ATI CAPSTONE POST ASSESSMENTS EXAM
QUESTIONS 2026: VERIFIED & DETAILED ANSWERS
The 24-year-old client inquires about use of the diaphragm for birth control. What five (5)
instructions would be provided by the nurse to explain use of the diaphragm?
●A client should be properly fitted with a diaphragm by a provider.
●Replaced every 2 years and refitted for a 20% weight fluctuation, after abdominal or pelvic
surgery, and after every pregnancy.
●Requires proper insertion and removal. Prior to coitus, the diaphragm is inserted vaginally
over the cervix with spermicidal jelly or cream that is applied to the cervical side of the dome
and around the rim. The diaphragm can be inserted up to 6 hr before intercourse and must stay
in place 6 hr after intercourse but for no more than 24 hr.
●Spermicide must be reapplied with each act of coitus.
●A client should empty her bladder prior to insertion of the diaphragm.
●Diaphragm should be washed with mild soap and warm water after each use.
A nurse is providing teaching about fibrocystic breast tissue with a client. What
information will the nurse share with the client about diagnostics used to confirm the
diagnosis?
Diagnostics for fibrocystic breast tissue include breast ultrasound and fine-needle aspiration.
A client asks the nurse how often she should get a Papanicolaou (Pap) test. What is the
correct response by the nurse to the client?
21: All women begin screening for cervical cancer
21-29: Pap test every 3 years; HPV unnecessary unless needed following an abnormalPap test
30-65: Pap and HPV every 5 years
Older than 65: May discontinue testing if regular screenings have been negative; If diagnosed
with cervical precancer, continue to screen
,List three (3) actions by the nurse should take during the assessment and data collection
steps.
Recognize patterns or trends.
Compare the data with expected standards or reference ranges.
Arrive at conclusions to guide nursing care.
When witnessing an informed consent the nurse must ensure that the provider gives the
client the necessary procedural information. Identify information the provider should
disclose to the client to obtain an informed consent. What is the role of the nurse in this
process?
The Provider obtains the informed consent. To do so, the provider must give the client:
· The purpose of the procedure· A complete description of the procedure.
· A description of the professional who will perform and participate in the procedure.
· A description of the potential harm, pain or discomfort that might occur.
· Options for other treatments.
· The option to refuse treatment and the consequences of doing so. The nurse must notify the
provider if the client has more questions or appears not to understand any of the information.
The provider is then responsible for giving clarification.
Discuss passive and active immunity.
Passive: Antibodies are produced by an external source. Temporary immunity that does not have
memory of past exposures. Intact skin, the body's first line of defense. Mucous membranes,
secretions, enzymes, phagocytic cells, and protective proteins. Inflammatory response with
phagocytic cells, the complement system, and interferons to localize the invasion and prevent its
spreadActive: Antibodies are produced in response to an antigen. Requires time to react to
antigens. Provides permanent immunity. Involves B- and T-lymphocytes. Produces specific
antibodies against specific antigens (immunoglobulins [IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, IgM])
List at least three (3) priority considerations when performing a sterile dressing change.
-Prolonged exposure to airborne micro-organisms can make sterile items non-sterile.
-Avoid coughing, sneezing, and talking directly over a sterile field.
,-Air movement should be controlled by special ventilation.
-Only sterile items may be in a sterile field.
-The outer wrappings and 1-inch edges of packaging that contains sterile items are not sterile.
-The inner surface of the sterile drape or kit, except for that 1-inch border around the edges, is
the sterile field to which additional sterile items may be added.
-To position the field on the table surface, it is acceptable to grasp the 1-inch border before
donning sterile gloves.
-Any object that comes into contact with the 1-inch border must be discarded.
-Touch sterile materials only with sterile gloves.
-Any object held below the waist or above the chest is considered contaminated.
-Sterile materials may touch other sterile surfaces or materials; however, contact with non-
sterile materials at any time renders a sterile area contaminated, no matter how short the
contact.
-Microbes can move by gravity from a non-sterile item to a sterile item: Do not reach across or
above a sterile field.
-Do not turn your back on a sterile field.
-Hold items to be added to a sterile field at a minimum of 6 inches above the field.
-Any sterile, non-waterproof wrapper that comes in contact with moisture becomes non-sterile by
a wicking action that allows microbes to travel rapidly from a non-sterile surface to the sterile
surface.
-Keep all surfaces dry.
-Discard any sterile packages that become wet.
A nurse is caring for an elderly client with constipation. What are three (3) complications to
monitor for during care of this client?
Complications of constipation include:Fecal impaction.Development of hemorrhoids or rectal
fissures.Bradycardia, hypotension, and syncope associated with the Valsalva maneuver (occurs
with straining/bearing down).
A nurse is caring for a client who has refused his morning medications. How should the
nurse respond to the client?
, The nurse should recognize the client's right to refuse any medication. The nurse should explain
the consequences of not taking the prescribed medications and encourage the client to take the
medications as prescribed by the provider.
The nurse is caring for a client recently diagnosed with depression. The client was
prescribed an SSRI antidepressant. What assessment findings should be reported to the
provider for a client taking this medication?
Potential complication/adverse effects to be reported to the provider:
Sexual dysfunction
Insomnia, agitation, anxiety
Changes in weight
Withdrawal syndrome - headache, nausea, visual disturbance, anxiety, dizziness and tremors
Hyponatremia
Rash
Sleepiness, lightheadedness, faintness
Gastrointestinal bleeding
Bruxism
Serotonin syndrome (Can begin 2-72 hours after starting treatment and can be lethal)
Mental confusion, delirium
Fever, tachycardia, elevated blood pressure
Abdominal pain, diarrhea
Irritability, mood swings, agitation, anxiety, restlessness
Incoordination, hyperreflexia, diaphoresis, tremors, muscle spasms
Cardiovascular shock, seizures, death
A client is prescribed a protease inhibitor—ritonavir. Identify three (3) nursing
considerations when administering a protease inhibitor.
Instruct client to report all other the counter medications; except for indinavir, take protease
inhibitors with food to increase absorption; administer with another antiretroviral; advise
barrier form of contraception; advise diet high in calcium and vitamin D.
QUESTIONS 2026: VERIFIED & DETAILED ANSWERS
The 24-year-old client inquires about use of the diaphragm for birth control. What five (5)
instructions would be provided by the nurse to explain use of the diaphragm?
●A client should be properly fitted with a diaphragm by a provider.
●Replaced every 2 years and refitted for a 20% weight fluctuation, after abdominal or pelvic
surgery, and after every pregnancy.
●Requires proper insertion and removal. Prior to coitus, the diaphragm is inserted vaginally
over the cervix with spermicidal jelly or cream that is applied to the cervical side of the dome
and around the rim. The diaphragm can be inserted up to 6 hr before intercourse and must stay
in place 6 hr after intercourse but for no more than 24 hr.
●Spermicide must be reapplied with each act of coitus.
●A client should empty her bladder prior to insertion of the diaphragm.
●Diaphragm should be washed with mild soap and warm water after each use.
A nurse is providing teaching about fibrocystic breast tissue with a client. What
information will the nurse share with the client about diagnostics used to confirm the
diagnosis?
Diagnostics for fibrocystic breast tissue include breast ultrasound and fine-needle aspiration.
A client asks the nurse how often she should get a Papanicolaou (Pap) test. What is the
correct response by the nurse to the client?
21: All women begin screening for cervical cancer
21-29: Pap test every 3 years; HPV unnecessary unless needed following an abnormalPap test
30-65: Pap and HPV every 5 years
Older than 65: May discontinue testing if regular screenings have been negative; If diagnosed
with cervical precancer, continue to screen
,List three (3) actions by the nurse should take during the assessment and data collection
steps.
Recognize patterns or trends.
Compare the data with expected standards or reference ranges.
Arrive at conclusions to guide nursing care.
When witnessing an informed consent the nurse must ensure that the provider gives the
client the necessary procedural information. Identify information the provider should
disclose to the client to obtain an informed consent. What is the role of the nurse in this
process?
The Provider obtains the informed consent. To do so, the provider must give the client:
· The purpose of the procedure· A complete description of the procedure.
· A description of the professional who will perform and participate in the procedure.
· A description of the potential harm, pain or discomfort that might occur.
· Options for other treatments.
· The option to refuse treatment and the consequences of doing so. The nurse must notify the
provider if the client has more questions or appears not to understand any of the information.
The provider is then responsible for giving clarification.
Discuss passive and active immunity.
Passive: Antibodies are produced by an external source. Temporary immunity that does not have
memory of past exposures. Intact skin, the body's first line of defense. Mucous membranes,
secretions, enzymes, phagocytic cells, and protective proteins. Inflammatory response with
phagocytic cells, the complement system, and interferons to localize the invasion and prevent its
spreadActive: Antibodies are produced in response to an antigen. Requires time to react to
antigens. Provides permanent immunity. Involves B- and T-lymphocytes. Produces specific
antibodies against specific antigens (immunoglobulins [IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, IgM])
List at least three (3) priority considerations when performing a sterile dressing change.
-Prolonged exposure to airborne micro-organisms can make sterile items non-sterile.
-Avoid coughing, sneezing, and talking directly over a sterile field.
,-Air movement should be controlled by special ventilation.
-Only sterile items may be in a sterile field.
-The outer wrappings and 1-inch edges of packaging that contains sterile items are not sterile.
-The inner surface of the sterile drape or kit, except for that 1-inch border around the edges, is
the sterile field to which additional sterile items may be added.
-To position the field on the table surface, it is acceptable to grasp the 1-inch border before
donning sterile gloves.
-Any object that comes into contact with the 1-inch border must be discarded.
-Touch sterile materials only with sterile gloves.
-Any object held below the waist or above the chest is considered contaminated.
-Sterile materials may touch other sterile surfaces or materials; however, contact with non-
sterile materials at any time renders a sterile area contaminated, no matter how short the
contact.
-Microbes can move by gravity from a non-sterile item to a sterile item: Do not reach across or
above a sterile field.
-Do not turn your back on a sterile field.
-Hold items to be added to a sterile field at a minimum of 6 inches above the field.
-Any sterile, non-waterproof wrapper that comes in contact with moisture becomes non-sterile by
a wicking action that allows microbes to travel rapidly from a non-sterile surface to the sterile
surface.
-Keep all surfaces dry.
-Discard any sterile packages that become wet.
A nurse is caring for an elderly client with constipation. What are three (3) complications to
monitor for during care of this client?
Complications of constipation include:Fecal impaction.Development of hemorrhoids or rectal
fissures.Bradycardia, hypotension, and syncope associated with the Valsalva maneuver (occurs
with straining/bearing down).
A nurse is caring for a client who has refused his morning medications. How should the
nurse respond to the client?
, The nurse should recognize the client's right to refuse any medication. The nurse should explain
the consequences of not taking the prescribed medications and encourage the client to take the
medications as prescribed by the provider.
The nurse is caring for a client recently diagnosed with depression. The client was
prescribed an SSRI antidepressant. What assessment findings should be reported to the
provider for a client taking this medication?
Potential complication/adverse effects to be reported to the provider:
Sexual dysfunction
Insomnia, agitation, anxiety
Changes in weight
Withdrawal syndrome - headache, nausea, visual disturbance, anxiety, dizziness and tremors
Hyponatremia
Rash
Sleepiness, lightheadedness, faintness
Gastrointestinal bleeding
Bruxism
Serotonin syndrome (Can begin 2-72 hours after starting treatment and can be lethal)
Mental confusion, delirium
Fever, tachycardia, elevated blood pressure
Abdominal pain, diarrhea
Irritability, mood swings, agitation, anxiety, restlessness
Incoordination, hyperreflexia, diaphoresis, tremors, muscle spasms
Cardiovascular shock, seizures, death
A client is prescribed a protease inhibitor—ritonavir. Identify three (3) nursing
considerations when administering a protease inhibitor.
Instruct client to report all other the counter medications; except for indinavir, take protease
inhibitors with food to increase absorption; administer with another antiretroviral; advise
barrier form of contraception; advise diet high in calcium and vitamin D.
