ATI LPN
Medical Surgical ATI Proctored Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client with hepatic encephalopathy is being treated with lactulose. What is an expected outcome of this treatment?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Lactulose works by reducing blood ammonia levels through promoting its excretion in the stool. 2. Hepatic encephalopathy is caused by elevated blood ammonia levels affecting brain function. 3. Therefore, the expected outcome of lactulose treatment is a reduction in blood ammonia levels, improving the client's condition. Summary: - Reduction in blood ammonia levels is the correct outcome as lactulose targets this mechanism. - Improvement in liver enzyme levels and decrease in bilirubin levels are not direct effects of lactulose. - Increase in urine output is not a typical outcome of lactulose treatment for hepatic encephalopathy.
Question 2 of 5
The healthcare provider is providing care to a client with a tracheostomy. Which action should the healthcare provider take to prevent tracheostomy complications?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Use sterile technique when performing tracheostomy care. This is crucial to prevent infections that can lead to complications. Sterile technique helps minimize the risk of introducing harmful pathogens into the tracheostomy site. Using clean rather than sterile technique can increase the client's risk of infection. Choice B is incorrect because suctioning the tracheostomy tube every hour can lead to mucosal damage and increase the risk of infection. Choice C is incorrect because keeping the tracheostomy tube cuff inflated at all times can cause pressure ulcers and damage the trachea. Choice D is incorrect because changing the tracheostomy ties daily is unnecessary and can increase the risk of dislodging the tracheostomy tube, leading to complications.
Question 3 of 5
A client with a diagnosis of schizophrenia is being treated with risperidone (Risperdal). Which finding should the nurse report to the healthcare provider immediately?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Muscle rigidity. This finding could be indicative of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS), a rare but serious side effect of antipsychotic medications like risperidone. NMS is characterized by severe muscle rigidity, fever, altered mental status, and autonomic dysfunction. Prompt medical intervention is crucial to prevent complications. A: Weight gain is a common side effect of risperidone and is typically not considered an urgent issue. B: Dry mouth is a common side effect of risperidone and can be managed with oral hygiene measures. D: Drowsiness is a common side effect of risperidone and may improve over time or with dosage adjustments. It is not typically an immediate concern unless severe or accompanied by other worrisome symptoms.
Question 4 of 5
The client is receiving intravenous vancomycin. Which assessment finding should the nurse report immediately?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Red man syndrome. This is a severe adverse reaction to vancomycin characterized by flushing, rash, hypotension, and tachycardia. It can progress rapidly to anaphylaxis. Immediate reporting is crucial for prompt intervention. Blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg is within normal range, mild itching at the IV site is common and can be managed topically, and nausea and vomiting are common side effects of vancomycin but are not life-threatening compared to Red man syndrome.
Question 5 of 5
A client with rheumatoid arthritis is prescribed methotrexate. Which instruction should the nurse include in the client's teaching?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Avoid alcohol while taking this medication. Methotrexate can cause liver toxicity, and alcohol consumption can exacerbate this risk. It is important for the client to avoid alcohol to prevent potential harm to the liver. B: Taking the medication with a full meal is not a necessary instruction for methotrexate. It is typically recommended to take methotrexate on an empty stomach. C: Increasing intake of high-fiber foods is not directly related to methotrexate therapy. It is important for overall health but not specifically for this medication. D: Avoiding exposure to sunlight is not a common instruction for methotrexate. While some medications can increase sensitivity to sunlight, this is not a typical concern with methotrexate.