ATI RN
ATI Medical Surgical Proctored Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client with heart failure has gained 2 kg (4.4 lbs) in the past 24 hours. What action should the nurse take first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assess the client's respiratory status. The first action should be to assess the client's respiratory status as the weight gain could indicate fluid retention leading to pulmonary congestion, a common complication in heart failure. By assessing the respiratory status, the nurse can determine if there are signs of respiratory distress such as increased work of breathing, crackles, or shortness of breath. This assessment will help in identifying any immediate need for interventions such as oxygen therapy or diuretics. Restricting fluid intake (choice A) is important but not the first step. Administering diuretics (choice C) should be based on assessment findings. Notifying the healthcare provider (choice D) can be done after assessing the client's respiratory status.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client with a new diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. What is the most important aspect of teaching the nurse should focus on?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, proper administration of insulin, because it is crucial for managing type 1 diabetes. Insulin is essential for regulating blood sugar levels in type 1 diabetes patients. Without proper insulin administration, the client's condition can deteriorate rapidly. Regular exercise (A) and a low-carbohydrate diet (C) are important aspects of diabetes management, but they are not as critical as ensuring proper insulin administration. Recognizing signs of hyperglycemia (D) is important, but knowing how to administer insulin correctly takes precedence in effectively managing type 1 diabetes.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is assessing a client with a history of seizures. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because prolonged seizures lasting longer than 5 minutes can lead to status epilepticus, a medical emergency that can cause brain damage or even death. Immediate intervention is necessary to stop the seizure activity. Auras (A) are warning signs of an impending seizure and do not require immediate intervention. Antiseizure medication within therapeutic range (B) indicates proper management. Being seizure-free for 2 years (C) is a positive outcome but does not require immediate intervention unless a seizure occurs.
Question 4 of 5
When caring for a client with Alzheimer's disease, what is the most appropriate communication technique for a nurse to use?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The most appropriate communication technique for a client with Alzheimer's disease is using simple and direct statements (Choice C). This approach is effective because it helps reduce confusion and enhances understanding for individuals with cognitive impairment. Complex explanations (Choice A) may overwhelm the client. Speaking loudly (Choice B) can be perceived as aggressive or intimidating. Offering multiple choices (Choice D) may lead to decision-making difficulties. Therefore, Choice C is the best option for clear and effective communication with Alzheimer's clients.
Question 5 of 5
A client with Parkinson's disease is prescribed carbidopa-levodopa (Sinemet). What should the nurse include in the teaching about this medication?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Expect the medication to take several weeks to reach full effectiveness. This is because carbidopa-levodopa (Sinemet) is a medication used to treat Parkinson's disease by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. It takes time for the medication to build up in the system and reach its full therapeutic effect. Choice A is incorrect because it is recommended to take carbidopa-levodopa with a high-protein meal to help reduce potential gastrointestinal side effects. Choice C is incorrect as the medication does not typically cause urine discoloration. Choice D is incorrect as a rapid heartbeat is not a common side effect of carbidopa-levodopa. In summary, choice B is correct because it aligns with the pharmacokinetics of the medication, while the other choices are not consistent with the usual effects and recommendations for carbidopa-levodopa.