ATI RN
clinical skills questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
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 2 of 5
The patient has elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine levels with a normal BUN/creatinine ratio. These levels most likely indicate
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The elevated BUN and serum creatinine levels with a normal BUN/creatinine ratio suggest kidney dysfunction. This pattern is commonly seen in acute kidney injury, like acute tubular necrosis (ATN), where the kidneys are unable to properly filter waste products. Other choices (A) increased nitrogen intake and (C) hypovolemia would not cause the specific pattern of elevated BUN and creatinine levels with a normal ratio. (D) Fluid resuscitation would actually aim to correct hypovolemia and would not directly affect the BUN and creatinine levels.
Question 3 of 5
In calculating the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) results for women, the creatinine clearance is usually:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: the same as for men. GFR is calculated based on factors like age, weight, and serum creatinine levels, which are not directly influenced by gender. Therefore, the creatinine clearance for women is the same as for men. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because there is no inherent biological difference between men and women that would cause a difference in creatinine clearance for GFR calculation.
Question 4 of 5
What is a minimally acceptable urine output for a patient weighing 75 kg?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C (80 mL/hour) as it is considered a minimally acceptable urine output for a patient weighing 75 kg. Adequate urine output is crucial for kidney function and fluid balance. The general rule is to maintain a urine output of at least 0.5 mL/kg/hour, which in this case would be 37.5 mL/hour for a 75 kg patient. Option C (80 mL/hour) exceeds this minimum requirement, ensuring proper kidney perfusion and waste elimination. Options A (Less than 30 mL/hour) and D (150 mL/hour) are incorrect as they fall below or exceed the recommended urine output range, potentially indicating renal impairment or fluid overload, respectively. Option B (37 mL/hour) is close to the minimum requirement but does not provide a sufficient margin for variations in fluid status or kidney function.
Question 5 of 5
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.