ATI LPN
ATI Adult Medical Surgical Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient with rheumatoid arthritis is taking prednisone. What is an important side effect for the nurse to monitor?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hyperglycemia. Prednisone is a corticosteroid that can cause an increase in blood glucose levels by promoting gluconeogenesis and decreasing insulin sensitivity. Monitoring for hyperglycemia is crucial as it can lead to serious complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis. Bradycardia (B) and hypotension (C) are not typical side effects of prednisone, as it tends to cause fluid retention and hypertension. Hyperkalemia (D) is also unlikely as prednisone can actually cause hypokalemia due to increased renal potassium excretion.
Question 2 of 5
What should the nurse include in patient teaching for a patient prescribed ceftriaxone for bacterial pneumonia?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: Ceftriaxone is an antibiotic used for bacterial pneumonia. Completing the full course is essential to completely eradicate the infection and prevent antibiotic resistance. Taking medication as prescribed is a general principle, but not specific to this medication. Urine color changes are not associated with ceftriaxone. Dairy products do not interact with ceftriaxone.
Question 3 of 5
A patient with type 1 diabetes is prescribed insulin glargine. What is the primary characteristic of this insulin?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Insulin glargine is a long-acting insulin due to its slow and consistent release, providing basal insulin coverage for about 24 hours. This steady release mimics the body's natural basal insulin secretion pattern. Rapid-acting insulins (A) work quickly to control postprandial glucose levels. Intermediate-acting insulins (B) have a slower onset and last for a moderate duration. Short-acting insulins (D) act quickly but have a shorter duration of action compared to long-acting insulins.
Question 4 of 5
A patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is prescribed calcium acetate. What is the primary purpose of this medication?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The primary purpose of prescribing calcium acetate for a patient with CKD is to reduce phosphate levels. Calcium acetate acts as a phosphate binder, preventing the absorption of dietary phosphate in the intestines. Elevated phosphate levels in CKD can lead to complications such as mineral and bone disorders. Treating hyperkalemia (A) involves other medications like potassium binders, not calcium acetate. Lowering blood pressure (C) typically involves antihypertensive drugs. Increasing hemoglobin levels (D) is usually managed with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in CKD patients. Therefore, option B is the correct answer for the primary purpose of prescribing calcium acetate in CKD patients.
Question 5 of 5
A patient with chronic pain is prescribed a fentanyl patch. What is the most important instruction for the nurse to provide?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Change the patch every 72 hours. Fentanyl patches are typically designed to be worn for 72 hours before being replaced to maintain consistent pain relief. Changing the patch on time helps prevent withdrawal symptoms and ensures the effectiveness of the medication. A: Applying the patch to a different site each time is important to prevent skin irritation but is not the most crucial instruction. C: Avoiding heating pads over the patch is important to prevent overheating and excessive absorption of the medication, but changing the patch timely is more critical. D: Removing the patch before showering is not necessary as fentanyl patches are designed to be water-resistant.