ATI RN
Medical Surgical ATI Proctored Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
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 2 of 5
While dining at a restaurant, a person begins to choke. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because asking the person if he/she can speak helps to determine if the airway is partially or completely obstructed. If the person can speak, it indicates that the airway is not completely blocked, and coughing may help dislodge the object. If the person cannot speak, it suggests a complete blockage, and immediate intervention is needed. In contrast, A is incorrect as the nurse should take action rather than instructing the person to call 911. C is incorrect because the jaw-thrust maneuver is used for assisting with breathing, not for choking. D is incorrect because abdominal thrusts are only performed when the person is unable to speak, indicating a complete airway obstruction.
Question 3 of 5
A client with COPD is developing a plan of care. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Instruct the client to use pursed-lip breathing. Pursed-lip breathing helps improve ventilation and decrease air trapping in clients with COPD, enhancing oxygenation and reducing shortness of breath. It also facilitates better gas exchange and can help the client manage their symptoms effectively. A: Restricting fluid intake is not typically indicated for clients with COPD unless they have comorbid conditions that require fluid restriction. B: Providing a low-protein diet is not a standard intervention for COPD management. Protein is important for muscle strength and repair in these clients. C: While exercise and activity are beneficial for clients with COPD, instructing them to do so specifically in the early-morning hours is not a priority intervention compared to pursed-lip breathing.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is assessing a client who has COPD. The nurse should expect the client's chest to be which of the following shapes?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Barrel. In COPD, the chest becomes barrel-shaped due to hyperinflation of the lungs. This results in an increased anterior-posterior chest diameter, giving it a rounded appearance. This shape is characteristic of COPD as the hyperinflation causes the rib cage to remain partially expanded at all times. A: Pigeon – This shape is not associated with COPD and is not a typical finding in respiratory conditions. B: Funnel – This shape is not associated with COPD and is more commonly seen in conditions like pectus excavatum. C: Kyphotic – This shape refers to an exaggerated outward curvature of the thoracic spine, not the chest shape itself.
Question 5 of 5
A client has burns to his face, ears, and eyelids. What is the priority finding for the nurse to report to the provider?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Difficulty swallowing. This is the priority finding to report because burns to the face, ears, and eyelids can lead to swelling, which can compromise the airway and cause difficulty swallowing or breathing. This finding indicates a potential airway obstruction, which requires immediate intervention to ensure the client's airway remains patent. Incorrect choices: A: Urinary output of 25 mL/hr - While monitoring urinary output is important, it is not the priority in this situation. C: Heart rate of 122/min - An elevated heart rate can be a response to pain and stress, but it is not the priority over airway concerns. D: Pain level of 6 on a scale of 0 to 10 - Pain management is important but not as critical as ensuring airway patency in this scenario.