ATI RN
Medical Surgical ATI Proctored Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
Allison Lynn, 20, is a student in a health sciences class and asks you to further explain the reason for lack of insulin in Type I Diabetes. You state that the most accepted theory is that:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Type I diabetes is the definition of that disease process that occurs when no insulin is produced, so there is no insulin to get to the cell level. Some Type II diabetes occurs because of insulin resistance. No insulin is being produced. This is one pathophysiological cause of Type II diabetes. Pancreatitis does cause irregular release of insulin, but not all people with pancreatitis develop Type I diabetes An autoimmune process is the most accepted theory of the root cause of Type I diabetes. The body produces an antibody which attacks and destroys the beta cells, leading to a lack of insulin.
Question 2 of 5
A client is considering laser abdominal surgery and asks the nurse if there is any advantage in having this type of surgery. The nurse's response should be based upon the knowledge that laser surgery:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A lower postoperative infection rate has been documented as a result of laser therapy versus routine surgery. Clients who choose laser surgery will still need preoperative sedation to facilitate anxiety reduction. Operating time may actually increase in some laser surgeries. The client who chooses laser surgery must still be observed for postoperative complications.
Question 3 of 5
After a thyroidectomy, a female client is returned to the unit from the recovery room. A major complication after a thyroidectomy is:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Respiratory obstruction due to edema of the glottis, bilateral laryngeal nerve damage, or tracheal compression from hemorrhage is a major complication after a thyroidectomy. Hypocalcemia and tetany from accidental removal of one or more parathyroid glands are major complications; not hypercalcemia. Fistula formation is not a major complication associated with a thyroidectomy. Fistula formation is a major complication with a laryngectomy. Myxedema is hypothyroidism occurring in adults. It is not a complication of a thyroidectomy. A thyroidectomy client tends to develop thyroid storm from an excess of the thyroid hormones released during surgery.
Question 4 of 5
A 47-year-old client is admitted for colon surgery. Intravenous antibiotics are started two hours prior to surgery even though the client has no known infection. The reason for giving antibiotics prior to surgery is to:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Cathartics, not antibiotics, promote the evacuation of intestinal contents. The client undergoing intestinal surgery is at an increased risk for infection from large numbers of anaerobic bacteria that inhabit the intestines. Administering antibiotics prophylactically can reduce the client's risk for infection. Antibiotics are indicated in the treatment of infections and have no effect on emotions. Antibiotics would have an effect on an infection which causes a temperature elevation, but they would not directly affect the temperature elevation.
Question 5 of 5
A client is experiencing episodes of hyperventilation related to the surgery scheduled for tomorrow. The appropriate nursing action to help control hyperventilation is to:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: An adult Valium dosage for treatment of anxiety is 2-10 mg PO from two to four times daily. As written, the order would place a client at risk for an overdose. A high room temperature could increase the hyperventilating episodes by stimulating the respiratory system. Holding one's breath and breathing into a paper bag may be useful in controlling hyperventilation. Both measures increase CO2 retention. Distraction will not prevent or control hyperventilation, which is caused by anxiety or fear.