ATI RN
ATI Detailed Answer Key Medical Surgical Questions
Question 1 of 5
What does weight gain during the postoperative period indicate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because weight gain can indicate fluid retention due to paralytic ileus.
Question 2 of 5
A client has returned from the surgical suite following surgery for a fractured mandible with intermaxillary fixation. Which of the following actions is the priority for the nurse to take?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Prevent aspiration. This is the priority because with intermaxillary fixation, the client is unable to open their mouth, increasing the risk of aspiration. Aspiration can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia. Ensuring the client's airway is clear and they are able to breathe properly should be the top priority. Summary: - B: Ensuring adequate nutrition can be important, but preventing aspiration takes precedence. - C: Promoting oral hygiene is important but not as urgent as preventing aspiration. - D: Relieving the client's pain is essential, but ensuring their safety from aspiration is the priority.
Question 3 of 5
A client is in the immediate postoperative period following a partial laryngectomy. Which of the following parameters should the nurse assess first?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Airway patency. Assessing airway patency is the priority in the immediate postoperative period following a laryngectomy to ensure the client's ability to breathe. If the airway is compromised, it can lead to life-threatening complications. Pain severity (A), wound drainage (B), and tissue integrity (C) are important assessments but are secondary to ensuring the client's airway is clear and functioning properly. Prioritizing airway patency allows for prompt intervention if any issues arise, ensuring the client's safety and optimal recovery.
Question 4 of 5
6. What is the rationale behind many nurses advocating complementary and alternative therapies?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Many nurses advocate CAM because it aligns with a holistic view of health, considering physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects, as stated in option B.
Question 5 of 5
A male client has returned to the Unit following a left femoral popliteal bypass graft. Six hours later, the client's dorsalis pedis pulse cannot be palpated and his foot is cool and dusky. The nurse should:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The client is losing the blood supply to his left foot. Continuing to monitor will not restore the blood supply to the foot. The physician should be notified immediately because the client is losing the blood supply to his left foot and is in danger of losing his foot and/or his leg. It is the responsibility of the nurse caring for the client to notify the physician, not the head nurse. This would be giving the client false assurances, which is unethical, demeaning, and could have legal consequences.