What is the highest priority for a nurse treating a client with a stab wound to the chest?

Questions 84

ATI RN

ATI RN Test Bank

health assessment test bank jarvis Questions

Question 1 of 9

What is the highest priority for a nurse treating a client with a stab wound to the chest?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Secure the airway. This is the highest priority for a nurse treating a client with a stab wound to the chest because airway management is crucial for ensuring the client can breathe effectively. If the airway is compromised, the client may not be able to oxygenate properly, leading to serious complications or even death. Administering oxygen (choice B) can help with oxygenation but is not as critical as ensuring the airway is clear. Turning the client (choice C) or applying an abdominal binder (choice D) are not appropriate actions for a stab wound to the chest and would not address the immediate life-threatening issue of airway compromise.

Question 2 of 9

What is the most important intervention for a client with acute myocardial infarction (MI)?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer aspirin. Aspirin is crucial for a client with acute MI as it helps prevent further blood clot formation by inhibiting platelet aggregation, reducing chances of additional cardiac events. Oxygen (B) is not routinely recommended unless hypoxemia is present. Morphine (C) can mask symptoms and delay treatment. Nitroglycerin (D) is used to relieve chest pain but may not be the most important intervention in acute MI. Administering aspirin promptly is vital to improve outcomes and reduce mortality in acute MI cases.

Question 3 of 9

Which of the following actions is the nurse's priority when caring for a client with a suspected stroke?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Monitor the client's ECG. This is the priority because it helps in detecting any cardiac abnormalities or arrhythmias which are common in stroke patients. Assessing neurologic status (A) is important but monitoring the ECG takes precedence. Starting an IV line and administering thrombolytics (B) should be done as per protocol but is not the immediate priority. Providing emotional support (D) is important, but ensuring the client's cardiac status is stable is crucial in the acute phase of stroke.

Question 4 of 9

A patient states, "I feel so sad all of the time. I can't feel happy even doing things I used to enjoy doing.' He also says that he is tired, sleeps poorly, and has no energy. To differentiate between dysthymic disorder and a major depressive disorder, which of the following questions should the nurse ask him?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is C: "How long have you been feeling this way?" This question is essential to differentiate between dysthymic disorder and major depressive disorder. In dysthymic disorder, symptoms persist for at least 2 years, whereas in major depressive disorder, symptoms typically last for at least 2 weeks. By asking how long the patient has been feeling this way, the nurse can determine the duration of the symptoms and make a more accurate diagnosis. Summary of other choices: A: "Has there been any change in your weight?" This question is more relevant to assessing changes in appetite, which can be a symptom of depression, but it does not differentiate between dysthymic and major depressive disorders. B: "Are you having any thoughts of suicide?" While important to assess for safety, this question does not help differentiate between the two disorders. D: "Are you having feelings of worthlessness?" This question is relevant to assessing symptoms of depression but does not

Question 5 of 9

When the nurse is assessing a patient for pain, what is the most appropriate action to take?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because asking the patient to rate pain intensity using a scale (like 0-10) provides a standardized measure of pain perception. This quantitative data helps healthcare providers assess pain severity accurately and track changes over time. Asking about allergies (B) is important but not directly related to pain assessment. Asking the patient to describe the pain (C) provides qualitative information but may not be as reliable or consistent as a numerical rating. Measuring pain intensity using a scale (D) is similar to the correct answer but does not involve the patient's subjective input, which is crucial in pain assessment.

Question 6 of 9

During a follow-up visit, the nurse discovers that the patient has not been taking his insulin regularly. The nurse asks, "Why haven't you taken your insulin?' Which of the following is an appropriate evaluation of this question?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because asking "Why haven't you taken your insulin?" may put the patient on the defensive. This question can come across as accusatory or judgmental, potentially making the patient feel guilty or defensive. It may hinder open communication and lead to a breakdown in the nurse-patient relationship. Explanation of other choices: B: While the question may be an attempt to gather information, it lacks sensitivity and may not promote open dialogue. C: Involving the patient's wife without the patient's consent may breach confidentiality and undermine the patient's autonomy. D: While asking the question may reveal reasons for the behavior, it is not the best approach as it can create a barrier to effective communication.

Question 7 of 9

A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of chronic kidney disease. The nurse should monitor for which of the following complications related to decreased renal function?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hyperkalemia. In chronic kidney disease, the kidneys are unable to effectively excrete potassium, leading to elevated levels in the blood. This can result in life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Monitoring for hyperkalemia is crucial in managing patients with kidney disease. Other choices are incorrect because: B: Hypoglycemia is not typically associated with chronic kidney disease. C: Hypotension may occur in kidney disease but is not directly related to decreased renal function. D: Hypercalcemia is not a common complication of decreased renal function; in fact, kidney disease can lead to low levels of calcium.

Question 8 of 9

What is the most important nursing intervention for a client with severe dehydration?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer IV fluids. This is the most important nursing intervention for a client with severe dehydration because IV fluids provide rapid rehydration and help restore electrolyte balance efficiently. Monitoring vital signs (choice B) is important but not as crucial as providing immediate fluid replacement. Providing oral rehydration (choice C) may not be effective for severe dehydration as the client may have difficulty absorbing fluids orally. Administering oxygen (choice D) is not directly related to treating dehydration, so it is not the most important intervention in this scenario.

Question 9 of 9

What is the most appropriate intervention for a client with a wound infection?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer antibiotics. This is the most appropriate intervention for a wound infection as antibiotics target the underlying bacterial infection causing the wound infection. Antibiotics help to eliminate the infection and prevent it from spreading further. Administering antibiotics is crucial in treating wound infections to promote healing and prevent complications. Choice B (Apply sterile dressing) is incorrect as simply applying a sterile dressing does not address the underlying infection. Choice C (Cleanse and dress the wound) is also incorrect because while wound cleansing is important, it alone may not be sufficient to treat a wound infection. Choice D (Administer analgesics) is incorrect because analgesics only provide pain relief and do not address the infection itself.

Access More Questions!

ATI RN Basic


$89/ 30 days

ATI RN Premium


$150/ 90 days