ATI RN
Introduction to Professional Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient on I. V. heparin should have which of the following laboratory values monitored closely to determine whether the therapeutic range is maintained?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT). PTT measures the effectiveness of heparin as it reflects the clotting time. Monitoring PTT ensures the therapeutic range of heparin is maintained to prevent clotting or bleeding. Hemoglobin (A) monitors anemia, INR (B) is used to monitor Warfarin therapy, and Prothrombin Time (D) is used for monitoring Warfarin therapy, not heparin.
Question 2 of 5
A patient’s 4 X 3-cm leg wound has a 0.4-cm black area in the center of the wound surrounded by yellow-green semiliquid material. Which dressing should the nurse apply to the wound?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Hydrocolloid dressing. This type of dressing is ideal for a wound with yellow-green semiliquid material, as it helps to maintain a moist environment which promotes wound healing. The black area in the center could indicate necrotic tissue, and the hydrocolloid dressing can help to facilitate autolytic debridement. Dry gauze dressing (A) would not be suitable as it can adhere to the wound bed, causing trauma during removal. Nonadherent dressing (B) may not provide adequate moisture for healing. Transparent film dressing (D) may not be ideal as it does not provide the same level of absorption and protection as a hydrocolloid dressing.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse assesses a patient on the second postoperative day after abdominal surgery to repair a perforated duodenal ulcer. Which finding is most important for the nurse to report to the surgeon?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Fine crackles audible at both lung bases. This finding is most important to report because it suggests potential respiratory complications like atelectasis or pneumonia, which are common postoperative issues. The nurse should report this immediately to prevent further respiratory deterioration. A: Tympanic temperature of 99.2°F is slightly elevated but not a critical finding postoperatively. C: Redness and swelling along the suture line are common signs of surgical healing and expected in the early postoperative period. D: 200 mL sanguineous fluid in the wound drain is within the expected range for the second postoperative day after abdominal surgery and does not indicate an immediate concern.
Question 4 of 5
A patient is receiving heparin therapy as part of the treatment for a pulmonary embolism. The nurse monitors the results of which laboratory test to check the drug‘s effectiveness?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). This test is used to monitor heparin therapy as it measures the effectiveness of the drug in prolonging clotting time. By monitoring aPTT levels, the nurse can ensure that the patient is within the therapeutic range to prevent clot formation without increasing the risk of bleeding. A: Bleeding times do not specifically monitor the effectiveness of heparin therapy and can be affected by various factors. C: Prothrombin time/international normalized ratio (PT/INR) is used to monitor warfarin therapy, not heparin. D: Vitamin K levels are not directly related to heparin therapy and are more relevant in monitoring patients on warfarin therapy.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse plans discharge teaching for a patient with chronic heart failure who has prescriptions for digoxin (Lanoxin) and hydrochlorothiazide. Which instruction should the nurse include?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Notify the health care provider if nausea develops. This is important because nausea can be a sign of digoxin toxicity, a potential side effect of digoxin. By promptly notifying the healthcare provider, appropriate action can be taken to prevent any serious complications. A: Limit dietary sources of potassium - This is not directly related to the medications prescribed and is not necessary for the patient's current condition. B: Take the hydrochlorothiazide at bedtime - Timing of hydrochlorothiazide administration is not as critical as monitoring for side effects or interactions with other medications. D: Take the digoxin if the pulse is below 60 beats/min - This instruction could lead to potential overdosing if the patient takes digoxin unnecessarily based solely on heart rate without considering other factors.