ATI RN
ATI Hematologic System Test Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient with abdominal injuries from a motor vehicle crash is scheduled for surgery to remove the spleen. What bodily function will be affected by the removal of this organ?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Removal of old red blood cells from circulation. The spleen is responsible for filtering and removing old or damaged red blood cells from the bloodstream. When the spleen is removed, this function is compromised, leading to a decreased ability to clear out old red blood cells. This can result in an increased risk of anemia and other complications related to the breakdown of red blood cells. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect: A: Filtration of waste products - The spleen primarily filters blood cells, not waste products. C: Clearance of mucous in the tracheobronchial tree - This function is mainly carried out by the respiratory system, not the spleen. D: Facilitation of glucose to be used by the cell for energy - This is a function of the pancreas and insulin, not the spleen.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient who has a white blood cell (WBC) count of 8000/mm³. What concern should the nurse have about this finding?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because a WBC count of 8000/mm³ falls within the normal reference range of 4000-11000/mm³. Therefore, there is no immediate concern regarding infection or hematological disorder. Choice A is incorrect because a normal WBC count does not indicate infection. Choice B is incorrect as the count is within the normal range, not indicating increased infection risk. Choice C is incorrect as a normal WBC count does not suggest a hematological disorder.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is reviewing the activated partial thromboplastin time for a patient receiving heparin. Which value indicates that the medication is within the therapeutic range?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C (1.5 to 2.0 times normal) because the therapeutic range for heparin is typically considered to be 1.5 to 2.5 times the normal value of activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). This range ensures adequate anticoagulation without increasing the risk of bleeding. Options A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately reflect the therapeutic range for heparin. Option A provides a range in minutes, which is not a standard unit for aPTT measurement. Option B provides a range in seconds, which is too narrow for the therapeutic range of heparin. Option D provides a range in multiples of normal, but the upper limit of 3.0 times normal is higher than the typical upper limit of the therapeutic range for heparin.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse assesses a patient who has numerous petechiae on both arms. Which question should the nurse ask the patient?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A: Do you take salicylates? Rationale: 1. Petechiae are tiny red or purple spots caused by bleeding under the skin. 2. Salicylates (like aspirin) can cause bleeding issues leading to petechiae. 3. Asking about salicylate use helps identify a potential cause for the petechiae. Summary of Incorrect Choices: B: Oral contraceptives are not typically associated with petechiae. C: Antiseizure drugs do not commonly cause petechiae. D: Antihypertensive drugs are not known to be a common cause of petechiae.
Question 5 of 5
When assessing a newly admitted patient, the nurse notes pallor of the skin and nail beds. The nurse should ensure that which laboratory test has been ordered?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Hemoglobin (Hgb) level. Pallor of the skin and nail beds indicates possible anemia, which is a decrease in red blood cells or hemoglobin. Checking the hemoglobin level will confirm if the patient is anemic. Platelet count (A) assesses for clotting ability, not anemia. Neutrophil count (B) and White blood cell count (C) are indicators of infection or inflammation, not anemia. Therefore, ensuring the hemoglobin level has been ordered is crucial for assessing the patient's pallor.