ATI RN
Basic Principles of Patient Care Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient who will undergo a removal of a lung lobe. Which level of care will the patient require immediately post procedure?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Acute care - intensive care unit. Post lung lobe removal, the patient may require close monitoring of vital signs, respiratory status, pain management, and potential complications like bleeding or respiratory distress. The intensive care unit provides specialized care and continuous monitoring by healthcare professionals to manage any postoperative complications promptly. Choice A (Acute care - medical-surgical unit) may not provide the level of monitoring and specialized care that an intensive care unit offers for a patient undergoing major surgery like lung lobe removal. Choices C (Ambulatory surgery) and D (Ambulatory surgery - extended stay) are not appropriate postoperative care settings for a patient undergoing lung lobe removal, as this surgery is major and requires more intensive monitoring and care than what ambulatory surgery settings can provide.
Question 2 of 5
Which of the following operational modes used in EMS communication can transmit voice as well as telemetry simultaneously?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Multiplex mode. In multiplex mode, voice and telemetry signals are combined and transmitted simultaneously on a single communication channel. This mode allows for efficient use of bandwidth by transmitting multiple types of data concurrently. Trunk system mode (A) involves multiple channels for different users, not for voice and telemetry together. Duplex mode (C) allows for two-way communication but not necessarily simultaneous voice and telemetry. Simplex mode (D) only allows communication in one direction at a time, not suitable for transmitting voice and telemetry simultaneously.
Question 3 of 5
Which of the following would be an early sign of a possible aortic dissection?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for answer C: An early sign of a possible aortic dissection is a blood pressure difference of 20 mmHg or more in the upper extremities due to impaired blood flow. This discrepancy occurs because the dissection can obstruct blood flow to one of the brachial arteries, leading to a difference in blood pressure readings between the arms. This sign is a result of the aortic dissection affecting the arterial blood supply to the upper extremities. Summary of incorrect choices: A: A narrowing pulse pressure and tachycardia - These symptoms are more commonly associated with conditions like shock or dehydration, not specifically indicative of aortic dissection. B: A sudden rise in systolic blood pressure and fall in diastolic blood pressure - While changes in blood pressure can occur in aortic dissection, the specific pattern described here is not a typical early sign. D: A reddish-blue discoloration of the skin above the shoulders - Skin discolor
Question 4 of 5
You are evaluating a trauma patient who may have sustained a spinal cord injury. Which of the following would you expect to see in a trauma patient with a spinal cord injury with autonomic nervous system involvement?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because autonomic nervous system involvement in a spinal cord injury often results in bradycardia, hypotension, and a loss of sweating or shivering ability. This is due to disruption of sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways. Choice B is incorrect because hypertension and warm, dry skin are not typical signs of autonomic involvement in spinal cord injury. Choice C is incorrect because tachycardia and hypertension are more commonly seen with sympathetic overactivity, not autonomic involvement in spinal cord injury. Choice D is incorrect because tachycardia, hypotension, diaphoresis, and cool, clammy skin are more indicative of shock rather than specific autonomic involvement in spinal cord injury.
Question 5 of 5
Several minutes after sealing your adult trauma patient's sucking chest wound with an occlusive dressing secured on three sides, he begins to experience increasing shortness of breath, jugular vein distension, decreasing unilateral breath sounds on the affected side, and his blood pressure is less than 90 systolic and falling. Repeated attempts to relieve the pressure at the occlusive dressing have proven ineffective. At this point, which of the following should be initiated?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Immediate needle decompression using a 10- or 14-gauge catheter that is at least 2 or 2.5 inches long. Rationale: 1. Needle decompression is the standard treatment for tension pneumothorax, a life-threatening condition causing respiratory distress. 2. The patient's symptoms (shortness of breath, jugular vein distension, decreased breath sounds, falling blood pressure) are indicative of tension pneumothorax. 3. Repeated attempts to relieve pressure at the occlusive dressing have failed, suggesting a need for more definitive intervention. 4. A longer catheter (2-2.5 inches) is recommended to ensure proper decompression. Summary: A: Removing the occlusive dressing and pulling the wound open could worsen the tension pneumothorax by allowing more air into the chest. B: Translaryngeal Jet Ventilation is not indicated for tension pneumothorax and may delay appropriate treatment