ATI RN
Introduction to Professional Nursing Quizlet Questions
Question 1 of 5
A preoperative nurse is reviewing morning laboratory values on four clients waiting for surgery. Which result warrants immediate communication with the surgical team?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Potassium: 2.9 mEq/L (2.9 mmol/L). A potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L is critically low (normal range is 3.5-5.0 mEq/L) and can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Immediate communication with the surgical team is necessary to address this abnormality before surgery. Explanation of other choices: A: Creatinine level of 1.2 mg/dL is within normal range (0.6-1.3 mg/dL), not requiring immediate communication. B: Hemoglobin level of 14.8 mg/dL is also within normal range for males (13.8-17.2 mg/dL) and females (12.1-15.1 mg/dL), not warranting immediate communication. D: Sodium level of 134 mEq/L is within the normal range (135-145 mEq/L), so immediate communication is
Question 2 of 5
Heparin is ordered for a patient with a non–ST-segment- elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). How should the nurse explain the purpose of the heparin to the patient?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step 1: Heparin is an anticoagulant medication that works by preventing the formation of new blood clots. Step 2: In NSTEMI, there is a risk of developing new clots in the coronary arteries, which can worsen the condition. Step 3: By explaining that heparin prevents the development of new clots, the nurse helps the patient understand the purpose of the medication in preventing further complications. Step 4: Option C is correct as it directly addresses the mechanism of action of heparin in NSTEMI. Step 5: Incorrect choices: A: Incorrect, as heparin does not enhance platelet aggregation but rather inhibits clot formation. B: Incorrect, as heparin does not decrease the size of coronary artery plaque. D: Incorrect, as heparin does not dissolve existing clots but prevents new clot formation.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse notes that a patient has incisional pain, a poor cough effort, and scattered coarse crackles after a thoracotomy. Which action should the nurse take first?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct action is to medicate the patient with prescribed morphine first. The patient is experiencing incisional pain, poor cough effort, and coarse crackles, indicating possible atelectasis or pneumonia post-thoracotomy. Morphine will help relieve the pain, improve cough effort, and decrease anxiety associated with breathing difficulties. It is essential to address pain and discomfort to facilitate effective coughing and deep breathing exercises, promoting optimal lung expansion and preventing respiratory complications. Sitting upright, splinting the chest, or using the incentive spirometer are important interventions but addressing the pain is the priority in this situation.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse analyzes the results of a patient’s arterial blood gases (ABGs). Which finding requires immediate action?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because a PaO2 level of 62 mm Hg indicates severe hypoxemia, which is a critical condition requiring immediate action to prevent tissue damage and organ failure. Normal PaO2 levels are around 80-100 mm Hg. A low PaO2 indicates poor oxygenation of the blood. Choice A (HCO3?2-) being slightly elevated is not an emergency but may indicate metabolic alkalosis. Choice B (SaO2) at 92% is within the normal range for most patients. Choice C (PaCO2) at 31 mm Hg is also within normal limits and suggests adequate ventilation. In summary, a low PaO2 level is the most critical finding that requires immediate intervention compared to the other choices.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is performing tuberculosis (TB) skin tests in a clinic that has many patients who have immigrated to the United States. Which question is important for the nurse to ask before the skin test?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is D. The BCG vaccine can cause a false-positive TB skin test result. Asking if the patient received the BCG vaccine is crucial to interpret the TB skin test accurately. If the patient received the BCG vaccine, the nurse should consider alternative diagnostic tests for TB. Incorrect choices: A: Asking about OTC medications is not directly related to the accuracy of the TB skin test. B: Family history of TB is important for assessing the patient's risk but does not impact the interpretation of the skin test. C: The duration of time since moving to the US may provide context but does not influence the TB skin test results.