ATI RN
ARRT Practice Questions for Patient Care Questions
Question 1 of 5
An adult patient who experiences the loss of his/her gag reflex following a closed-head and suspected spinal injury may have suffered an injury to which of the following cranial nerves?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cranial nerve X (vagus). The vagus nerve is responsible for the gag reflex. A loss of gag reflex in a patient with a closed-head and spinal injury indicates damage to the vagus nerve. The other choices are incorrect because: B (oculomotor) is responsible for eye movement, C (hypoglossal) is responsible for tongue movement, and D (glossopharyngeal) is responsible for swallowing and taste sensation. None of these cranial nerves are directly related to the gag reflex.
Question 2 of 5
Which of the following would be your most appropriate action after the administration of 1mg of atropine fails to increase the heart rate of your symptomatic bradycardic patient's heart rate and cardiac output?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A - Transcutaneous pacing (TCP) Rationale: 1. Atropine failed to increase heart rate, indicating the need for immediate intervention. 2. Transcutaneous pacing is the next step to externally pace the heart and increase heart rate. 3. Synchronized cardioversion (B) is for unstable patients with specific arrhythmias, not for bradycardia. 4. Repeating atropine (C) may not be effective and delays necessary intervention. 5. Epinephrine (D) is typically used in cardiac arrest, not first-line for symptomatic bradycardia.
Question 3 of 5
A teenage bicycle rider is hit by a truck. The first step in managing this patient is:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because in a trauma situation involving a bicycle rider hit by a truck, airway management is crucial. Endotracheal intubation and ventilation ensure adequate oxygenation and ventilation, which is essential for the patient's survival. This step takes priority over other interventions like obtaining a cervical spine x-ray (A), inserting a central venous pressure line (B), or administering crystalloid solution (C). These interventions may be necessary later in the management of the patient but ensuring a secure airway and adequate breathing is the immediate priority to prevent further deterioration and improve outcomes.
Question 4 of 5
When applying the Rule of Nines to infants:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The Rule of Nines is a method used to estimate the extent of burns on the body. For infants, the head is proportionally larger compared to adults, making up a greater percentage of the total body surface area. Therefore, when applying the Rule of Nines to infants, a larger proportion of the total body surface area is assigned to the head. This is crucial for accurate assessment and treatment of burns in infants. Choice A is incorrect as the Rule of Nines is a standard method for estimating burns. Choice B is incorrect as it is not specific to the Rule of Nines application in infants. Choice D is incorrect as the legs are not proportionally larger in infants compared to adults.
Question 5 of 5
For the trauma patient with cerebral edema, hypercarbia should be avoided to prevent:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: Cerebral edema increases intracranial pressure. Hypercarbia causes cerebral vasodilatation, worsening edema and increasing intracranial pressure. This can lead to further brain damage and neurological deterioration. Therefore, avoiding hypercarbia is crucial in managing cerebral edema. Summary: A: Metabolic acidosis is not directly related to hypercarbia in this context. B: Respiratory acidosis can occur with hypercarbia but is not the primary concern in cerebral edema. D: Neurogenic pulmonary edema is a potential complication of cerebral edema but is not directly caused by hypercarbia.