ATI RN
ATI Medical Surgical Proctored Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is assessing a client with a history of seizures. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because prolonged seizures lasting longer than 5 minutes can lead to status epilepticus, a medical emergency that can cause brain damage or even death. Immediate intervention is necessary to stop the seizure activity. Auras (A) are warning signs of an impending seizure and do not require immediate intervention. Antiseizure medication within therapeutic range (B) indicates proper management. Being seizure-free for 2 years (C) is a positive outcome but does not require immediate intervention unless a seizure occurs.
Question 2 of 5
A client with Parkinson's disease is prescribed carbidopa-levodopa (Sinemet). What should the nurse include in the teaching about this medication?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Expect the medication to take several weeks to reach full effectiveness. This is because carbidopa-levodopa (Sinemet) is a medication used to treat Parkinson's disease by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. It takes time for the medication to build up in the system and reach its full therapeutic effect. Choice A is incorrect because it is recommended to take carbidopa-levodopa with a high-protein meal to help reduce potential gastrointestinal side effects. Choice C is incorrect as the medication does not typically cause urine discoloration. Choice D is incorrect as a rapid heartbeat is not a common side effect of carbidopa-levodopa. In summary, choice B is correct because it aligns with the pharmacokinetics of the medication, while the other choices are not consistent with the usual effects and recommendations for carbidopa-levodopa.
Question 3 of 5
When caring for a client with acute renal failure, which laboratory value is most important to monitor?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Serum potassium. In acute renal failure, impaired kidney function can lead to electrolyte imbalances, especially hyperkalemia which can be life-threatening. Monitoring serum potassium levels is crucial to prevent cardiac complications. Serum sodium (A) may be altered, but potassium is more critical. Serum calcium (C) and chloride (D) levels are important but not as directly impacted in acute renal failure compared to potassium.
Question 4 of 5
A client is 4 hours postoperative following abdominal surgery. The client's blood pressure has dropped from 120/80 mm Hg to 90/60 mm Hg. What action should the nurse take first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Check the surgical site for bleeding. This is the first action the nurse should take as a sudden drop in blood pressure postoperatively could indicate internal bleeding, a common complication after abdominal surgery. By assessing the surgical site for bleeding, the nurse can identify and address the source of the hypotension promptly. Administering IV fluids (choice A) may be necessary but should come after determining the cause. Placing the client in Trendelenburg position (choice C) is not recommended as it can worsen venous return and increase intracranial pressure. Notifying the healthcare provider (choice D) should be done after the nurse has assessed the situation and taken immediate action.
Question 5 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.