ATI LPN
Medical Surgical ATI Proctored Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
A 48-year-old man presents with fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance. Laboratory tests reveal high TSH and low free T4 levels. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypothyroidism. In this scenario, the patient has symptoms of hypothyroidism (fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance) along with high TSH and low free T4 levels, indicating primary hypothyroidism. TSH is elevated as the body is trying to stimulate the thyroid to produce more thyroid hormones. Free T4 is low as the thyroid is not able to produce enough hormones. Hyperthyroidism (choice B) would present with low TSH and high free T4 levels. Thyroiditis (choice C) typically presents with symptoms of hyperthyroidism followed by hypothyroidism. Thyroid cancer (choice D) usually does not cause these specific symptoms and lab findings. Therefore, based on the symptoms and lab results, hypothyroidism is the most likely diagnosis.
Question 2 of 5
A client has been diagnosed with an esophageal diverticulum after undergoing diagnostic imaging. When taking the health history, the nurse should expect the client to describe what sign or symptom?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer B (Regurgitation of undigested food): 1. Esophageal diverticulum is a pouch-like protrusion in the esophageal wall, causing difficulty in swallowing. 2. Due to the diverticulum, food may get trapped and regurgitated, leading to regurgitation of undigested food. 3. This symptom is characteristic of esophageal diverticulum and indicates an abnormality in the esophageal functioning. Summary of Incorrect Choices: A: Burning pain on swallowing - Not a typical symptom of esophageal diverticulum; more indicative of conditions like GERD. C: Symptoms mimicking a myocardial infarction - Unrelated to esophageal diverticulum and more suggestive of cardiac issues. D: Chronic parotid abscesses - Not associated with esophageal diverticulum, as parotid abscesses involve the salivary glands.
Question 3 of 5
A client who is acutely ill has vigilant oral care included in their plan of care. What factor increases this client's risk for dental caries?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because inadequate nutrition and reduced saliva production contribute to cavities. In acute illness, the client may not be able to consume a balanced diet, leading to nutrient deficiencies that weaken teeth. Reduced saliva flow decreases the mouth's ability to naturally clean and protect teeth. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because hormonal changes from stress do not directly lead to acidic oral environment, systemic infections do not commonly affect teeth, and lack of fluoride from intravenous hydration is not a primary factor for dental caries.
Question 4 of 5
After undergoing rigid fixation for a mandibular fracture from a fight, what area of care should the nurse prioritize for discharge education for this client?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because promoting adequate nutrition is crucial for optimal healing of mandibular fractures. Malnutrition can delay recovery and impair bone healing. The nurse should prioritize educating the client on ways to maintain a balanced diet, such as consuming foods rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. A: Resumption of activities of daily living is important, but nutrition is more critical for healing. B: Pain control is essential, but ensuring proper nutrition is a higher priority for optimal recovery. D: Strategies for promoting adequate nutrition is redundant and less specific compared to the correct answer.
Question 5 of 5
After a client's neck dissection surgery resulted in damage to the superior laryngeal nerve, what area of assessment should the nurse prioritize?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: The client's swallowing ability. Damage to the superior laryngeal nerve can lead to swallowing difficulties, as it innervates the muscles involved in swallowing. Prioritizing assessment of swallowing ability is crucial to prevent aspiration and ensure adequate nutrition intake. Incorrect choices: B: The client's ability to speak - Damage to the superior laryngeal nerve mainly affects swallowing, not speech. C: The client's management of secretions - While important, it is secondary to swallowing assessment in this context. D: The client's airway patency - Although important, focusing on swallowing ability is more directly related to the nerve damage.