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, which is a protective mechanism in response to stimuli in the back of the throat. In a closed-head and suspected spinal injury, damage to the vagus nerve can result in the loss of the gag reflex. Choice B: Cranial nerve III (oculomotor) is involved in eye movements. Choice C: Cranial nerve XII (hypoglossal) is responsible for tongue movement. Choice D: Cranial nerve IX (glossopharyngeal) is related to taste sensation and swallowing.
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 blocks parasympathetic response, so lack of heart rate increase indicates a severe bradycardia. 2. TCP provides immediate pacing to increase heart rate and cardiac output. 3. It is the most appropriate action when medications like atropine fail. 4. Synchronized cardioversion (choice B) is used for unstable tachyarrhythmias, not bradycardia. 5. Repeating atropine (choice C) may not be effective if the initial dose failed. 6. Epinephrine (choice D) is used in cardiac arrest, not as the first-line treatment 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: Perform endotracheal intubation and ventilation. This step is crucial in ensuring adequate oxygenation and ventilation in a trauma patient with potential airway compromise. By securing the airway and providing ventilation, we can prevent hypoxia and further injury. Obtaining a lateral cervical spine x-ray (A) is important in evaluating for potential spinal cord injury but should not delay airway management. Inserting a central venous pressure line (B) is not a priority in the initial management of a trauma patient. Administering crystalloid solution (C) may be necessary later, but airway management takes precedence in this critical situation.
Question 4 of 5
When applying the Rule of Nines to infants:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The Rule of Nines is used to estimate the percentage of body surface area burned. In infants, the head is proportionally larger compared to adults, making it a key area to assess accurately. This is crucial for determining the extent of burns and guiding treatment. Choice C is correct because it highlights the specific anatomical difference in infants. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not address the unique proportionality of the infant head compared to adults, which is essential in burn assessment for this age group.
Question 5 of 5
For the trauma patient with cerebral edema, hypercarbia should be avoided to prevent:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step 1: Cerebral edema causes increased intracranial pressure. Step 2: Hypercarbia leads to cerebral vasodilatation. Step 3: Cerebral vasodilatation increases intracranial pressure further. Step 4: Avoiding hypercarbia helps prevent worsening of cerebral edema. Step 5: Therefore, the correct answer is C: Cerebral vasodilatation should be avoided to prevent further increase in intracranial pressure. Summary: - A: Metabolic acidosis is not directly related to hypercarbia in this context. - B: Hypercarbia can lead to respiratory acidosis but it's not the primary concern in cerebral edema. - D: Neurogenic pulmonary edema is not directly caused by hypercarbia in this scenario.