ATI RN
Adult Health Nursing Study Guide Answers Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient is prescribed a beta-blocker for the management of hypertension. Which adverse effect should the nurse monitor closely in the patient?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Beta-blockers are a class of medications commonly used to manage hypertension. One of the main mechanisms of action of beta-blockers is to reduce heart rate and contractility by blocking the beta-adrenergic receptors in the heart. As a result, one of the potential adverse effects of beta-blockers is bradycardia, which refers to a slower than normal heart rate. Therefore, the nurse should closely monitor the patient for signs and symptoms of bradycardia when starting or adjusting the dose of a beta-blocker. Symptoms of bradycardia may include dizziness, fainting, fatigue, or shortness of breath. If bradycardia is severe or symptomatic, it may require dose adjustments or discontinuation of the beta-blocker to prevent complications.
Question 2 of 5
A patient is prescribed a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Which adverse effect should the nurse monitor closely in the patient?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Patients prescribed proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for the treatment of GERD should be closely monitored for the development of osteoporosis. PPIs have been associated with an increased risk of developing osteoporotic fractures, particularly in long-term users. This risk is thought to be due to decreased calcium absorption as stomach acidity is reduced by PPIs, leading to potential alterations in bone metabolism and density. Therefore, it is important for healthcare providers to assess bone health, educate patients on calcium and vitamin D supplementation, and consider other risk factors for osteoporosis in individuals taking PPIs long-term. While hypoglycemia, hyperkalemia, and Clostridium difficile infection may be seen as adverse effects with other medications or conditions, osteoporosis is the adverse effect most closely monitored in patients taking PPIs for GERD.
Question 3 of 5
While preparing the surgical instruments for sterilization, the nurse notices visible residue on some of the instruments. What action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: If visible residue is noticed on the surgical instruments, it is crucial to re-sterilize them before using them for any procedure. Visible residue may indicate that the instruments are not sterile and could potentially introduce contaminants into the patient during the procedure, leading to infection or other complications. It is essential to maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and sterility in healthcare settings to ensure patient safety. Therefore, the nurse should take immediate action to re-sterilize the instruments before proceeding with any surgical procedure.
Question 4 of 5
While preparing the surgical instruments for sterilization, the nurse notices that the autoclave is not reaching the required temperature. What should the nurse do?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: It is crucial to ensure that the autoclave is functioning properly to achieve proper sterilization of surgical instruments. If the autoclave is not reaching the required temperature, it signifies a technical issue that needs to be addressed promptly. The nurse should notify the sterile processing department immediately and request maintenance to investigate and resolve the problem. Continuing with sterilization without addressing the temperature issue can compromise the effectiveness of sterilization and pose a risk of infection to patients. Adjusting the settings on the autoclave or using an alternative method of sterilization are not appropriate actions in this situation.
Question 5 of 5
While preparing the operating room (OR) for a surgical procedure, the nurse notices that the surgical instrument tray is incomplete. What should the nurse do?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: It is crucial to have a complete set of surgical instruments for any surgical procedure to ensure patient safety and the success of the surgery. If the nurse notices that the surgical instrument tray is incomplete, the best course of action is to inform the sterile processing department immediately. By doing so, the missing instruments can be promptly provided, ensuring that the surgical team has all the necessary tools for the procedure. Proceeding with the procedure using incomplete instruments can compromise patient safety and the quality of care provided. Documenting the missing instruments in the surgical count log is important for record-keeping purposes but should not delay the immediate action of requesting additional instruments. Borrowing instruments from another OR is not recommended as it can create confusion, potential cross-contamination, and disrupt the workflow of another surgical team.