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
Before administering oxygen to a patient, what should the nurse initially do?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Assessing respiratory effort helps tailor oxygen therapy appropriately.
Question 3 of 9
A home health nurse visits a client who has COPD and receives oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula. The client reports difficulty breathing. Which of the following actions is the nurse's priority?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assess the client's respiratory status. This is the priority because the client is experiencing difficulty breathing, which could indicate a worsening of their condition. By assessing the respiratory status, the nurse can gather vital information to determine the appropriate next steps, such as adjusting the oxygen flow rate, providing respiratory treatments, or seeking further medical intervention. Increasing the oxygen flow without assessing the client's condition could potentially exacerbate the issue. Calling emergency services (choice C) may be necessary based on the assessment findings but should not be the immediate priority. Having the client cough and expectorate secretions (choice D) is important for airway clearance but is not the priority when the client is in distress.
Question 4 of 9
Your postoperative patient develops a cellulitis in her leg. Your nursing treatments would include
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Elevation helps reduce swelling and improve circulation in cellulitis.
Question 5 of 9
A client is planning to perform nasotracheal suction for a client who has COPD and an artificial airway. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct Answer: C Rationale: 1. Preoxygenating the client with 100% oxygen for up to 3 minutes helps prevent hypoxia during suctioning. 2. COPD patients are at higher risk for hypoxia due to impaired gas exchange. 3. Preoxygenation helps maintain oxygen saturation levels and reduces the risk of complications. 4. This action supports safe and effective nasotracheal suctioning in clients with COPD and an artificial airway. Summary: - Option A: Performing suctioning for up to four passes can increase the risk of hypoxia and mucosal damage. - Option B: Applying suction to the catheter during advancement can cause trauma and increase the risk of infection. - Option D: Limiting each suction pass to 25 seconds may not provide adequate time for effective suctioning in clients with COPD and artificial airways.
Question 6 of 9
Scheduling the administration of analgesics every __ hours often affords a uniform level of pain relief.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The rationale for this is that administering analgesics on a regular schedule (e.g., every 3-4 hours) helps maintain a steady level of medication in the bloodstream, providing consistent pain relief.
Question 7 of 9
When selecting audiovisual and written materials as teaching strategies, what is important for the nurse to do?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Review the materials before use for accuracy and appropriateness to learning needs and goals.' Ensuring the materials are accurate and appropriate is critical to effective teaching. Providing materials beforehand or ensuring they cover all needed information may not always be feasible or necessary.
Question 8 of 9
A client with asthma has developed viral pharyngitis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, negative throat culture. In viral pharyngitis, the infection is caused by a virus, not bacteria. Therefore, a throat culture would be negative as it tests for bacterial infection. Option A is incorrect as petechiae are more commonly seen in conditions like meningococcal sepsis. Option B is incorrect as a WBC count of 16,000/mm3 is more indicative of a bacterial infection. Option D is incorrect as severe hyperemia of the pharyngeal mucosa is more typical of bacterial pharyngitis, not viral.
Question 9 of 9
Which signs and symptoms of lithium toxicity should a nurse monitor for?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Vomiting is a common early sign of lithium toxicity, indicating the need for immediate medical attention.