ATI RN
test bank for health assessment Questions
Question 1 of 9
What is the priority nursing action for a client with suspected hypovolemic shock?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer oxygen. In hypovolemic shock, the body lacks adequate circulating blood volume leading to decreased tissue perfusion and oxygen delivery. Administering oxygen helps increase oxygen saturation levels and improve tissue oxygenation. This is the priority nursing action to ensure the client's vital organs receive sufficient oxygen. Administering pain relief (B) may be necessary but is not the priority in hypovolemic shock. Administering beta blockers (C) can further decrease blood pressure and worsen the condition. Monitoring for bleeding (D) is important, but administering oxygen takes precedence to address the immediate oxygenation needs of the client.
Question 2 of 9
What should the nurse do first for a client who is post-operative and experiences confusion?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Reorient the client. This is the first step because confusion post-operatively could be due to anesthesia, pain medications, or disorientation. Reorienting the client helps bring them back to reality and decrease anxiety. B: Monitoring for signs of infection would be important but not the initial step for confusion. C: Monitoring serum electrolytes is important but not the immediate priority for confusion. D: Applying a cold compress is not relevant for confusion in a post-operative client.
Question 3 of 9
What do the following ABG values indicate: pH 7.38, PO2 78 mmHg, PCO2 36 mmHg, and HCO3 24 mEq/L?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The given ABG values fall within normal ranges, indicating homeostasis. The pH is within the normal range (7.35-7.45), indicating acid-base balance. The PO2 is slightly lower but still within the normal range (80-100 mmHg). PCO2 falls within the normal range (35-45 mmHg), showing effective ventilation. The HCO3 level is also within the normal range (22-26 mEq/L), indicating proper kidney function. Therefore, all values are within normal limits, reflecting a state of homeostasis. Other choices are incorrect as they suggest imbalances in acid-base status, which is not seen with these values.
Question 4 of 9
What is the most appropriate action for a nurse to take when a client's blood pressure drops significantly?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct action is to administer IV fluids when a client's blood pressure drops significantly. This helps increase blood volume and improve circulation, stabilizing the blood pressure. Administering pain medication (B) does not address the root cause of low blood pressure. Applying a heating pad (C) is not effective in treating low blood pressure. Monitoring the client's respiratory rate (D) is important but not the immediate action needed to address a significant drop in blood pressure.
Question 5 of 9
What should a nurse prioritize for a client with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who is experiencing an exacerbation?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct Answer: B - Administer oxygen Rationale: 1. Oxygen therapy is crucial in managing COPD exacerbation to improve oxygen saturation levels. 2. Adequate oxygenation is essential to prevent further respiratory distress and potential complications. 3. Oxygen therapy helps alleviate symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue, improving overall comfort. 4. Monitoring oxygen saturation levels guides the effectiveness of treatment and ensures appropriate oxygen delivery. Summary: - Administering corticosteroids (A) may help reduce inflammation in COPD exacerbation but does not address the immediate need for oxygen. - Monitoring respiratory rate (C) is important but prioritizing oxygen administration is more critical for immediate respiratory support. - Administering diuretics (D) may be indicated in certain cases of COPD exacerbation with fluid retention but is not the priority over oxygen therapy.
Question 6 of 9
What should the nurse do if a client experiences an allergic reaction to a medication?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because when a client experiences an allergic reaction to a medication, the nurse should monitor for signs of infection as allergic reactions can sometimes lead to secondary infections. By closely monitoring the client for signs of infection, the nurse can promptly intervene and provide appropriate treatment. A: Discontinuing the medication is important but not the immediate priority when dealing with an allergic reaction. B: Notifying the healthcare provider is important, but monitoring for signs of infection takes precedence in this situation. C: Administering antihistamines may help with allergic symptoms but does not address the potential risk of secondary infection.
Question 7 of 9
What should the nurse do when caring for a client who is experiencing an anaphylactic reaction?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer epinephrine. Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis as it helps to quickly reverse severe symptoms by constricting blood vessels and opening airways. Administering corticosteroids (B) is not the immediate priority. Placing the client on their side (C) is important to prevent aspiration but does not address the anaphylactic reaction. Monitoring blood pressure (D) is essential but administering epinephrine takes precedence in managing anaphylaxis.
Question 8 of 9
What is the nurse's first action when a client presents with symptoms of hypoglycemia?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer glucose. The nurse's first action in treating hypoglycemia is to increase the client's blood glucose levels to prevent further complications. Administering glucose helps quickly raise blood sugar levels, addressing the immediate issue. Options B, C, and D are incorrect as administering insulin would further decrease blood sugar levels, administering oxygen is not the primary intervention for hypoglycemia, and administering antipyretics is used for reducing fever, not treating hypoglycemia.
Question 9 of 9
What is the priority nursing action for a client with suspected hypovolemic shock?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer oxygen. In hypovolemic shock, the body lacks adequate circulating blood volume leading to decreased tissue perfusion and oxygen delivery. Administering oxygen helps increase oxygen saturation levels and improve tissue oxygenation. This is the priority nursing action to ensure the client's vital organs receive sufficient oxygen. Administering pain relief (B) may be necessary but is not the priority in hypovolemic shock. Administering beta blockers (C) can further decrease blood pressure and worsen the condition. Monitoring for bleeding (D) is important, but administering oxygen takes precedence to address the immediate oxygenation needs of the client.