ATI RN
Basic Care of Patient Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient in the preoperative holding area of an ambulatory surgery center. Which nursing action will be most appropriate for this area?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The most appropriate nursing action in the preoperative holding area is to apply a warm blanket. This helps maintain the patient's body temperature, preventing hypothermia, which is common in surgical settings. It promotes patient comfort and relaxation, reducing anxiety. Counting sterile instruments (Choice A) is typically done by the surgical team. Emptying the urinary drainage bag (Choice B) is not necessary in the preoperative area. Checking the surgical dressing (Choice C) is more relevant postoperatively. Applying a warm blanket (Choice D) aligns with preoperative patient care guidelines.
Question 2 of 5
When conducting a 12-lead electrocardiogram on a patient, which lead is located on the right side of the body and does not view a specific area of the heart?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: aVR. Lead aVR is located on the right side of the body and does not view a specific area of the heart. In a 12-lead ECG, aVR is a unipolar lead that looks towards the right shoulder and does not provide a specific view of any particular area of the heart. This lead is mainly used as a reference point to help interpret the overall electrical activity of the heart. Leads V4, I, and aVL are all standard leads that view specific areas of the heart and are important for diagnosing cardiac conditions. Lead V4 views the anterior wall of the heart, Lead I views the lateral wall, and Lead aVL views the high lateral wall.
Question 3 of 5
You are preparing to perform transcutaneous pacing to your symptomatic bradycardia patient after atropine fails to improve his condition and vital signs. What energy setting should be used initially in an attempt to gain electrical capture in a conscious patient?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: 80 joules. Initially, you should use a higher energy setting to ensure successful capture in a conscious patient. Starting at a higher energy level increases the chances of achieving capture without causing harm. Option A is incorrect because using the highest setting may lead to unnecessary discomfort or injury. Option B is incorrect as using the minimum setting may not provide enough energy for capture. Option C is incorrect as 50 joules may be insufficient for successful pacing in a conscious patient. Starting at 80 joules is a prudent choice to maximize the chance of successful capture while minimizing potential harm.
Question 4 of 5
You are treating and transporting a 26-year-old female involved in an MVA. She has multiple injuries, but all associated hemorrhage is controlled. The patient is exhibiting signs and symptoms of hypovolemic shock. During treatment and transport, you infuse one liter of lactated Ringer's solution, and the patient remains hypotensive. Once at the hospital, which of the following is most likely to be administered immediately upon arrival?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: O-negative packed red blood cells. Packed red blood cells are the most appropriate choice for a patient in hypovolemic shock as they help increase the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. In this scenario, the patient's hemorrhage is controlled, indicating a need for red blood cells rather than whole blood. O-negative blood is universally compatible, reducing the risk of transfusion reactions. Plasma-containing products like whole blood (choice A) may not be necessary if there is no active bleeding or coagulopathy present. O-positive packed red blood cells (choice C) may not be compatible with the patient's blood type, risking transfusion reactions. O-positive whole blood without plasma (choice D) may not provide adequate oxygen-carrying capacity needed in hypovolemic shock.
Question 5 of 5
For EMS professionals to determine death in the pre-hospital environment, which of the following criteria must be met by the paramedic?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. To determine death in the pre-hospital environment, EMS professionals must confirm the absence of electrical activity in the heart. Asystole on an EKG tracing indicates no heartbeat, which is a critical criterion for declaring death. Other choices are incorrect because they do not definitively confirm death. Choice B, apnea with a gag reflex, does not necessarily indicate death as the gag reflex can persist after cessation of breathing. Choice C, lividity and cold/clammy skin, are signs of postmortem changes but do not conclusively establish death. Choice D, pinpoint pupils and decreased muscle tone, are indicators of neurological dysfunction but not definitive signs of death.