ATI RN
Free Medical Surgical Certification Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
Although acute pain is severe, why does a client with acute pain cope better with the discomfort in the later stages?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because clients often cope better with acute pain as time progresses due to the belief that the pain will eventually subside, which provides psychological reassurance.
Question 2 of 9
The nurse is caring for a client 2 hours after a right lower lobectomy. During the evaluation of the water-seal chest drainage system, it is noted that the fluid level bubbles constantly in the water seal chamber. On inspection of the chest dressing and tubing, the nurse does not find any air leaks in the system. The next best action for the nurse is to:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Subcutaneous emphysema could indicate an air leak not visible externally.
Question 3 of 9
How are pulse rate, volume, and rhythm used to identify the severity of shock and estimate the approximate reduction in blood volume?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Decreased blood pressure is a primary symptom in fluid imbalance as a result of inadequate circulating volume, leading to hypotension and possible shock.
Question 4 of 9
A 29-year-old client is scheduled for an arthrotomy of the right knee following a football injury. The client describes his state of health as excellent and states that he does not use any medication. In providing psychological support for the client during the preoperative period, the nurse should:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Teaching coughing and deep breathing is a component of preoperative teaching, but it does not necessarily provide psychological support. Spiritual care, a component of psychological support, can reduce the client's fears and anxieties related to the surgical experience. Performing a physical assessment is part of the physical preparation for surgery, not the psychological preparation. Providing the preoperative medication is a part of the preparation immediately before surgery. While the medication will sedate and relax the client, it is not considered to be psychological support.
Question 5 of 9
You are caring for a patient with an infected wound. You would expect
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Infected wounds are typically left open to allow drainage.
Question 6 of 9
You are teaching prevention of accidental eye injuries in a community health clinic to a church group. What is the most important thing to stress?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Protective eyewear is the most effective way to prevent accidental eye injuries during activities that pose a risk to the eyes.
Question 7 of 9
What is the term that best describes biologic differences in physical features, such as skin color, bone structure, and eye shape?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Race refers to biological differences in physical characteristics, distinguishing groups based on genetic traits.
Question 8 of 9
The start of the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle is marked by:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The luteal phase begins after ovulation, when the ruptured follicle transforms into the corpus luteum.
Question 9 of 9
A healthcare professional assesses a client who is experiencing an acute asthma attack. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Silent chest. This finding indicates severe airway obstruction and impending respiratory failure, requiring immediate intervention to prevent respiratory arrest. Silent chest means minimal or absent breath sounds, suggesting no air movement, which is a critical emergency situation. Wheezing (A), increased respiratory rate (B), and use of accessory muscles (C) are common in asthma attacks but do not indicate as severe a condition as a silent chest. Monitoring and addressing a silent chest promptly is crucial in managing acute asthma exacerbations.