ATI RN
ATI Medical Surgical Proctored Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
A healthcare professional is assessing a client who has a new onset of confusion. Which laboratory value should the professional check first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Blood glucose level. The healthcare professional should check the blood glucose level first because hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia can cause confusion. Hypoglycemia can lead to altered mental status quickly and should be ruled out immediately. Checking the serum sodium level (B), serum calcium level (C), or blood urea nitrogen (D) can be important in further assessment, but addressing the blood glucose level is the primary concern in this scenario to rule out any immediate life-threatening conditions related to glucose imbalance.
Question 2 of 5
A client with cirrhosis is experiencing ascites. Which dietary instruction should the nurse provide?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Consume a low-sodium diet. Ascites in cirrhosis is often due to fluid retention caused by impaired liver function. A low-sodium diet helps to reduce fluid buildup in the body, alleviating ascites. Increasing protein intake (A) may worsen ascites by increasing fluid retention. Limiting fluid intake (B) can lead to dehydration, exacerbating the condition. Taking a daily multivitamin (D) may be beneficial for overall health but does not directly address ascites.
Question 3 of 5
When caring for a client with acute pancreatitis, what intervention is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Administer pain medication as needed. In acute pancreatitis, pain management is crucial to provide comfort and improve outcomes. Pain medication helps alleviate the severe abdominal pain associated with pancreatitis. It is essential to treat pain promptly to prevent complications and improve the client's quality of life. Encouraging a high-protein diet (A) is not recommended as it may exacerbate pancreatitis symptoms. Providing small, frequent meals (C) may help reduce the workload on the pancreas, but pain management takes precedence. Increasing oral fluid intake (D) is important for hydration but does not address the primary concern of pain relief in acute pancreatitis.
Question 4 of 5
A client with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is receiving hemodialysis. Which assessment finding indicates a need for immediate action?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Potassium level of 6.5 mEq/L. High potassium levels in ESRD patients can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Immediate action is needed to prevent complications. A: Weight gain may indicate fluid retention, but it's not an immediate concern. B: Blood pressure is elevated but not an urgent issue. D: Hemoglobin level of 10 g/dL is within the acceptable range for ESRD patients and does not require immediate action.
Question 5 of 5
A client is receiving discharge teaching after a total hip replacement. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because bending down to tie shoes after only 2 weeks post total hip replacement can put strain on the hip joint and increase the risk of dislocation. The client should avoid bending past 90 degrees to protect the new hip joint. Choices A, B, and C are all correct statements as they promote hip joint protection and reduce the risk of complications.