ATI RN
Free Medical Surgical Certification Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client is prescribed prednisone for asthma management. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because stopping prednisone abruptly can lead to adrenal insufficiency due to the suppression of the body's natural cortisol production. The client should never stop taking prednisone suddenly without consulting the healthcare provider. Choice A is correct because prednisone is often used as a daily preventive medication for asthma. Choice B is correct as prednisone can lower the immune system, making the client more susceptible to infections. Choice C is incorrect because prednisone is usually taken with food to minimize stomach upset.
Question 2 of 5
A client is prescribed albuterol (Proventil) via a metered-dose inhaler. Which action should the nurse take to ensure effective use of this medication?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Have the client hold their breath for 10 seconds after inhaling the medication. This action promotes medication deposition in the lungs by allowing the albuterol to reach deeper into the airways. Holding the breath for 10 seconds ensures better absorption and effectiveness of the medication. Explanation of Incorrect Choices: A: Inhaling quickly may cause the medication to not reach the lower airways effectively. C: Exhaling immediately after inhaling the medication can decrease the amount of medication reaching the lungs. D: Using the inhaler only when experiencing symptoms may lead to ineffective management of respiratory conditions.
Question 3 of 5
A client has an oxygen saturation of 88% on room air. Which action should the nurse take first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Initiate oxygen therapy at 2 liters per minute via nasal cannula. Oxygen saturation of 88% indicates hypoxemia and requires immediate intervention. Providing supplemental oxygen via nasal cannula will help improve oxygenation. Placing the client in high-Fowler's position may help with ventilation but addressing hypoxemia is the priority. Notifying the healthcare provider is important but immediate intervention is necessary. Documenting the finding is important but should not delay providing oxygen therapy.
Question 4 of 5
A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is receiving oxygen therapy. Which assessment finding requires the nurse to take immediate action?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because a sudden decrease in respiratory rate to 10 breaths per minute in a client with COPD receiving oxygen therapy can indicate respiratory depression or impending respiratory arrest, which are life-threatening emergencies. Immediate action is necessary to prevent further complications. A: An oxygen saturation of 90% is below the normal range but not an immediate concern unless it continues to decrease. B: A respiratory rate of 22 breaths per minute is within the normal range and does not require immediate action. C: Shortness of breath is common in clients with COPD and may not require immediate action unless it is severe or worsening rapidly.
Question 5 of 5
A client with a pleural effusion is being assessed by a nurse. Which clinical manifestation does the nurse expect to find?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Decreased breath sounds on the affected side. In a pleural effusion, fluid accumulates in the pleural space, leading to decreased air entry and diminished breath sounds on auscultation. This occurs because the fluid dampens the transmission of sound through the lungs. B: Hyperresonance on percussion of the affected side is not expected in pleural effusion, as it is typically associated with conditions like pneumothorax. C: Increased tactile fremitus on the affected side is not a typical finding in pleural effusion. Tactile fremitus may be decreased due to the presence of fluid. D: Tracheal deviation toward the affected side is more commonly seen in conditions like tension pneumothorax, not pleural effusion.