ATI RN
ATI Detailed Answer Key Medical Surgical Questions
Question 1 of 5
What piece of equipment should the nurse advise Mrs. Singer to have ready when her husband returns home?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) A humidifier. When a patient undergoes a laryngectomy, as in the case of Mrs. Singer's husband, the airway is altered, leading to potential complications such as dry mucous membranes and increased risk of infection. A humidifier helps add moisture to the air, which can alleviate dryness and promote optimal airway health post-surgery. Option A) An electronic artificial larynx is not necessary in this situation as it is used to help individuals produce speech sounds after a laryngectomy, which is not the immediate concern upon the husband's return home. Option C) A television and Option D) A high-low bed are not directly related to the specific needs of a patient recovering from a laryngectomy. While entertainment and appropriate positioning are important aspects of care, in this context, the focus should be on addressing the physiological needs related to the surgery. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of understanding the specific needs of patients post-surgery and the role of supportive equipment in promoting their recovery and well-being. It emphasizes the nurse's role in providing appropriate education and guidance to patients and their families to ensure a smooth transition back home after a surgical procedure.
Question 2 of 5
When caring for a client with pain, which of the following is essential throughout the client’s care?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In pharmacology, understanding pain management is crucial. The correct answer is A) Giving assurance that pain management is a nursing and agency priority. This option emphasizes the importance of prioritizing pain relief and ensuring the client's comfort and well-being. Pain management should indeed be a priority in healthcare settings to address the client's needs effectively. Option B) Giving assurance that pain relief will be immediate and effective may not always be feasible due to various factors like the type of pain, individual responses to medications, and underlying conditions. It is essential to set realistic expectations regarding pain relief. Option C) Giving assurance that pain relief will be permanent is unrealistic as pain management often requires ongoing assessment and adjustment of treatment strategies based on the client's response and changing needs. Option D) Giving assurance that pain has a psychological basis and can be easily managed oversimplifies the complex nature of pain. While psychological factors can influence pain perception, implying that pain can be easily managed may undermine the client's experience and the need for comprehensive pain management approaches. Educationally, this question highlights the significance of holistic pain management, including assessment, prioritization, realistic expectations, and individualized care. Nurses must advocate for effective pain management practices to enhance client outcomes and quality of life.
Question 3 of 5
A client has periodic outbreaks of cold sores long after the initial infection of herpes simplex virus. Why does this occur?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the context of pharmacology, understanding the persistence of herpes simplex virus (HSV) outbreaks is crucial. The correct answer is C) The viruses are dormant in the client. This occurs because HSV can establish latency in sensory nerve ganglia after the initial infection, leading to recurrent outbreaks triggered by various factors such as stress, fever, or sun exposure. During latency, the virus remains inactive but can reactivate periodically, causing cold sores. Option A) The client has low resistance, is incorrect because the reactivation of HSV is primarily related to viral factors rather than the client's immune status. Option B) The client has not received proper treatment, is incorrect as even with proper treatment, HSV can still establish latency and cause recurrent outbreaks. Option D) The viruses are immune to the therapy, is incorrect because while antiviral therapy can help manage HSV outbreaks, it does not eliminate the latent virus. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of understanding viral latency and recurrent infections in pharmacology. It emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to educate patients on triggers for HSV reactivation and the role of antiviral therapy in managing recurrent outbreaks effectively. Understanding the viral life cycle and the factors influencing reactivation is essential for providing comprehensive care to patients with HSV infections.
Question 4 of 5
After administering injections of penicillin, the nurse should ask the client to wait at least __ minutes before allowing the client to leave the healthcare facility.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In pharmacology, it is crucial to understand the timing and effects of medications to ensure optimal outcomes for patients. In the case of administering penicillin injections, the correct answer to this question is B) 15 minutes. The rationale behind asking the client to wait at least 15 minutes before leaving the healthcare facility after receiving a penicillin injection is to monitor for any immediate adverse reactions such as anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can occur rapidly after administration of penicillin, and by having the client remain in the facility for 15 minutes, the nurse can promptly intervene if any signs or symptoms of an allergic reaction develop. Option A) 12 minutes, Option C) 5 minutes, and Option D) 30 minutes are incorrect because they do not align with the standard practice of monitoring for immediate reactions to penicillin injections. Waiting for only 5 or 12 minutes may not provide enough time to detect and respond to a potential allergic reaction, while waiting for 30 minutes may be unnecessarily long for most clients. From an educational perspective, this question highlights the importance of patient safety and the nurse's role in monitoring for adverse drug reactions. It underscores the need for nurses to be vigilant in their assessment and observation following medication administration, especially with medications like penicillin that carry a risk of allergic reactions. By understanding and practicing these principles, nurses can ensure the well-being of their patients and provide high-quality care.
Question 5 of 5
Why might a client receive a central venous catheter?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the context of pharmacology and medical-surgical care, the correct answer is B) Client is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) because a central venous catheter is often used for administering TPN. TPN is a specialized form of nutrition that is delivered directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. This high concentration of nutrients requires a large vein, which is why a central line is necessary. Option A) Client is receiving 0.9 normal saline is incorrect because a regular peripheral IV line can be used for administering normal saline. Central lines are typically reserved for situations where a higher volume or concentration of fluid is needed. Option C) Client is receiving short-term IV therapy is incorrect because short-term IV therapy can usually be administered through a peripheral IV line. Central lines are typically used for long-term therapies or when certain medications can cause irritation or damage to smaller veins. Option D) Client has had one infiltrated IV is incorrect because a central venous catheter is not typically indicated for a single infiltrated IV. Infiltration is a common issue with peripheral IV lines and can usually be managed by discontinuing the IV and restarting it in a different site. In an educational context, understanding the rationale behind the use of central venous catheters is crucial for nursing and medical students. It is important to grasp the specific indications for different types of vascular access devices to ensure safe and effective patient care. Knowledge of when to use central lines versus peripheral lines can prevent complications and improve patient outcomes in clinical practice.