ATI RN
Basic Care of Dying Patient Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is preparing a patient for surgery. Which goal is a priority for assessing the patient before surgery?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Establish a patient's baseline of normal function. Before surgery, assessing the patient's baseline helps identify any deviations from normal, enabling early detection of potential complications. It provides crucial information for planning perioperative care and interventions. Choice A (Plan for care after the procedure) is important but not the priority. Assessing the patient's baseline comes first to ensure a smooth surgical process. Choice C (Educate the patient and family about the procedure) is essential, but assessing the baseline takes precedence to ensure patient safety. Choice D (Gather appropriate equipment for the patient's needs) is necessary but is a task that usually follows the assessment of the patient's baseline.
Question 2 of 5
Which of the following findings is most concerning in a patient with chest pain?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Shortness of breath and diaphoresis. This combination indicates possible heart-related issues like a heart attack. Shortness of breath suggests inadequate oxygen supply, and diaphoresis (excessive sweating) may indicate severe stress on the heart. It is concerning as it can signify a life-threatening condition. A: A burning sensation after eating is likely related to acid reflux. B: Pain that improves with rest is typically seen in musculoskeletal issues. D: Pain that worsens with palpation is more indicative of musculoskeletal or chest wall pain, not necessarily a cardiac event.
Question 3 of 5
You are transporting a 20-year-old pregnant female from a local hospital to a medical facility that specializes in high-risk pregnancies when you note the patient is experiencing unexplained hypotension and bradycardia. The patient has a patent IV and is being administered magnesium that was initiated by hospital staff. On the cardiac monitor, the patient presents with a lengthening PR interval and signs of an impending high-degree nodal block. Which of the following interventions would be most appropriate in this case?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Stop the magnesium sulfate infusion immediately, and administer the appropriate dose of calcium chloride to correct the adverse effects of magnesium toxicity. Rationale: 1. **Stop magnesium infusion**: Magnesium toxicity can cause hypotension, bradycardia, and high-degree nodal block, hence stopping the infusion is crucial. 2. **Administer calcium chloride**: Calcium is the antidote for magnesium toxicity as it competes with magnesium for binding sites, reversing its effects. 3. **Corrects adverse effects**: Calcium chloride helps in counteracting the negative effects of magnesium on the cardiovascular system. Summary: - **Option A**: Increasing magnesium and giving saline won't address magnesium toxicity. - **Option C**: Potassium won't counteract magnesium toxicity. - **Option D**: Reducing infusion and giving dextrose won't correct magnesium toxicity.
Question 4 of 5
Your adult female postpartum patient delivered her newborn with the assistance of her husband five minutes prior to your arrival on the scene. The infant's Apgar score is 10, and the baby seems to be fine. However, the mother continues to bleed heavily after an adequate fundal massage and encouraging the infant to breastfeed. Her current heart rate is 125 bpm; her blood pressure is 108/60, and she is breathing 22 times a minute with an SpO2 of 97. After ensuring a second infant is not present, which of the following interventions would medical command most likely recommend?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Administer oxytocin infusion at 20 to 30 gtts/min depending on bleeding severity. Oxytocin is a uterotonic agent that helps control postpartum hemorrhage by causing uterine contractions, which can help stop the bleeding. In this scenario, the mother is experiencing postpartum hemorrhage despite initial interventions. Administering oxytocin can help control the bleeding and prevent further complications. Choice A is incorrect because packing the vagina with pads is not the recommended first-line treatment for postpartum hemorrhage. Choice B is incorrect because administering lactated Ringer's solution under pressure is not the appropriate intervention for postpartum hemorrhage. Choice C is incorrect because Trendelenburg position is not recommended for managing postpartum hemorrhage and can potentially worsen the situation by increasing blood flow to the head.
Question 5 of 5
Which of the following patients best fits the criteria for a critical burn?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because a critical burn is determined by the percentage of total body surface area (TBSA) affected. In this case, a 10-year-old patient with superficial burns over 60% of the body meets the criteria for a critical burn due to the extensive TBSA involvement. Superficial burns over 60% of the body can lead to significant fluid loss, infection risk, and systemic complications. Choice B is incorrect because full-thickness burns on a specific area of the arm, even if full-thickness, are not as extensive as 60% TBSA involvement. Choice C is incorrect as partial-thickness burns across 25% of the body, not involving critical areas, do not meet the criteria for a critical burn based on TBSA. Choice D is also incorrect as partial-thickness burns on 25% of the body, not involving critical areas, do not meet the criteria for a critical burn based on TBSA.