ATI RN
Basic Nursing Care of the Patient Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient in cardiac arrest is being resuscitated. You identify ventricular fibrillation on the cardiac monitor. CPR is ongoing. What is the next immediate intervention?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct next immediate intervention is to perform a defibrillation shock (Choice B) when ventricular fibrillation is identified in a patient in cardiac arrest. Defibrillation is crucial in restoring the heart's normal rhythm by delivering an electrical shock to the heart. This is a time-sensitive intervention that can increase the chance of successful resuscitation. Administering epinephrine (Choice A) helps support circulation but does not address the underlying arrhythmia. Establishing an advanced airway (Choice C) is important but is not the immediate priority when the patient is in ventricular fibrillation. Administering amiodarone (Choice D) is indicated after the first shock if the rhythm persists, but the initial priority in ventricular fibrillation is defibrillation.
Question 2 of 5
Which complex, interval, or segment of an electrocardiogram tracing represents the early part of ventricular repolarization?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: ST segment. The ST segment represents the early part of ventricular repolarization as it signifies the period between ventricular depolarization (end of QRS complex) and complete repolarization (T wave). This segment is important in assessing myocardial ischemia or injury. The other choices are incorrect because: B: PR interval signifies atrial depolarization. C: QT interval represents the entire ventricular depolarization and repolarization. D: QRS complex represents ventricular depolarization.
Question 3 of 5
When considering the administration of cardiac medication to a severely hypothermic patient in cardiac arrest, which of the following is true?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because in a severely hypothermic patient in cardiac arrest, the body's metabolism is slowed, affecting drug absorption and metabolism. Administering IV medications at longer intervals helps prevent toxicity as the body cannot process them efficiently. Choice A is incorrect because warm fluid and active rewarming are not sufficient to address medication metabolism issues. Choice C is incorrect as toxicity is a concern due to impaired drug clearance. Choice D is incorrect as higher doses can lead to toxicity in a hypothermic patient.
Question 4 of 5
You are called to assist a 20-year-old male for a severe headache. On-scene, you learn the patient was involved in an accident that caused a potential closed head injury. However, at the time of the accident, the patient refused EMS care, stating he felt fine. Today, he is experiencing headache, confusion, and visual disturbances. Which of the following injuries is most likely to cause this type presentation?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is C: Subdural hematoma. Subdural hematoma is a collection of blood between the dura mater and arachnoid mater of the brain, often caused by head trauma. Symptoms include headache, confusion, and visual disturbances, which align with the patient's presentation. Subdural hematomas can develop gradually after a head injury, leading to delayed symptoms. Other choices: A: Coup-contra-coup injury - This injury involves the brain hitting the skull on both sides due to acceleration-deceleration forces, but it typically presents with focal neurological deficits rather than the diffuse symptoms described. B: Diffuse axonal injury - This injury involves widespread damage to nerve fibers in the brain, leading to coma or altered consciousness rather than confusion and visual disturbances. D: Epidural hematoma - This injury is a collection of blood between the skull and dura mater, typically causing rapid deterioration in mental status and focal neurological deficits, not confusion
Question 5 of 5
The primary indication for transferring a patient to a higher level trauma center is:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for the correct answer (C): 1. Transferring doctor determines resource limitations to provide adequate care. 2. Ensures patient receives necessary resources at a higher level trauma center. 3. Improves patient outcomes and chances of survival. 4. Avoids delays in treatment due to resource constraints. 5. Upholds the principle of providing the highest standard of care to the patient. Summary: A: Unavailability of staff is not the primary indication for transfer. B: While severe injuries warrant transfer, the primary reason is resource limitations. D: Hospital administration's decision may not always align with patient care needs.