ATI LPN
ATI Adult Medical Surgical Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) presents with increasing shortness of breath. Which assessment finding is most important for the nurse to report to the healthcare provider?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Oxygen saturation of 88%. In COPD patients, low oxygen saturation indicates inadequate gas exchange and potential respiratory distress. Oxygen saturation below 90% requires immediate intervention to prevent hypoxemia. A: Barrel-shaped chest is a common finding in COPD due to hyperinflation, but it is not a critical indicator of acute exacerbation. B: Use of accessory muscles suggests increased work of breathing but may not be as urgent as low oxygen saturation. D: Respiratory rate is within normal range, so it is less concerning than the low oxygen saturation.
Question 2 of 5
A client is admitted with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor closely?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Serum amylase. In acute pancreatitis, there is inflammation of the pancreas leading to elevated serum amylase levels. Amylase is an enzyme produced by the pancreas, and increased levels indicate pancreatic injury. Monitoring serum amylase helps in diagnosing and assessing the severity of pancreatitis. Choice B: Serum sodium, and Choice D: Serum potassium may be affected in pancreatitis due to fluid shifts, but they are not specific markers for pancreatitis. Choice C: Serum calcium may also be affected in pancreatitis, but monitoring serum calcium is not as crucial as monitoring serum amylase for diagnosing and managing acute pancreatitis.
Question 3 of 5
A client with heart failure is prescribed furosemide (Lasix). Which instruction should the nurse include in the client's teaching plan?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Report any weight gain of more than 2 pounds in a day. This instruction is crucial for a client with heart failure taking furosemide as sudden weight gain can indicate fluid retention, which can worsen heart failure. Monitoring weight daily can help detect early signs of fluid overload. A: Taking the medication before bedtime is not a critical instruction for furosemide as it is usually taken in the morning to prevent nocturia. C: Increasing intake of high-sodium foods contradicts the purpose of furosemide, which is a diuretic used to reduce fluid retention by promoting diuresis. D: Limiting fluid intake to less than 1 liter per day can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which can be harmful for a client with heart failure.
Question 4 of 5
A client with a history of peptic ulcer disease is admitted with severe abdominal pain. Which assessment finding should the nurse report to the healthcare provider immediately?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Rigid, board-like abdomen. This finding suggests peritonitis, a serious complication of peptic ulcer disease, requiring immediate medical intervention. A: Active bowel sounds are expected. B: Blood pressure is within normal range. D: Heart rate is slightly elevated but not a critical finding. In summary, a rigid abdomen indicates peritonitis and requires urgent attention compared to the other choices.
Question 5 of 5
A client is being discharged with a new prescription for enoxaparin (Lovenox). Which instruction should the nurse include?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because expelling the air bubble from the syringe before injection helps ensure accurate dosage delivery and prevents air from being injected into the patient. Administering the injection in the thigh (A) is incorrect as enoxaparin is typically given in the abdomen. Massaging the injection site (C) can cause bruising or hematoma formation. Alternating injection sites between arms (D) is not relevant as enoxaparin is usually given in the abdomen.