ATI RN
ATI Medsurg Proctored Final Exam Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who has heart failure and a new prescription for furosemide. For which of the following adverse effects should the nurse monitor?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypokalemia. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause potassium loss through increased urine output. This can lead to hypokalemia, which can be dangerous in a client with heart failure as it can worsen cardiac function and lead to arrhythmias. The nurse should monitor the client's potassium levels regularly to prevent this adverse effect.
Summary of other choices:
B: Hyperkalemia - Furosemide does not typically cause hyperkalemia.
C: Hypernatremia - Furosemide is a diuretic that can lead to sodium loss, not hypernatremia.
D: Hypertension - Furosemide is actually used to treat hypertension, so it is not an adverse effect of the medication in this scenario.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who has a postoperative ileus and an NG tube that has drained 2,500 mL in the past 6 hr. Which of the following electrolyte imbalances should the nurse monitor the client for?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Decreased potassium level. Postoperative ileus can lead to gastrointestinal fluid losses, causing a decrease in potassium levels due to excessive drainage through the NG tube. Potassium is an important electrolyte for maintaining normal muscle function, including the heart. Monitoring potassium levels is essential to prevent complications such as cardiac arrhythmias.
Incorrect choices:
B: Increased sodium level - Unlikely in this scenario as excessive drainage would lead to fluid and electrolyte loss.
C: Increased calcium level - Unrelated to postoperative ileus and NG tube drainage.
D: Decreased magnesium level - Possible but not as critical as monitoring potassium levels in this situation.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is reviewing the laboratory values of a client who had a myocardial infarction 3 hr ago. The nurse should expect which of the following laboratory values to be elevated?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Troponin I. Troponin I is a specific marker for myocardial damage. After a myocardial infarction, the damaged heart muscle releases troponin I into the bloodstream, leading to elevated levels. This helps in diagnosing and monitoring the extent of myocardial damage.
A: Serum sodium levels are not typically affected by a myocardial infarction.
B: Serum glucose levels may be elevated due to stress response but are not specific to myocardial infarction.
D: White blood cell count may be elevated in response to inflammation caused by myocardial infarction, but it is not as specific as troponin I.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is performing an ECG on a client who is experiencing chest pain. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Correct
Answer: A
Rationale: Applying electrodes to the chest and extremities is necessary for a complete ECG recording. Electrodes are placed strategically to capture electrical activity of the heart. This statement informs the client about the procedure and ensures accurate results. Other options are incorrect because discomfort during the procedure is subjective and not guaranteed (
B), an ECG typically takes only a few minutes, not an hour (
C), and continuous heart rate monitoring is not required post-procedure unless indicated by the results (
D).
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is preparing to administer potassium chloride (KCL) to a client who is receiving diuretic therapy. The nurse reviews the client's serum potassium level results and discovers the client's potassium level is 3.2 mEq/L. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Give the ordered KCL as prescribed. The nurse should administer potassium chloride as prescribed because the client's potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L is within the normal range (3.5-5.0 mEq/L). Potassium chloride is indicated for clients with hypokalemia (low potassium levels), and the client's level falls within the normal range, so administering the ordered KCL is appropriate. Holding the KCL is unnecessary since the potassium level is not critically low. Administering potassium via IV push is not indicated as the client's potassium level is not critically low. Checking the client's potassium level again in 1 hour is unnecessary as the level is already within the normal range.