ATI RN
Medical Surgical ATI Proctored Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client with acute respiratory failure (ARF) is being cared for by a nurse. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following manifestations of this condition?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Nausea. In acute respiratory failure (ARF), the body may compensate by increasing respiratory rate, leading to respiratory alkalosis. This can cause nausea due to the altered pH levels affecting the chemoreceptors in the brain. Severe dyspnea (choice A) is a common symptom of ARF but does not specifically relate to nausea. Decreased level of consciousness (choice C) may indicate severe hypoxemia but is not a direct manifestation of ARF. Headache (choice D) is more commonly associated with conditions like hypoxia, hypercapnia, or respiratory acidosis in ARF.
Question 2 of 5
A college health nurse interprets the peak expiratory flow rate for a student who has asthma and finds that the student is in the yellow zone of his asthma action plan. The nurse should not base her actions on which of the following information?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the student being in the yellow zone indicates moderate symptoms, not severe enough to necessitate hospitalization. A: Using a quick-relief inhaler is appropriate for yellow zone symptoms. B: Yellow zone indicates asthma is not well controlled, supporting the need for action. C: Peak flow of 50% to 80% signals a reduction in lung function, requiring intervention but not immediate hospitalization. Thus, D is the incorrect choice because hospitalization is not warranted for yellow zone symptoms.
Question 3 of 5
During an assessment, an older adult client's son reports that the client has been sick with a respiratory illness for the past 6 days. Which of the following assessment findings is a manifestation of pneumonia in the older adult client?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step 1: Pneumonia in older adults often presents with atypical symptoms. Step 2: Confusion is a common manifestation due to decreased oxygen levels. Step 3: Respiratory illness can lead to hypoxia, causing confusion. Step 4: Bradycardia, night sweats, and narrowed pulse pressure are not typical manifestations of pneumonia in older adults.
Question 4 of 5
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 5 of 5
A client reports a headache and vertigo after turning on his furnace for the first time this season. The nurse should suspect which of the following conditions?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Carbon monoxide poisoning. When the furnace is turned on for the first time, it may release carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas that can cause headaches and vertigo. Carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin, reducing oxygen delivery to tissues, leading to symptoms. Heat stroke (B) is caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures. Hypersensitivity reactions (C) involve the immune system's response to an allergen. Oxygen toxicity (D) occurs with prolonged exposure to high levels of oxygen.