ATI RN
ATI Medsurg Proctored Final Exam Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who develops a ventricular fibrillation rhythm. The client is unresponsive, pulseless, and apneic. Which of the following actions is the nurse's priority?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Defibrillation. Ventricular fibrillation is a life-threatening arrhythmia that requires immediate defibrillation to restore the heart's normal rhythm. Defibrillation is the priority as it is the most effective intervention to treat ventricular fibrillation and increase the chance of survival. Administering oxygen (
B) is important but not the priority over defibrillation. Calling for help (
C) should be done after initiating defibrillation. Starting chest compressions (
D) should only be done if defibrillation is not immediately available or unsuccessful.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse in a cardiac care unit is caring for a client with acute right-sided heart failure. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Elevated central venous pressure (CVP). In right-sided heart failure, the right ventricle fails to effectively pump blood to the lungs, causing blood to back up in the systemic circulation. This leads to increased pressure in the venous system, including the central veins. Elevated CVP is a classic sign of right-sided heart failure. Low blood pressure (
A) is more commonly associated with left-sided heart failure. Decreased urine output (
C) may occur due to poor perfusion but is not specific to right-sided heart failure. Increased lung crackles (
D) are typically seen in left-sided heart failure, not right-sided heart failure.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is reviewing the arterial blood gas (ABG) results of a client who the provider suspects has metabolic acidosis. Which of the following results should the nurse expect to see?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: pH below 7.35. In metabolic acidosis, there is a decrease in pH due to an excess of acid or a loss of bicarbonate ions. A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis.
Choices B and C are incorrect because in metabolic acidosis, the pH is below the normal range of 7.35-7.45, and the bicarbonate (HCO3-) level is typically below 24 mEq/L rather than above 28 mEq/L.
Choice D is incorrect as an elevated PaCO2 (respiratory acidosis) is not typically seen in metabolic acidosis.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is teaching a client who has hypertension and a new prescription for atenolol. Which of the following findings should the nurse include as adverse effects of this medication?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Bradycardia. Atenolol is a beta-blocker that slows down the heart rate, leading to bradycardia as an adverse effect. This occurs because atenolol blocks the action of adrenaline on the heart, causing the heart to beat slower. Hyperglycemia (
A) is not a common adverse effect of atenolol; in fact, it may even lower blood sugar levels slightly. Tachycardia (
B) and hypertension (
C) are the opposite effects of atenolol, as it is used to treat high blood pressure and reduce heart rate.
Therefore, these would not be expected adverse effects.
Question 5 of 5
While assessing a client who is receiving continuous IV therapy via his left forearm, a nurse notes that the site is red, swollen, and painful and that the surrounding tissues are hard. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct action is to discontinue the existing IV line first. This is crucial because the client is exhibiting signs of infiltration, which can lead to tissue damage and complications. By removing the IV line, further damage can be prevented. Applying warm compresses or elevating the extremity may not address the underlying issue and could potentially worsen the condition. Notifying the healthcare provider is important but should not be the first step in this situation.