ATI RN
clinical skills questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
The nurse is caring for a patient receiving peritoneal dialysis. The patient suddenly complains of abdominal pain and chills. The patient’s temperature is elevated. The nurse should
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: inform the provider of probable visceral perforation. This is the most urgent action as sudden abdominal pain, chills, and elevated temperature in a patient receiving peritoneal dialysis could indicate a serious complication like visceral perforation, which requires immediate medical attention to prevent further complications. Assessing peritoneal dialysate return (A) may provide some information but does not address the urgent need to address a potential visceral perforation. Checking the patient's blood sugar (B) and evaluating the patient's neurological status (C) are not priorities in this situation and do not address the potential life-threatening complication of visceral perforation.
Question 2 of 9
A 100-kg patient gets hemodialysis 3 days a week. In planning the care for this patient, the nurse recommends
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: a diet of 2500 to 3500 kcal per day. During hemodialysis, patients often experience increased energy expenditure due to the treatment process. Therefore, maintaining a higher caloric intake is crucial to prevent malnutrition and support the body's needs. Options B, C, and D are incorrect as limiting protein intake to less than 50 grams per day may lead to malnutrition in a patient undergoing hemodialysis, restricting potassium intake to 10 mEq per day may not be appropriate as individual needs vary, and restricting fluid intake to less than 500 mL per day can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances in a patient undergoing hemodialysis.
Question 3 of 9
Which of the following are appropriate nursing interventions for the patient in myxedema coma? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A Rationale: 1. Administering levothyroxine is crucial in treating myxedema coma as it helps replace the deficient thyroid hormone. 2. This intervention addresses the underlying cause of myxedema coma, which is severe hypothyroidism. 3. Levothyroxine administration can help reverse the symptoms of myxedema coma and improve the patient's condition. Summary of Incorrect Choices: - B: Encouraging high sodium intake is not appropriate as myxedema coma is associated with fluid retention and sodium may exacerbate this. - C: Passive rewarming interventions are not relevant for myxedema coma, as the condition is not typically related to hypothermia. - D: While monitoring airway and respiratory effort is important in general patient care, it is not a specific intervention for myxedema coma.
Question 4 of 9
The nurse is caring for an elderly patient who was admitted with renal insufficiency. An expected laboratory finding for this patient may be
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct Answer: C - Increased ability to excrete drugs. Rationale: 1. Renal insufficiency impairs kidney function, leading to decreased excretion of drugs. 2. In elderly patients with renal insufficiency, there may be compensatory mechanisms to enhance drug excretion. 3. This increased ability to excrete drugs helps prevent drug accumulation and potential toxicity. Summary: A: Increased GFR is not expected in renal insufficiency; it typically decreases. B: Serum creatinine level would likely be elevated in renal insufficiency, not normal. D: Hypokalemia is not a typical lab finding in renal insufficiency; hyperkalemia is more common.
Question 5 of 9
The nurse is caring for a patient who has undergone major abdominal surgery. The nurse notices that the patient’s urine output has been less than 20 mL/hour for the past 2 hours. The patient’s blood pressure is 100/60 mm Hg, and the pulse is 110 beats/min. Previously, the pulse was 90 beats/min with a blood pressure of 120/80 mm Hg. The nurse should
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale: 1. Urine output < 20 mL/hour indicates potential hypoperfusion. 2. Decreased urine output with hypotension and tachycardia suggests inadequate fluid resuscitation. 3. Administering a normal saline bolus can help improve perfusion and stabilize blood pressure. 4. Contacting the provider promptly for orders is crucial in managing this acute situation. Summary of Incorrect Choices: B. Delaying reporting to the provider risks worsening the patient's condition. C. Continuing to evaluate urine output without intervention can lead to further deterioration. D. Ignoring the urine output due to potential postrenal causes overlooks the urgent need for fluid resuscitation.
Question 6 of 9
The critical care nurse is responsible for monitoring the patient receiving continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). In doing so, the nurse should
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct Answer: B Rationale: 1. Hemofilter clotting can affect CRRT efficiency. 2. Assessing every 6 hours allows early detection and intervention. 3. Clotting can lead to treatment interruptions or complications. 4. Regular assessment ensures optimal therapy delivery. Other Choices: A: Assessing tubing warmth is not a reliable indicator of CRRT function or complications. C: Covering dialysis lines to protect from light is not a standard practice in CRRT monitoring. D: Using clean technique is not sufficient for vascular access dressing changes; aseptic technique is required for infection prevention.
Question 7 of 9
Which of the following patients is at the highest risk for hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the 83-year-old long-term care resident with type 2 diabetes and advanced Alzheimer's disease who recently developed influenza is at the highest risk for hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome (HHS). This patient has multiple risk factors for HHS, including age, type 2 diabetes, advanced Alzheimer's disease, and the added stress of influenza, which can exacerbate hyperglycemia. The combination of these factors can lead to severe hyperglycemia, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances characteristic of HHS. Choice A is incorrect because although excessive exercise can lead to hypoglycemia in individuals with type 1 diabetes, it is not a risk factor for HHS. Choice B is incorrect as forgetting to take insulin can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis in type 1 diabetes, not HHS. Choice C is incorrect as starting insulin injections in a patient with type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease does not automatically increase the risk
Question 8 of 9
A patient is admitted to the oncology unit with a small-cell lung carcinoma. During the admission, the patient is noted to have a significant decrease in urine output accompanied by shortness of breath, edema, and mental status changes. The nurse is aware that this clinical presentation is consistent with
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). In this scenario, the patient's symptoms of decreased urine output, shortness of breath, edema, and mental status changes are indicative of fluid overload due to SIADH. SIADH causes excessive release of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), leading to water retention and dilutional hyponatremia. This results in edema, decreased urine output, and neurological symptoms. A: Adrenal crisis presents with hypotension, shock, and electrolyte abnormalities, not consistent with the patient's symptoms. B: Diabetes insipidus would present with excessive urine output and thirst, opposite of the patient's symptoms. C: Myxedema coma results from severe hypothyroidism and presents with hypothermia, bradycardia, and altered mental status, not consistent with the patient's symptoms. In summary, the patient's clinical presentation aligns
Question 9 of 9
The nurse is caring for a patient receiving peritoneal dialysis. The patient suddenly complains of abdominal pain and chills. The patient’s temperature is elevated. The nurse should
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: inform the provider of probable visceral perforation. This is the most urgent action as sudden abdominal pain, chills, and elevated temperature in a patient receiving peritoneal dialysis could indicate a serious complication like visceral perforation, which requires immediate medical attention to prevent further complications. Assessing peritoneal dialysate return (A) may provide some information but does not address the urgent need to address a potential visceral perforation. Checking the patient's blood sugar (B) and evaluating the patient's neurological status (C) are not priorities in this situation and do not address the potential life-threatening complication of visceral perforation.