ATI RN
Medical Surgical ATI Proctored Exam Questions
Question 1 of 9
In what patient situations would a comprehensive assessment be performed (select all that apply)?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answers are 'On initial admission to the telemetry unit,' 'On initial evaluation by the home health nurse,' and 'On arrival in the surgery holding area of the operating room.' Comprehensive assessments are necessary for baseline data collection in new or complex cases.
Question 2 of 9
A nurse is assessing a client who has COPD. The nurse should expect the client's chest to be which of the following shapes?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Barrel. In COPD, the chest becomes barrel-shaped due to hyperinflation of the lungs. This results in an increased anterior-posterior chest diameter, giving it a rounded appearance. This shape is characteristic of COPD as the hyperinflation causes the rib cage to remain partially expanded at all times. A: Pigeon – This shape is not associated with COPD and is not a typical finding in respiratory conditions. B: Funnel – This shape is not associated with COPD and is more commonly seen in conditions like pectus excavatum. C: Kyphotic – This shape refers to an exaggerated outward curvature of the thoracic spine, not the chest shape itself.
Question 3 of 9
Most of the danger associated with pneumoconioses is due to
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Inhaling dust particles damages lung tissue, leading to fibrosis.
Question 4 of 9
Prioritize them in order of severity.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A pulsating abdominal mass with sudden onset of pain suggests a possible abdominal aortic aneurysm, a life-threatening condition.
Question 5 of 9
Why should the nurse assess current weight status and recent weight fluctuations in a client with anxiety?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Clients may overeat or lose appetite due to stress, affecting their weight and overall health.
Question 6 of 9
A home health nurse visits a client who has COPD and receives oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula. The client reports difficulty breathing. Which of the following actions is the nurse's priority?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assess the client's respiratory status. This is the priority because the client is experiencing difficulty breathing, which could indicate a worsening of their condition. By assessing the respiratory status, the nurse can gather vital information to determine the appropriate next steps, such as adjusting the oxygen flow rate, providing respiratory treatments, or seeking further medical intervention. Increasing the oxygen flow without assessing the client's condition could potentially exacerbate the issue. Calling emergency services (choice C) may be necessary based on the assessment findings but should not be the immediate priority. Having the client cough and expectorate secretions (choice D) is important for airway clearance but is not the priority when the client is in distress.
Question 7 of 9
Identify the areas of symptom investigation using PQRST that still need to be addressed to provide additional important information (select all that apply).
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answers are 'Timing,' 'Quality,' 'Severity,' and 'Precipitating.' Using the PQRST framework ensures comprehensive evaluation of symptoms. Timing refers to onset and duration; Quality describes the nature of the symptom; Severity quantifies intensity; and Precipitating factors explore triggers.
Question 8 of 9
Priority Decision: A patient in the last stages of life is experiencing shortness of breath and air hunger. Based on practice guidelines, what is the most appropriate action by the nurse?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Comfort measures tailored to the individual patient’s needs are prioritized in palliative care, ensuring the patient feels supported and comfortable.
Question 9 of 9
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis typically have pain
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: RA pain worsens with activity due to joint inflammation.