ATI RN
Basic Nursing Care Needs of the Patient Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is caring for a surgical patient, when the family member asks what perioperative nursing means. How should the nurse respond?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because perioperative nursing encompasses all activities before, during, and after surgery. Preoperative care involves preparing the patient for surgery, intraoperative care includes assisting the surgical team, and postoperative care focuses on recovery. Choice A is incorrect as perioperative nursing is not limited to preadmission testing. Choice B is incorrect as it only refers to the postanesthesia care unit, excluding other phases of care. Choice D is incorrect as it suggests perioperative nursing is limited to activities during surgery, neglecting the crucial pre and postoperative components.
Question 2 of 5
Your adult patient has an altered mental status, and a blood sugar reading of 35 mg/dL is obtained using a glucometer. He is unable to follow commands, and no IV access is available. Which medication and route should be considered?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Glucagon intramuscularly. Glucagon is indicated for severe hypoglycemia when the patient is unable to take oral glucose and IV access is unavailable. Administering glucagon intramuscularly will rapidly increase blood sugar levels. Oral glucose (choice B) is not suitable for a patient who cannot follow commands. Dextrose intravenously (choice C) requires IV access, which is not available in this case. Glucagon subcutaneously (choice D) may have delayed absorption compared to intramuscular administration.
Question 3 of 5
Which of the following medication types are used to decrease the workload of the heart by blocking sympathetic stimulation of receptors that work on the SA node and myocardial cells, thus decreasing the force of myocardial contraction and directly reducing a patient's heart rate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Beta-blockers. Beta-blockers work by blocking the beta-adrenergic receptors on the SA node and myocardial cells, leading to decreased sympathetic stimulation. This decreases the heart rate and the force of myocardial contraction, thus reducing the workload of the heart. Alpha-adrenergic agents (A) work differently by blocking alpha-adrenergic receptors. Calcium-channel blockers (C) block calcium channels in the heart, affecting the contractility of the heart but not specifically targeting sympathetic stimulation. Sodium-channel blockers (D) target sodium channels in the heart but do not directly reduce the workload of the heart by blocking sympathetic stimulation.
Question 4 of 5
While conducting an EKG on your post-myocardial infarction patient, you note the presence of consistently wide QRS complexes greater than 120 ms in duration. What does this most likely indicate?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: An intraventricular conduction delay or right/left bundle branch block. Wide QRS complexes (>120 ms) suggest delayed ventricular depolarization, which can be caused by bundle branch blocks. In the context of a post-myocardial infarction patient, this is a common finding due to damage to the conduction system. Summary: B: A complete heart block is characterized by a lack of communication between the atria and ventricles, leading to a different EKG pattern. C: Wide QRS complexes do not directly indicate a current myocardial infarction; other EKG changes would be seen. D: Wide QRS complexes are not typically associated with congenital heart defects in this scenario, and emergency care may still be necessary.
Question 5 of 5
You are preparing to initiate a rapid sequence intubation on a pediatric patient who is exhibiting a borderline hypotensive state with a decreased level of consciousness and hypoventilation. He is quickly becoming hypoxic with a SpO2 of 77% and a delayed capillary refill. Which medication would be most effective in sedating this patient for the procedure?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Ketamine. Ketamine is the most suitable choice for sedating this pediatric patient for rapid sequence intubation due to its unique properties. Ketamine provides sedation, analgesia, and amnesia without causing respiratory depression, making it ideal for patients with borderline hypotension and hypoventilation. It also maintains airway reflexes and airway tone, which is crucial during intubation. Succinylcholine (A) is a paralytic agent, not a sedative. Midazolam (B) and Propofol (D) can cause respiratory depression and hypotension, which may worsen the patient's condition.