ATI RN
ATI Med Surg Exam 9 Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who has a T-4 spinal cord injury. Which of the following client findings should the nurse identify as an indication the client is at risk for experiencing autonomic dysreflexia?
Correct Answer: E
Rationale: All listed findings are associated with autonomic dysreflexia, a life-threatening condition triggered by stimuli like a distended bladder or nasal congestion, causing symptoms like headache and hypertension.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is monitoring a client for the early signs and symptoms of dumping syndrome. Which findings indicate this occurrence?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Sweating and pallor are early signs and symptoms of dumping syndrome, which is a condition where food moves too quickly from the stomach to the small intestine, causing rapid fluid shifts and hormonal changes. Sweating and pallor are caused by hypoglycemia, which occurs when the high concentration of food in the small intestine stimulates insulin secretion. Abdominal cramping and pain are late signs and symptoms of dumping syndrome, which occur about one to three hours after eating. Abdominal cramping and pain are caused by intestinal distension, spasms, and gas formation. Double vision and chest pain are not signs and symptoms of dumping syndrome, but may indicate other serious conditions, such as stroke or heart attack. Double vision and chest pain should be reported to the provider immediately. Bradycardia and indigestion are not signs and symptoms of dumping syndrome, but may be related to other gastrointestinal disorders, such as gastritis or peptic ulcer disease. Bradycardia and indigestion should be evaluated by the provider for further diagnosis and treatment.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a client following an automobile crash in which the client was unrestrained and thrown from the vehicle. When assessing the client, the nurse observes clear fluid draining from the client's nose. Which of the following interventions should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Reason: Inserting a nasal swab to observe the fluid is not recommended because it can potentially harm the patient. If the fluid draining from the nose is cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which is a clear, colorless body fluid found in the brain and spinal cord, inserting a swab could introduce bacteria into this sterile environment. This could lead to serious complications such as meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Reason: Suctioning the nose gently with a bulb syringe is also not recommended. Again, if the fluid is CSF, suctioning could potentially draw bacteria up into the nasal cavity and into the brain, leading to an increased risk of infection. Additionally, suctioning could potentially cause trauma to the nasal passages, leading to further complications. Reason: Allowing the drainage to drip onto a sterile gauze pad is the safest option. This method avoids the risk of introducing infection into the CSF and allows for the fluid to be tested to confirm if it is CSF. If the fluid is indeed CSF, this could indicate a basilar skull fracture, a serious injury that requires immediate medical attention. Reason: Inserting sterile packing into the nares is not recommended. While this might seem like a good way to stop the drainage, it could actually be very dangerous. If the fluid is CSF, the packing could act as a conduit, drawing bacteria up into the brain and leading to infection. Additionally, the packing could cause pressure on the brain if the fluid continues to drain but has nowhere to go.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse caring for a client with acute peritonitis reviews the physician's orders. The orders include an NPO diet, insertion of a nasogastric tube set to low intermittent suction, and IV fluids at 50 mL per hour. When asked why he will need the NG tube, what is the nurse's best reply?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Reason: This is incorrect because administering medications and electrolytes is not the primary purpose of inserting a nasogastric tube for a client with acute peritonitis. Medications and electrolytes can be given through other routes, such as IV or oral. Reason: This is incorrect because dilating the stomach as a presurgical preparation is not a relevant Reason for inserting a nasogastric tube for a client with acute peritonitis. Dilating the stomach may be done before some types of gastric surgery, but it does not apply to peritonitis. Reason: This is incorrect because stating that you will not be able to eat for several days is not an adequate explanation for inserting a nasogastric tube for a client with acute peritonitis. This statement does not address the rationale or the benefits of the procedure. It may also cause anxiety and resentment in the client. Reason: This is the correct choice because removing secretions and decompressing the stomach is the main Reason for inserting a nasogastric tube for a client with acute peritonitis. Peritonitis is an inflammation of the peritoneum, the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity. It can cause abdominal distension, pain, nausea, and vomiting. A nasogastric tube can suction out the gastric contents and reduce the pressure and irritation in the abdomen.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is preparing to start an IV infusion of Lactated Ringer's for a client who sustained a burn injury. The client is prescribed 5,200 mL of fluid over the first 24 hr. How many milliliters of fluid will the client receive in the first 8 hours? Record your answer.
Correct Answer: 1733
Rationale: The client receives 1,733 mL in the first 8 hours, calculated as (5,200 mL / 24 hr) × 8 hr = 216.67 mL/hr × 8 = 1,733.33 mL, rounded to 1,733 mL.