ATI RN
Free Medical Surgical Certification Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is being assessed by a nurse. Which finding does the nurse expect?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increased anteroposterior (AP) chest diameter. In COPD, the chronic obstruction of airflow leads to air trapping in the lungs, causing the chest to expand more front-to-back (increased AP diameter). This is known as "barrel chest" and is a characteristic finding in COPD due to hyperinflation of the lungs. Incorrect choices: B: Decreased respiratory rate is not expected in COPD as patients may have increased respiratory rate due to difficulty breathing. C: Weight gain is not a typical finding in COPD as patients often experience weight loss due to increased energy expenditure and decreased appetite. D: Productive cough with yellow sputum is common in COPD, but it is not the most specific finding for this condition.
Question 2 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 3 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 4 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.
Question 5 of 5
A client learns about pursed-lip breathing. Which statement by the client indicates teaching has been effective?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because pursed-lip breathing involves inhaling slowly through the nose and exhaling slowly through pursed lips, which helps improve lung function and relaxes the client. Choice A is incorrect because breathing in quickly through the mouth is not part of pursed-lip breathing technique. Choice C is incorrect as holding breath before exhaling is not recommended in pursed-lip breathing. Choice D is partially correct but lacks the emphasis on inhaling slowly through the nose. Therefore, the most effective statement indicating correct teaching is choice B.