ATI RN
Adult Health Nursing Answer Key Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient with a history of myocardial infarction is prescribed atorvastatin for lipid-lowering therapy. Which parameter should the nurse monitor closely during atorvastatin therapy?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Atorvastatin is a medication commonly used for lipid-lowering therapy to reduce cholesterol levels and decrease the risk of cardiovascular events. However, one of the potential side effects of statin medications such as atorvastatin is liver injury. Therefore, monitoring liver function tests, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, is crucial during atorvastatin therapy.
Question 2 of 5
A patient is prescribed a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) for the treatment of peptic ulcer disease. Which adverse effect should the nurse monitor closely in the patient?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly prescribed for conditions involving excessive stomach acid production, such as peptic ulcer disease. One of the potential adverse effects of PPIs, such as omeprazole or pantoprazole, is the risk of hypokalemia. Hypokalemia is a condition characterized by low levels of potassium in the bloodstream. Prolonged use of PPIs can inhibit the absorption of potassium in the intestines, leading to a decrease in potassium levels in the body. Hypokalemia can present with symptoms such as muscle weakness, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, and in severe cases, it can result in life-threatening complications like cardiac arrhythmias. Therefore, it is essential for the nurse to closely monitor the patient for signs and symptoms of hypokalemia while on PPI therapy, especially if the patient is at risk for developing electrolyte imbalances.
Question 3 of 5
A patient is prescribed an opioid analgesic for the management of acute pain. Which adverse effect should the nurse monitor closely in the patient?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Opioid analgesics are known to suppress the respiratory centers in the brain, leading to respiratory depression as a side effect. This adverse effect is particularly dangerous and potentially life-threatening, especially in patients who are opioid-naive or when high doses are administered. Therefore, it is crucial for the nurse to closely monitor the patient's respiratory rate, depth, and effort while on opioid analgesic therapy to detect early signs of respiratory depression and intervene promptly to prevent complications. Hypertension, hypoglycemia, and hyperkalemia are not commonly associated with opioid analgesics.
Question 4 of 5
While preparing the operating room (OR) for a surgical procedure, the nurse notices a malfunctioning anesthesia machine. What is the nurse's priority action?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse's priority action when noticing a malfunctioning anesthesia machine in the operating room should be to inform the anesthesia provider immediately. Anesthesia providers are responsible for administering anesthesia safely during surgical procedures, and they need to be made aware of any equipment issues promptly to ensure patient safety. Continuing with the surgical procedure using a malfunctioning anesthesia machine can pose serious risks to the patient's well-being. Using an alternative anesthesia machine may be an option, but informing the anesthesia provider first ensures that the appropriate action is taken to address the issue effectively. Documenting the malfunction in the equipment log is important for record-keeping purposes, but it should not take precedence over informing the anesthesia provider and taking immediate action to address the problem.
Question 5 of 5
After the surgical procedure, the nurse assists with applying the surgical dressing. What is the nurse's priority action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The nurse's priority action after applying the surgical dressing is to assess the surgical incision for signs of complications. This includes checking for any signs of infection, excessive bleeding, or other complications related to the surgical site. Early detection of such complications is crucial for ensuring proper healing and preventing serious complications. Once the assessment is done and any issues are addressed, the nurse can proceed with documenting the dressing change, providing instructions to the patient about wound care, and ensuring that the dressing is securely and correctly applied.