ATI RN
Medical Surgical ATI Proctored Exam Questions
Question 1 of 9
A healthcare professional is assessing a client who has postoperative atelectasis and is hypoxic. Which of the following manifestations should the healthcare professional expect?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Intercostal retractions. In postoperative atelectasis, there is a collapse of lung tissue leading to decreased oxygen exchange and hypoxia. Intercostal retractions indicate increased work of breathing as the body tries to compensate for the decreased lung function. Bradycardia and bradypnea are not typically associated with hypoxia but rather with decreased oxygen delivery to tissues. Lethargy is a nonspecific symptom and may not directly correlate with hypoxia in this scenario.
Question 2 of 9
Tom is diagnosed with congestive heart failure and asks why fluid accumulates in his lungs. You respond by saying
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Left-sided heart failure leads to pulmonary congestion as blood backs up in the lungs.
Question 3 of 9
A nurse is teaching a client about intestinal ova and parasites. Which of the following instructions should a nurse provide clients suspected of having intestinal ova and parasites?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because handwashing is a key preventive measure against the spread of intestinal parasites.
Question 4 of 9
On the first postoperative day following a bowel resection, the patient complains of abdominal and incisional pain rated 9 on a scale of 0 to 10. Postoperative orders include morphine, 4 mg IV q2 hr, for pain and may repeat morphine, 4 mg IV, for breakthrough pain. The nurse determines that it has been only 2 hours since the last dose of morphine and wants to wait a little longer. What effect does the nurse’s action have on the patient?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Delaying pain relief contributes to unnecessary suffering and can negatively impact recovery.
Question 5 of 9
Thirty-six hours postoperatively a patient has a temperature of 100°F (37.8°C). What is the most likely cause of this temperature elevation?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Low-grade fever within the first 48 hours postoperatively is typically a normal response to surgical stress.
Question 6 of 9
When making a home visit to a client with chronic pyelonephritis, which nursing action has the highest priority?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Monitoring antibiotic effectiveness is crucial in managing pyelonephritis.
Question 7 of 9
For your patient with a CD4 count, less than 200, the most important nursing assessment would include
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Fever can indicate opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients.
Question 8 of 9
A client develops a pulmonary embolism. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Administer oxygen therapy. Oxygen therapy is the priority intervention for a client with a pulmonary embolism to ensure adequate oxygenation and prevent hypoxia. This helps improve oxygen levels in the blood and supports vital organ function. Morphine IV (choice A) may be given for pain relief but is not the initial priority. Starting an IV infusion of lactated Ringer's (choice C) and initiating cardiac monitoring (choice D) may be necessary but do not address the immediate need for oxygenation in a pulmonary embolism.
Question 9 of 9
14. A patient newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes has been given a prescription to start on an oral hypoglycemic. The patient tells the nurse she would rather control her blood sugar with herbal therapy. Which action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Referring the patient to her physician (option A) ensures that any decision regarding herbal therapy is made collaboratively and safely.