart defect?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Observing a 1-month-old tiring out during feedings should alert the nurse to the possibility of a congenital heart defect. This symptom may indicate that the infant is expending excess energy to compensate for a heart issue, leading to fatigue during feeding. Choices A, C, and D do not directly relate to a congenital heart defect. Being always hungry, fussy, or sleeping a lot are not specific signs of a congenital heart defect in a 1-month-old.

3. A child of 3 years has been admitted to your pediatric ward. The doctor gave a provisional diagnosis of respiratory tract infection. After careful assessment and history, he gave a final diagnosis of lower respiratory infection. Which of the following signs will confirm the diagnosis?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Inability to lie supine is a specific sign of lower respiratory infection. This condition can cause discomfort or difficulty in breathing when lying flat, leading to a preference for an upright or semi-upright position. While cough and fever are common symptoms of respiratory infections, the inability to lie supine is more indicative of lower respiratory involvement.

4. A new parent reports to the nurse that the baby looks cross-eyed several times a day. The nurse teaches the parents that this finding should resolve in how long?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Transient strabismus, causing the baby to look cross-eyed, is due to poor neuromuscular control of the eye muscles. This condition typically resolves on its own within 3 to 4 months as the infant's neuromuscular control improves. Parents should be reassured that this is a common and temporary issue in infants. Choice A is incorrect as it is too long for the resolution of transient strabismus. Choice B is incorrect as 2 weeks is too short for resolution. Choice C is incorrect as 1 year is too long for transient strabismus to resolve.

5. A mother visited your facility with the complaint of her child passing watery stools for two days. This is the first time the child is having such an experience. How will you describe such a visit?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Initial.' This visit is described as initial because it is the first time the child is experiencing these symptoms. It signifies the first encounter with healthcare professionals for this specific issue, distinguishing it from subsequent visits which would be follow-up appointments to monitor progress or routine visits for preventive care. Choice B, 'Follow-up,' is incorrect as it implies subsequent visits after the initial encounter. Choice C, 'Routine visit,' is also incorrect as it implies a scheduled visit for preventive care rather than a visit prompted by a new or acute issue. Choice D, 'None of the above,' is incorrect as one of the options accurately describes the situation, which is 'Initial.'

Similar Questions

Which of the following statements regarding sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is correct?
A mother of a 6-year-old actively playing child, diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus a year ago, calls a clinic nurse and reports that the child has been sick. She checked the child's urine, which was positive for ketones. What should the nurse instruct the mother to do?
What assessment finding places a newborn at risk for developing physiologic jaundice?
A 3-year-old female has had severe diarrhea and vomiting for 4 days. She is now unresponsive with rapid, shallow respirations and thready radial pulses. Her heart rate is 160 beats/min, and her oxygen saturation is 88%. You should:
When assessing a geriatric patient who has possibly experienced an acute ischemic stroke, which of the following questions would be MOST appropriate to ask?

Access More Features

ATI LPN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days

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

ATI LPN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days

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

Other Courses