ATI RN
Free Medical Surgical Certification Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nursing student asks what essential hypertension is. What response by the registered nurse is best?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: It is hypertension with no specific cause. Rationale: 1. Essential hypertension is also known as primary or idiopathic hypertension. 2. It is the most common type of hypertension, accounting for about 90-95% of cases. 3. The exact cause of essential hypertension is unknown, but it is believed to be due to a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. 4. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because essential hypertension is not caused by another disease, does not necessarily require treatment as essential means "fundamental," and is not specifically severe or life-threatening.
Question 2 of 5
A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) appears thin and disheveled. Which question should the nurse ask first?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct question to ask first is C: "Do you experience shortness of breath with basic activities?" This is because shortness of breath is a common and concerning symptom in COPD patients that can greatly impact their quality of life and indicate disease progression. By addressing this symptom first, the nurse can assess the severity of the client's condition and determine the immediate need for intervention or treatment. Asking about support system (A) is important but not as urgent as addressing the primary symptom. Inquiring about the client's understanding of the disease (B) and medications (D) is also important but should come after addressing the immediate symptom of shortness of breath.
Question 3 of 5
The client is prescribed a long-acting beta2 agonist and expresses concerns about the cost, stating they only use the inhaler during asthma attacks. How should the nurse respond?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step 1: The nurse must acknowledge the client's concern about the cost of the inhaler. Step 2: Suggesting community services shows empathy and addresses the financial aspect. Step 3: Encouraging daily use aligns with the standard treatment guidelines. Step 4: By addressing both cost and importance of daily use, the nurse promotes adherence and support. Summary of other choices: A: Incorrect. This option doesn't address the client's financial concerns. C: Incorrect. Focusing on fears of breathlessness doesn't directly address the client's cost concern. D: Incorrect. While discussing daily use is important, not directly addressing the cost concern may lead to non-adherence.
Question 4 of 5
A client is scheduled to have a tracheostomy placed in an hour. What action by the nurse is the priority?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ensure informed consent is on the chart. This is the priority because obtaining informed consent is essential to ensure the client understands the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives. It protects the client's autonomy and ensures legal and ethical standards are met. Administering anxiolytic medication may help with anxiety but does not address the crucial issue of consent. Reinforcing teaching and starting antibiotics are important but secondary to obtaining informed consent.
Question 5 of 5
A client has a tracheostomy that is 3 days old. Upon assessment, the nurse notes the client's face is puffy, and the eyelids are swollen. What action by the nurse takes priority?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Assess the client's oxygen saturation. This is the priority because the client's puffy face and swollen eyelids may indicate airway obstruction or respiratory distress, common complications in tracheostomy patients. Assessing oxygen saturation helps determine if the client is getting enough oxygen. Option B (Notify the Rapid Response Team) is not the immediate action unless the client's condition deteriorates rapidly. Option C (Oxygenate the client with a bag-valve-mask) may be necessary but should come after assessing oxygen saturation. Option D (Palpate the skin of the upper chest) is irrelevant to the client's current symptoms.