ATI RN
Free Medical Surgical Certification Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
In addition to ambulation, which nursing intervention could be implemented to prevent or treat the postoperative complication of syncope?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the context of preventing or treating postoperative syncope, the correct nursing intervention of slowly progressing to ambulation with slow changes in position (Option C) is crucial. This approach helps to prevent sudden drops in blood pressure and subsequent syncope episodes by allowing the body to adjust gradually to changes in position. Option A, monitoring vital signs after ambulation, is important but does not directly address the prevention of syncope during ambulation. Option B, not allowing the patient to eat before ambulation, is not directly related to preventing syncope and may not be evidence-based. Option D, having the patient deep breathe and cough before getting out of bed, is more relevant to preventing respiratory complications rather than syncope specifically. Educationally, it is essential for nursing students and healthcare providers to understand the importance of gradual progression in ambulation to prevent orthostatic hypotension and syncope postoperatively. This rationale emphasizes the significance of patient safety and the implementation of evidence-based practices in postoperative care.
Question 2 of 5
Mrs. Brown asks about the difference between wide- and narrow-angle glaucoma. Which of the following responses would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the most appropriate response to Mrs. Brown's query about the difference between wide- and narrow-angle glaucoma is option B) "Wide-angle glaucoma is usually asymptomatic." This answer is correct because wide-angle glaucoma typically does not present with obvious symptoms in its early stages, making it challenging to detect without regular eye exams. Option A is incorrect because wide-angle glaucoma is characterized by a gradual increase in intraocular pressure, which can lead to optic nerve damage if left untreated. Option C is incorrect as complications from wide-angle glaucoma, such as vision loss and blindness, are often more severe compared to narrow-angle glaucoma. Option D is also incorrect because narrow-angle glaucoma can present with symptoms like sudden eye pain, blurred vision, and halos around lights due to a rapid increase in intraocular pressure. Educationally, understanding the differences between wide-angle and narrow-angle glaucoma is crucial for healthcare providers to accurately diagnose and manage these conditions. Teaching healthcare professionals to recognize the subtle variations in symptoms and risk factors associated with different types of glaucoma can lead to earlier intervention and better outcomes for patients. Regular training and updates on the latest guidelines for glaucoma management are essential for healthcare professionals to provide optimal care for patients with these conditions.
Question 3 of 5
Mrs. Smith splashed some toilet bowl cleaner into her eye, and now her eye is burning. Mrs. Smith's eye should be irrigated with
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is C) her head turned toward the affected eye. When a chemical splashes into the eye, immediate irrigation is crucial to prevent further damage. By turning the head towards the affected eye, gravity helps to ensure that the chemical is flushed out, reducing the chances of it flowing into the unaffected eye. Option A) an acid solution and B) a basic solution are incorrect because adding another chemical could potentially worsen the situation by causing a chemical reaction. It is essential to only use water or saline solution for irrigation in such cases to dilute and remove the chemical. Educationally, understanding proper first aid measures for chemical exposure to the eye is vital in a medical-surgical setting. Prompt and correct actions can prevent serious eye injuries and complications. Teaching healthcare professionals and individuals the correct steps to take in such emergencies can save vision and prevent long-term damage.
Question 4 of 5
Mr. Woodring has had a stapedectomy. On his first postoperative day, he tells the nurse he is dizzy and has ringing in his ears. Your assessment would be that these symptoms are
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A) normal. After a stapedectomy, it is common for patients to experience dizziness and ringing in the ears due to changes in inner ear pressure and fluid disturbances. These symptoms are typically transient and part of the normal postoperative course. Option B) indicative of postoperative complications is incorrect because dizziness and ringing in the ears are expected symptoms following a stapedectomy and do not necessarily indicate complications unless they are severe or persistent. Option C) probably related to rapid head movement is incorrect as the symptoms described are more likely due to the surgery itself rather than external factors like head movement. Option D) probably related to antibiotic therapy is incorrect as these symptoms are not typically associated with antibiotic use in the context of a stapedectomy. In an educational context, it is important for healthcare professionals to understand the common postoperative symptoms associated with various surgical procedures to provide appropriate patient education and reassurance. Understanding the expected course of recovery helps in differentiating normal postoperative effects from potential complications, leading to better patient care and outcomes.
Question 5 of 5
A new medical resident assessed a patient who is starting withdrawal from benzodiazepine. The resident writes orders for Ativan. What is your best response?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct response is option D, which is to point out to the resident that the patient is dependent on benzodiazepines. This is the best choice because giving Ativan (another benzodiazepine) to a patient in benzodiazepine withdrawal can potentially exacerbate the withdrawal symptoms or lead to further dependency. It is crucial to address the resident's error to prevent harm to the patient. Option A, asking the attending physician to review the orders, is not the best choice in this situation because the resident's error needs to be addressed promptly to prevent harm to the patient. Option B, administering the medication as prescribed, is incorrect because it could worsen the patient's condition. Option C, asking the resident to clarify the orders, is not the ideal response as the issue is not about clarity but about the appropriateness of the prescribed medication. In an educational context, this scenario highlights the importance of thorough patient assessment, understanding of pharmacology, and critical thinking skills in medical practice. It emphasizes the necessity of advocating for patient safety and speaking up when errors are identified, even if it involves addressing a more senior colleague's mistake.