ATI RN
Basic Nursing Care of the Patient Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient in the postanesthesia care unit. The patient has developed profuse bleeding from the surgical site, and the surgeon has determined the need to return to the operative area. How will the nurse classify this procedure?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Emergency. This classification is based on the sudden and life-threatening nature of the situation, requiring immediate action to prevent harm to the patient. Profuse bleeding and the need for urgent return to the operating room indicate that this is an emergency procedure. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because while the situation may be major, urgent, or elective in other contexts, in this case, the acuity of the situation necessitates an emergency classification to prioritize the patient's safety and well-being.
Question 2 of 5
A patient in cardiac arrest is being resuscitated. You identify ventricular fibrillation on the cardiac monitor. CPR is ongoing. What is the next immediate intervention?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct next immediate intervention is to perform a defibrillation shock (Choice B) when ventricular fibrillation is identified in a patient in cardiac arrest. Defibrillation is crucial in restoring the heart's normal rhythm by delivering an electrical shock to the heart. This is a time-sensitive intervention that can increase the chance of successful resuscitation. Administering epinephrine (Choice A) helps support circulation but does not address the underlying arrhythmia. Establishing an advanced airway (Choice C) is important but is not the immediate priority when the patient is in ventricular fibrillation. Administering amiodarone (Choice D) is indicated after the first shock if the rhythm persists, but the initial priority in ventricular fibrillation is defibrillation.
Question 3 of 5
You are assessing a patient with an altered mental status and has a diabetic history. Which of the following would most likely indicate the patient is suffering from diabetic ketoacidosis?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the patient with diabetic ketoacidosis typically presents with dehydration, which is indicated by dry skin and mucous membranes. The increased thirst and frequent urination reported by family members are classic symptoms of uncontrolled diabetes leading to DKA. Hypotension and shallow rapid respirations are also common in DKA due to the metabolic acidosis. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not align with the typical presentation of diabetic ketoacidosis. Choice A describes a patient with hypoglycemia. Choice B describes a patient with septic shock. Choice C describes a patient with hypothermia. Therefore, based on the symptoms described and the patient's diabetic history, choice D is the most likely indication of diabetic ketoacidosis.
Question 4 of 5
Which complex, interval, or segment of an electrocardiogram tracing represents the early part of ventricular repolarization?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: ST segment. The ST segment represents the early part of ventricular repolarization as it signifies the period between ventricular depolarization (end of QRS complex) and complete repolarization (T wave). This segment is important in assessing myocardial ischemia or injury. The other choices are incorrect because: B: PR interval signifies atrial depolarization. C: QT interval represents the entire ventricular depolarization and repolarization. D: QRS complex represents ventricular depolarization.
Question 5 of 5
When considering the administration of cardiac medication to a severely hypothermic patient in cardiac arrest, which of the following is true?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because in a severely hypothermic patient in cardiac arrest, the body's metabolism is slowed, affecting drug absorption and metabolism. Administering IV medications at longer intervals helps prevent toxicity as the body cannot process them efficiently. Choice A is incorrect because warm fluid and active rewarming are not sufficient to address medication metabolism issues. Choice C is incorrect as toxicity is a concern due to impaired drug clearance. Choice D is incorrect as higher doses can lead to toxicity in a hypothermic patient.