ATI RN
ATI Medical Surgical Proctored Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
A healthcare professional is assessing a client who is recovering from a lung biopsy. Which assessment finding requires immediate action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Absent breath sounds. This finding requires immediate action because it could indicate a pneumothorax, which is a potentially life-threatening complication following a lung biopsy. Absent breath sounds suggest air trapped in the pleural space, leading to lung collapse. Immediate intervention is necessary to prevent respiratory distress. A: Increased temperature is concerning but may indicate infection, which would require monitoring and possibly treatment, but it is not as urgent as addressing a potential pneumothorax. C: Productive cough is common post-lung biopsy and may be managed symptomatically. It does not typically require immediate action. D: Incisional discomfort is expected after a biopsy and can be managed with pain medication. It does not indicate a critical issue requiring immediate intervention.
Question 2 of 5
A patient is assessing a client who has just been admitted to the emergency department. The client is having difficulty breathing and is using accessory muscles. What action by the nurse is best?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Place the client in a high Fowler's position. Placing the client in a high Fowler's position helps improve lung expansion and oxygenation by maximizing chest expansion. This position facilitates better breathing mechanics and can alleviate respiratory distress. Choice A is incorrect because administering oxygen via nasal cannula should be done after positioning the client properly. Choice B is important but assessing vital signs alone may not provide immediate relief to the client's breathing difficulty. Choice C, notifying the Rapid Response Team, is not the best immediate action as positioning the client correctly should be the priority before seeking additional help.
Question 3 of 5
A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who has been receiving oxygen therapy at 2 L/min now has a respiratory rate of 10 breaths/min. What action should the nurse take first?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, assessing the client's mental status and level of consciousness. This is the first action to take because a respiratory rate of 10 breaths/min in a COPD client receiving oxygen therapy may indicate respiratory depression or impending respiratory failure. Assessing mental status and level of consciousness can help determine if the client is experiencing hypoxia. Increasing oxygen flow rate (A) without assessing the client first can be dangerous if the client is retaining carbon dioxide. Administering a bronchodilator (B) may not address the underlying issue of respiratory depression. Encouraging deep breaths (C) may not be appropriate if the client is in respiratory distress.
Question 4 of 5
During an acute asthma attack in a client with asthma, what medication should the nurse administer first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Short-acting beta agonist. During an acute asthma attack, the priority is to quickly relieve bronchoconstriction and improve airflow. Short-acting beta agonists like albuterol are the first-line medications for acute asthma exacerbations as they act rapidly to relax smooth muscles in the airways, providing immediate relief of symptoms. Oral corticosteroids (A) are important for long-term management but do not provide immediate relief. Leukotriene receptor antagonists (C) and long-acting beta agonists (D) are not appropriate for acute asthma attacks as they have slower onset of action and are used for maintenance therapy.
Question 5 of 5
A client with hypertension is being taught about lifestyle modifications. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because excessive alcohol consumption can raise blood pressure. Step 1: Alcohol can lead to hypertension. Step 2: Limiting alcohol intake is crucial in managing hypertension. Step 3: Choices A, B, and D promote healthy behaviors that help control blood pressure. Summary: Choice C is incorrect as it goes against hypertension management, while choices A, B, and D align with lifestyle modifications for hypertension.