ATI RN
Health Assessment Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
What is the first priority for a client experiencing an acute asthma attack?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer bronchodilators. During an acute asthma attack, the priority is to open the airways quickly to improve breathing. Bronchodilators work rapidly to dilate the constricted airways, providing immediate relief. Corticosteroids are used for long-term management and take time to be effective. Administering morphine is not recommended as it can depress the respiratory system. Performing an ECG is not necessary in the acute management of an asthma attack.
Question 2 of 5
What is the nurse's first action when a client is experiencing an acute asthma attack?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer bronchodilators. During an acute asthma attack, bronchodilators are the first-line treatment to quickly relieve bronchospasm and improve airflow. They work by relaxing the muscles around the airways, allowing the client to breathe easier. Administering corticosteroids (choices B and C) is important but typically done after bronchodilators to reduce airway inflammation. Encouraging fluid intake (choice D) is not the priority in an acute asthma attack, as the focus should be on addressing the breathing difficulty promptly.
Question 3 of 5
What is the first priority for a client with chest pain and a history of myocardial infarction?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Administer corticosteroids. In a client with chest pain and a history of myocardial infarction, the first priority is to address potential inflammation in the myocardium. Corticosteroids help reduce inflammation and stabilize the myocardium, which is crucial in preventing further damage post-myocardial infarction. Administering nitroglycerin (A) is important for vasodilation, but it is typically used after corticosteroids. Morphine (B) and analgesics (C) may provide pain relief but do not address the underlying inflammation. Administering corticosteroids is the most appropriate first step to manage myocardial inflammation and protect the heart tissue.
Question 4 of 5
What is the most appropriate action for a nurse when caring for a client with severe hypothermia?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer warm IV fluids. This is because in severe hypothermia, the body's core temperature drops dangerously low, leading to decreased circulation and potential organ failure. Administering warm IV fluids helps to gradually raise the core temperature and prevent further complications. Choice B (Warming the client with a heating pad) can cause rewarming shock and skin burns. Choice C (Placing the client in a supine position) is not directly related to treating hypothermia. Choice D (Administering analgesics) is not the priority in treating severe hypothermia.
Question 5 of 5
What should the nurse do first for a client with a history of diabetes who is experiencing hypoglycemia?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer glucose. In hypoglycemia, the priority is to raise the low blood sugar levels quickly. Administering glucose is the most direct and effective way to do so. Glucose will rapidly increase the blood sugar levels and help the client recover from hypoglycemia. Administering insulin (B) would further lower blood sugar levels. Administering glucagon (C) is used for severe hypoglycemia when the client is unconscious. Encouraging deep breathing (D) is not effective in treating hypoglycemia and does not address the immediate need to raise blood sugar levels.