which factor places a patient at the highest risk for infection

ATI RN

RN ATI Capstone Proctored Comprehensive Assessment A

1. Which factor places a patient at the highest risk for infection?

A. A healthy immune system
B. Presence of chronic illness
C. Being well-nourished
D. Age over 65 years

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The presence of chronic illness is the factor that places a patient at the highest risk for infection. Chronic illness can compromise the immune system's ability to fight off infections effectively, making individuals more susceptible to getting sick. Option A, a healthy immune system, actually reduces the risk of infection. Option C, being well-nourished, can support overall health but does not directly correlate with infection risk. While age over 65 years is a risk factor for certain infections due to age-related immune system changes, chronic illness has a more significant impact on infection risk.

2. A patient is being taught to use TD nitroglycerin patches to treat angina pectoris. What instructions should be included?

A. Apply a patch every 12 hours
B. Apply a new patch every morning
C. Use it only when symptoms appear
D. Rotate the application site weekly

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to apply a new patch every morning. Nitroglycerin patches should be applied in the morning and removed at bedtime to provide a 14-hour nitrate-free interval, preventing tolerance development. Choice A is incorrect because applying a patch every 12 hours may lead to tolerance. Choice C is incorrect because nitroglycerin patches are used prophylactically, not just when symptoms appear. Choice D is incorrect because rotating the application site weekly is not necessary; the same site can be used as long as there is no skin irritation.

3. A hospice nurse is providing teaching to a client who has a new diagnosis of a terminal illness and her family. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

A. Hospice care focuses on providing comfort and symptom management.
B. The provider will coordinate your health care needs while in hospice.
C. You do not need to choose a family caregiver before being admitted into a hospice facility.
D. Hospice care continues to help families with grief after a death occurs.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because hospice care provides ongoing support to families with grief even after a patient's death. Choice A is incorrect because hospice care focuses on providing comfort and symptom management rather than disease treatment and rehabilitation. Choice B is incorrect as the statement does not accurately reflect the role of a hospice provider. Choice C is incorrect; a family caregiver is not a prerequisite for admission into a hospice facility.

4. What are the nursing priorities when caring for a patient with a newly placed peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC)?

A. Performing sterile dressing changes
B. Educating the patient on PICC line care
C. Flushing the PICC line as prescribed
D. Inspecting the insertion site for signs of infection

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Performing sterile dressing changes. When caring for a patient with a newly placed PICC line, one of the nursing priorities is to ensure proper care of the insertion site by performing sterile dressing changes. This helps prevent infections and maintain the integrity of the line. While educating the patient on PICC line care, flushing the PICC line as prescribed, and inspecting the insertion site for signs of infection are important aspects of care, the priority immediately after insertion is to maintain the sterility of the site through proper dressing changes.

5. How should a healthcare professional manage a patient with a chest tube?

A. Ensuring the chest tube is secured properly and functioning
B. Checking for air leaks and ensuring drainage is working
C. Ensuring chest tube drainage is below chest level
D. Ensuring proper documentation of chest tube output

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Proper documentation of chest tube output is crucial in the care of a patient with a chest tube. While ensuring the chest tube is secured and functioning, checking for air leaks, and maintaining drainage below chest level are important aspects of care, documentation of output is essential for monitoring the patient's condition, assessing the effectiveness of treatment, and ensuring appropriate interventions if needed.