ATI RN
Free Medical Surgical Certification Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
During an acute asthma attack, a healthcare provider assesses a client. Which assessment finding indicates that the client's condition is worsening?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Decreased breath sounds. This finding indicates worsening asthma as it signifies decreased airflow to the lungs, which can lead to inadequate oxygenation. Loud wheezing (A) is common in asthma but does not necessarily indicate worsening. Increased respiratory rate (B) is a compensatory mechanism to improve oxygenation. Productive cough (D) may indicate clearing of mucus and is not necessarily associated with worsening asthma.
Question 2 of 5
A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is being assessed by a nurse. Which finding does the nurse expect?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increased anteroposterior (AP) chest diameter. In COPD, the chronic obstruction of airflow leads to air trapping in the lungs, causing the chest to expand more front-to-back (increased AP diameter). This is known as "barrel chest" and is a characteristic finding in COPD due to hyperinflation of the lungs. Incorrect choices: B: Decreased respiratory rate is not expected in COPD as patients may have increased respiratory rate due to difficulty breathing. C: Weight gain is not a typical finding in COPD as patients often experience weight loss due to increased energy expenditure and decreased appetite. D: Productive cough with yellow sputum is common in COPD, but it is not the most specific finding for this condition.
Question 3 of 5
A client is prescribed albuterol (Proventil) via a metered-dose inhaler. Which action should the nurse take to ensure effective use of this medication?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Have the client hold their breath for 10 seconds after inhaling the medication. This action promotes medication deposition in the lungs by allowing the albuterol to reach deeper into the airways. Holding the breath for 10 seconds ensures better absorption and effectiveness of the medication. Explanation of Incorrect Choices: A: Inhaling quickly may cause the medication to not reach the lower airways effectively. C: Exhaling immediately after inhaling the medication can decrease the amount of medication reaching the lungs. D: Using the inhaler only when experiencing symptoms may lead to ineffective management of respiratory conditions.
Question 4 of 5
A client has an oxygen saturation of 88% on room air. Which action should the nurse take first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Initiate oxygen therapy at 2 liters per minute via nasal cannula. Oxygen saturation of 88% indicates hypoxemia and requires immediate intervention. Providing supplemental oxygen via nasal cannula will help improve oxygenation. Placing the client in high-Fowler's position may help with ventilation but addressing hypoxemia is the priority. Notifying the healthcare provider is important but immediate intervention is necessary. Documenting the finding is important but should not delay providing oxygen therapy.
Question 5 of 5
A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is receiving oxygen therapy. Which assessment finding requires the nurse to take immediate action?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because a sudden decrease in respiratory rate to 10 breaths per minute in a client with COPD receiving oxygen therapy can indicate respiratory depression or impending respiratory arrest, which are life-threatening emergencies. Immediate action is necessary to prevent further complications. A: An oxygen saturation of 90% is below the normal range but not an immediate concern unless it continues to decrease. B: A respiratory rate of 22 breaths per minute is within the normal range and does not require immediate action. C: Shortness of breath is common in clients with COPD and may not require immediate action unless it is severe or worsening rapidly.