ATI RN
ATI Medical Surgical Proctored Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
What question should a nurse ask a client who has an anteroposterior (AP) chest diameter equal to the lateral chest diameter?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Do you have any chronic breathing problems? This question is relevant because equal AP and lateral chest diameters can indicate a barrel chest, which is often associated with chronic breathing problems like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Chronic breathing problems can lead to this specific chest shape due to increased lung volume. Choice A is incorrect as it does not directly relate to the physical assessment findings. Choice C is incorrect as it focuses on exercise habits rather than the client's current health status. Choice D is incorrect as it does not address the potential underlying health issue indicated by the chest measurements.
Question 2 of 5
Prior to a thoracentesis, what intervention should the nurse complete?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because ensuring informed consent is crucial before any invasive procedure to protect the client's autonomy and rights. This involves confirming the client's understanding of the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives. Option B is correct as it directly relates to the ethical and legal aspect of the procedure. Option A is incorrect as it focuses solely on monitoring oxygen saturation, which is important but not the priority before thoracentesis. Option C is incorrect as simply explaining the procedure does not ensure the client's understanding or consent.
Question 3 of 5
A patient is assessing a client who has just been admitted to the emergency department. The client is having difficulty breathing and is using accessory muscles. What action by the nurse is best?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Place the client in a high Fowler's position. Placing the client in a high Fowler's position helps improve lung expansion and oxygenation by maximizing chest expansion. This position facilitates better breathing mechanics and can alleviate respiratory distress. Choice A is incorrect because administering oxygen via nasal cannula should be done after positioning the client properly. Choice B is important but assessing vital signs alone may not provide immediate relief to the client's breathing difficulty. Choice C, notifying the Rapid Response Team, is not the best immediate action as positioning the client correctly should be the priority before seeking additional help.
Question 4 of 5
A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who has been receiving oxygen therapy at 2 L/min now has a respiratory rate of 10 breaths/min. What action should the nurse take first?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, assessing the client's mental status and level of consciousness. This is the first action to take because a respiratory rate of 10 breaths/min in a COPD client receiving oxygen therapy may indicate respiratory depression or impending respiratory failure. Assessing mental status and level of consciousness can help determine if the client is experiencing hypoxia. Increasing oxygen flow rate (A) without assessing the client first can be dangerous if the client is retaining carbon dioxide. Administering a bronchodilator (B) may not address the underlying issue of respiratory depression. Encouraging deep breaths (C) may not be appropriate if the client is in respiratory distress.
Question 5 of 5
During an acute asthma attack in a client with asthma, what medication should the nurse administer first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Short-acting beta agonist. During an acute asthma attack, the priority is to quickly relieve bronchoconstriction and improve airflow. Short-acting beta agonists like albuterol are the first-line medications for acute asthma exacerbations as they act rapidly to relax smooth muscles in the airways, providing immediate relief of symptoms. Oral corticosteroids (A) are important for long-term management but do not provide immediate relief. Leukotriene receptor antagonists (C) and long-acting beta agonists (D) are not appropriate for acute asthma attacks as they have slower onset of action and are used for maintenance therapy.