ATI RN
clinical skills exam questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
Noninvasive diagnostic procedures used to determine kidney function include which of the following? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Kidney, ureter, bladder (KUB) x-ray. KUB x-ray is a noninvasive diagnostic procedure that provides information about the size, shape, and position of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. It can help detect abnormalities such as kidney stones or structural issues. Rationale: 1. KUB x-ray is noninvasive, meaning it does not require any incisions or insertion of instruments into the body. 2. It is commonly used as an initial screening tool to assess kidney function. 3. Renal ultrasound (Choice B) is also noninvasive but primarily used for imaging the kidneys and not the entire urinary system. 4. MRI (Choice C) and IVP (Choice D) are more invasive procedures that involve injecting contrast agents and may not be routinely used for initial kidney function assessment. In summary, the KUB x-ray is the correct choice as it is a noninvasive procedure specifically designed to evaluate kidney
Question 2 of 5
A patient with type 1 diabetes who is receiving a continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion via an insulin pump contacts the clinic to report mechanical failure of the infusion pump. The nurse instructs the patient to begin monitoring for signs of:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: diabetic ketoacidosis. When an insulin pump fails, the patient may experience a sudden decrease in insulin delivery, leading to a potential rise in blood glucose levels. This can trigger diabetic ketoacidosis, characterized by hyperglycemia, ketosis, and acidosis. Monitoring for signs such as increased thirst, frequent urination, fruity breath odor, and rapid breathing is crucial. Incorrect choices: A: Adrenal insufficiency is not directly related to insulin pump failure. C: Hyperosmolar, hyperglycemic state is more common in type 2 diabetes and typically occurs with extreme hyperglycemia, not sudden pump failure. D: Hypoglycemia is less likely with pump failure due to decreased insulin delivery.
Question 3 of 5
Which of the following is a high-priority nursing diagnosis for both diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Fluid volume deficient. Both diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome can lead to severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Addressing fluid volume deficiency is crucial to stabilize the patient's condition. Choice A is not the priority as the main concern is the fluid imbalance, not activity intolerance. Hyperthermia (choice C) may be present but is not the primary concern compared to fluid volume deficit. Impaired nutrition (choice D) is not the immediate priority in these emergency situations. In summary, maintaining fluid balance is essential to manage both conditions effectively.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient with a diagnosis of head trauma. The nurse notes that the patient’s urine output has increased tremendously over the past 18 hours. The nurse suspects that the patient may be developing
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale: A patient with head trauma may develop diabetes insipidus due to damage to the hypothalamus or pituitary gland, leading to decreased secretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH). This results in excessive urine output and thirst. Other options are incorrect because: B: Diabetic ketoacidosis is associated with high blood sugar and ketones, not increased urine output. C: Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome is characterized by extreme hyperglycemia, not increased urine output. D: Syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone results in decreased urine output due to excess ADH.
Question 5 of 5
A patient is admitted to the critical care unit with a diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis. Following aggressive fluid resuscitation and intravenous (IV) insulin administration, the blood glucose begins to normalize. In addition to glucose monitoring, which of the following electrolytes requires close monitoring?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Potassium. During treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis, as blood glucose levels decrease, potassium levels can quickly drop due to insulin therapy driving potassium into cells. Monitoring potassium levels closely is crucial to prevent hypokalemia, which can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Choice A: Calcium - Calcium levels are not typically affected by diabetic ketoacidosis treatment and do not require immediate monitoring in this context. Choice B: Chloride - Chloride levels are usually not significantly impacted by diabetic ketoacidosis treatment and do not need close monitoring in this case. Choice D: Sodium - While sodium levels can be affected by dehydration in diabetic ketoacidosis, they are not as critical to monitor as potassium levels during treatment.