ATI RN
clinical skills questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient with head trauma who was admitted to the surgical intensive care unit following a motorcycle crash. What is an important assessment that will assist the nurse in early identification of an endocrine disorder commonly associated with this condition?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Urine osmolality. In head trauma patients, the risk of developing diabetes insipidus (DI) is high due to damage to the posterior pituitary. Monitoring urine osmolality helps identify DI early, as low urine osmolality indicates impaired concentration ability. This is crucial for prompt treatment to prevent dehydration. Choices A and B are important but not specific to endocrine disorders. Choice C is relevant for respiratory assessment, not endocrine disorders.
Question 2 of 5
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 3 of 5
What psychosocial factors may potentially contribute to the development of diabetic ketoacidosis? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale for correct answer A: Altered sleep/rest patterns can disrupt insulin regulation, leading to glucose imbalance and predisposing to diabetic ketoacidosis. Lack of sleep affects hormones that regulate blood sugar levels, increasing the risk of DKA. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: B: Eating disorder can affect blood sugar control but is not a direct cause of DKA. C: Exposure to influenza may trigger stress on the body but is not a psychosocial factor contributing to DKA. D: High levels of stress can impact blood sugar levels but are not specific psychosocial factors leading to DKA.
Question 4 of 5
A patient with long-standing type 1 diabetes presents to the emergency department with a loss of consciousness and seizure activity. The patient has a history of renal insufficiency, gastroparesis, and peripheral diabetic neuropathy. Emergency personnel reported a blood glucose of 32 mg/dL on scene. When providing discharge teaching for this patient and family, the nurse instructs on the need to do which of the following? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Administer 15 grams of carbohydrate orally for severe episodes of hypoglycemia. In this scenario, the patient is experiencing severe hypoglycemia (blood glucose of 32 mg/dL) leading to loss of consciousness and seizure activity. Administering 15 grams of carbohydrate orally is crucial to rapidly raise the blood glucose levels and address the hypoglycemia. This immediate intervention can help reverse the symptoms and prevent further complications. The incorrect choices: A: Administering glucagon intramuscularly is typically reserved for severe hypoglycemia when the patient cannot take anything by mouth. In this case, oral intake is preferred for faster absorption. C: Discontinuing the insulin pump is not necessary in this situation since the primary concern is treating the acute hypoglycemia. Removing the infusion set can lead to hyperglycemia if not managed properly. D: Increasing home blood glucose monitoring and reporting patterns of hyp
Question 5 of 5
A normal glomerular filtration rate is
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B (80 to 125 mL/min) because this range represents the normal glomerular filtration rate (GFR) for a healthy adult. GFR indicates the rate at which blood is filtered by the kidneys, with 125 mL/min being the average value. Values below 80 mL/min (Choice A) suggest impaired kidney function, while values above 189 mL/min (Choice D) may indicate hyperfiltration or underlying conditions. Choice C (125 to 180 mL/min) falls within the normal range, but the typical average is around 125 mL/min. Thus, choice B is the correct answer as it reflects the standard GFR range for adults.