ATI RN
Client Comfort and End of Care ATI Questions
Question 1 of 5
According to the Harvard University Medical School committee, what function must be irreversibly lost to define death?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Death's legal definition hinges on a key loss. 'Brain function' must be irreversiblee.g., no EEG activity, per Taylor's Harvard criteria (1968), marking total cessation. 'Respiratory functions' stope.g., no breathingbut machines sustain, not death alone. 'Reflexes' fadee.g., pupils fixedbut not definitive. 'Consciousness' lapsese.g., comabut reversible. A nurse checkse.g., no brainstem response (e.g., 100% of brain-dead)legal standard, unlike heart-lung focus pre-1968. Brain deathe.g., no reflexes, apneasets end, making Choice D the correct, modern criterion.
Question 2 of 5
While caring for a patient near end of life, a student talks to her. Another student asks why she is talking to someone who is dying. Which response would be accurate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Talking to the dying has a basis. 'I believe the patient can hear me as long as she is alive' is accuratee.g., hearing persists, per Taylor's end-of-life care, even if unresponsive. Choice A, 'feel better,' is self-focusede.g., not patient need. Choice B, 'not afraid,' is personale.g., not care-driven. Choice D, 'told me,' dodgese.g., no rationale. A nurse chatse.g., 'You're not alone'knowing coma patients recall (e.g., 20% studies), a dignity act. Choice C is the correct, evidence-based response.
Question 3 of 5
A client diagnosed with Crohn's disease has a calcium level of 7 mg/dL (1.75 mmol/L). Which ECG patterns would the nurse monitor?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Prolonged QT interval is expected with hypocalcemia (7 mg/dL) in Crohn's, due to delayed repolarization. Peaked T waves and U waves indicate hyperkalemia/hypokalemia, not calcium. Widened T waves are nonspecific. Nurses, per NCLEX, monitor QT prolongation as a critical ECG change in hypocalcemia, making B correct.
Question 4 of 5
Which client is at risk for fluid volume excess?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Kidney disease from diabetes risks fluid volume excess due to impaired excretion. GI suctioning , diuretics , and ileostomy cause deficits. Nurses, per NCLEX, identify renal failure as a fluid retention risk, making D correct.
Question 5 of 5
A nosocomial infection of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was detected in the client, who has been put on contact precautions as a result (MRSA). What protective equipment should a nurse prepare before providing colostomy care?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: MRSA contact precautions require gloves, gown, goggles, and mask/face shield for colostomy care, per NCLEX infection control. Gloves/gown , goggles , or shoe protectors are incomplete. Full PPE prevents spread, making D correct.