what is the best method to assess pain in a non verbal patient

ATI RN

ATI RN Exit Exam Test Bank

1. What is the best method to assess pain in a non-verbal patient?

A. Observe for facial expressions
B. Observe for restlessness
C. Observe for sweating
D. Check for non-verbal cues

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to observe for facial expressions when assessing pain in a non-verbal patient. Facial expressions can provide vital clues about the patient's pain level and discomfort. Choices B and C, observing for restlessness and sweating, can be less specific and may indicate other issues besides pain. Choice D, checking for non-verbal cues, is too broad and does not specify the crucial aspect of focusing on facial expressions.

2. A nurse is assessing a client who has a potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A. Diarrhea
B. Muscle weakness
C. Hypertension
D. Bradycardia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Muscle weakness is a common finding in clients with hypokalemia, as potassium is essential for proper muscle function. Diarrhea (choice A) is more commonly associated with hyperkalemia rather than hypokalemia. Hypertension (choice C) is not typically a direct result of low potassium levels. Bradycardia (choice D) is more commonly associated with hyperkalemia, not hypokalemia.

3. A nurse is providing teaching about newborn care to a group of parents. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

A. You should not bathe your newborn every day.
B. You should avoid covering your newborn with a heavy blanket during naps.
C. You should expect your newborn's stools to be soft and yellow.
D. You should keep your newborn's head elevated while they sleep.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'You should keep your newborn's head elevated while they sleep.' Keeping the newborn's head elevated while sleeping helps prevent conditions like sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Choice A is incorrect because newborns do not need to be bathed every day; it is recommended to bathe them 2-3 times a week. Choice B is incorrect as heavy blankets can increase the risk of suffocation for newborns. Choice C is incorrect as newborn stools are typically soft and yellow in color, not firm and light brown.

4. What is the most important assessment for a patient with respiratory distress?

A. Monitor oxygen saturation
B. Check for abnormal breath sounds
C. Check for pitting edema
D. Perform a neurological exam

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Monitoring oxygen saturation is crucial in assessing a patient with respiratory distress because it helps determine if the patient is receiving adequate oxygen. Oxygen saturation levels provide immediate feedback on the efficiency of oxygen delivery to the tissues. Checking for abnormal breath sounds (Choice B) is relevant in respiratory assessments, but it is secondary to assessing oxygen saturation. Pitting edema (Choice C) and performing a neurological exam (Choice D) are not directly related to assessing respiratory distress and are not the primary focus when managing a patient with breathing difficulties.

5. When should healthcare professionals perform hand hygiene?

A. Before and after patient contact
B. Before and after performing procedures
C. After using the restroom
D. After touching contaminated surfaces

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Healthcare professionals should perform hand hygiene before and after patient contact to prevent the spread of infections. While choices B, C, and D are also important times to practice hand hygiene, they are not as crucial as before and after patient contact because patient contact poses a higher risk of transmitting infections.