ATI RN
Free Medical Surgical Certification Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A healthcare professional assesses a client who is experiencing an acute asthma attack. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Silent chest. This finding indicates severe airway obstruction and impending respiratory failure, requiring immediate intervention to prevent respiratory arrest. Silent chest means minimal or absent breath sounds, suggesting no air movement, which is a critical emergency situation. Wheezing (A), increased respiratory rate (B), and use of accessory muscles (C) are common in asthma attacks but do not indicate as severe a condition as a silent chest. Monitoring and addressing a silent chest promptly is crucial in managing acute asthma exacerbations.
Question 2 of 5
A client who had coronary artery bypass grafting yesterday needs care. What actions can the nurse delegate to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)? (SATA)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because ensuring the client wears TED hose or sequential compression devices is within the scope of practice for UAP. This task does not require critical thinking or assessment skills, making it suitable for delegation. Administering antibiotics (A) and encouraging spirometer use (B) require clinical judgment and assessment skills, which UAP do not possess. Having the client rate pain and report to the nurse (D) involves subjective assessment and potential interventions, making it inappropriate for delegation to UAP.
Question 3 of 5
A client who is interested in smoking cessation receives teaching from a nurse. Which statements should the nurse include in this teaching? (Select ONE that does not apply)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Identify reasons for quitting smoking. This should not be included in the teaching because the client should already have identified their reasons for quitting before receiving the teaching. The client should have a clear understanding of why they want to quit smoking before seeking help. Choices A and B are correct as they provide practical tips to distract from smoking and avoid unhealthy behaviors. Choice D is also correct as making a list of reasons can help reinforce motivation.
Question 4 of 5
A client is interested in smoking cessation. Which statements should the nurse include in this client's teaching? (Select ONE that does not apply)
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In smoking cessation education, it is crucial to provide accurate information and strategies to support individuals in their journey to quit smoking. The correct answer, "D) Drink at least eight glasses of water each day," is not directly related to smoking cessation. While staying hydrated is important for overall health, it is not a specific or essential strategy for quitting smoking. Option A is a helpful strategy as finding alternative activities can distract from cravings and keep hands busy, reducing the urge to smoke. Option B is also important as identifying personal reasons for quitting can increase motivation and commitment. However, option C, "Identify a punishment for yourself in case you backslide," is not recommended as punishment may lead to feelings of guilt or failure, hindering progress in smoking cessation. In an educational context, emphasizing positive reinforcement, behavior modification techniques, coping strategies for cravings, and social support are more effective approaches to include in smoking cessation teachings. Providing evidence-based practices and supportive guidance can empower individuals to successfully quit smoking and improve their health outcomes.
Question 5 of 5
The client's potassium level is 6.7 mEq/L. Which intervention should you delegate to the student nurse under your supervision?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct intervention to delegate to the student nurse is to assess the ECG strip for tall T waves (Option C). Rationale: Elevated potassium levels (hyperkalemia) can lead to serious cardiac complications, including dysrhythmias such as ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation. Tall T waves on an ECG are indicative of hyperkalemia. By delegating the task of assessing the ECG strip to the student nurse, you are allowing them to apply their knowledge of ECG interpretation to recognize a critical finding and alert the healthcare team promptly. Why other options are wrong: - Option A: Administering Kayexalate orally is not appropriate for an acute situation of hyperkalemia as it works in the intestines to exchange sodium for potassium, which is a slower process. - Option B: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic and can further increase potassium levels, making it contraindicated in hyperkalemia. - Option D: Administering more potassium orally is contraindicated in the setting of hyperkalemia as it can exacerbate the condition. Educational context: Understanding the management of electrolyte imbalances, such as hyperkalemia, is crucial in pharmacology and medical-surgical nursing. Teaching students to recognize ECG changes associated with hyperkalemia equips them with the skills to identify and respond to critical situations promptly, promoting patient safety and quality care. This rationale provides a comprehensive explanation of the correct intervention and reinforces the importance of ECG monitoring in patients with electrolyte disturbances.