ATI RN
ATI Rn 46 Med Surg Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is planning care for a client who has suspected cardiac tamponade. Which of the following diagnostic tests should the nurse anticipate the provider to order first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: An echocardiogram is the most specific test for cardiac tamponade, visualizing fluid in the pericardial sac and its impact on heart function. ECG, CT, and chest x-ray are less definitive for this diagnosis.
Question 2 of 5
Which action should the nurse include in a community health program to decrease the incidence of rheumatic fever?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rheumatic fever is a complication of untreated streptococcal pharyngitis. Timely antibiotic treatment prevents its development. Prophylactic antibiotics are for secondary prevention, not broad community strategy. No streptococcal vaccine is widely available. Monitoring temperature is less effective than ensuring treatment.
Question 3 of 5
A client in sinus bradycardia, with a heart rate of 45 beats per minute and blood pressure of 82/60 mm Hg, reports dizziness. Which intervention should the nurse anticipate will be prescribed?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Transcutaneous pacing is appropriate for symptomatic bradycardia with low heart rate and blood pressure. Digoxin may worsen bradycardia. Monitoring alone is insufficient. Defibrillation is for ventricular arrhythmias.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with pericarditis. What serious complication should this patient be monitored for?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Cardiac tamponade, from fluid accumulation in the pericardial space, is a life-threatening complication of pericarditis. Left ventricular hypertrophy, increased cardiac output, and hypertension are not direct complications.
Extract:
History and Physical
0900:
History of present illness:
Client presents to the emergency department reporting acute onset of back pain that started this morning. Client reports pain as 8 on a scale of Oto 10. Client also reports feeling dizzy and weak.
Past medical history: Diabetes mellitus type 2, hypertension
Surgical history: Appendectomy at age 23 years
Family history:
Father: History of prostate cancer Mother: Died of "old age"
Social history: Smokes 1 pack of cigarette
Vital Signs
0900:
Blood pressure 136/84 mm Hg
Heart rate 111/min
Respiratory rate 20/min
Temperature 37° C (98.6" F)
0920:
Blood pressure 150/86 mm Hg
Heart rate 120/min
Respiratory rate 24/min
Temperature 37° C (98.6° F)
Provider Prescriptions
Metoprolol succinate ER 100 mg PO x 1 dose
Diagnostic results
0915:
CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis: 4 cm infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) Hemoglobin 11 g/dL (14 to 18 g/dL)
Hematocrit 40% (42% to 52%)
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client in the emergency department. Which of the following interventions should the nurse expect when planning care for this client? (Select All that Apply)
Correct Answer: B,C,E,F
Rationale: Analyzing CBC monitors for bleeding, preparing for surgery addresses symptomatic AAA, antihypertensives control rupture risk, and arterial line aids monitoring. Back pain monitoring, transfusion, and education are secondary in the acute phase.