ATI LPN
Medical Surgical ATI Proctored Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
When planning care for a 16-year-old with appendicitis presenting with right lower quadrant pain, what should the nurse prioritize as a nursing diagnosis?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Risk for infection related to possible rupture of the appendix. This is the priority nursing diagnosis because appendicitis can lead to a life-threatening condition if the appendix ruptures. The nurse needs to monitor for signs of worsening infection such as fever and increased pain. A: Imbalanced nutrition is not the priority as it is secondary to the risk of infection. C: Constipation is not the priority as it is not directly related to the life-threatening complication of appendicitis. D: Chronic pain is also not the priority as the risk of infection and potential rupture take precedence in the care of the patient.
Question 2 of 5
An older adult with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease has been experiencing fecal incontinence, with no recent change in stool character noted by the nurse. What is the nurse's most appropriate intervention?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Toilet the client on a frequent, scheduled basis. This intervention is appropriate for managing fecal incontinence in individuals with Alzheimer's disease. By establishing a routine for toileting, the nurse can help the client maintain continence and reduce the risk of accidents. This approach also promotes dignity and independence for the client. A: Keeping a food diary may be helpful for identifying triggers of fecal incontinence, but it is not the most immediate intervention in this case. B: Providing a bland, low-residue diet may not directly address the issue of fecal incontinence and may not be necessary if there has been no recent change in stool character. D: Securing an order for loperamide may be appropriate in some cases, but it is not the first-line intervention for managing fecal incontinence in this scenario.
Question 3 of 5
A client's health history is suggestive of inflammatory bowel disease. Which of the following would suggest Crohn disease, rather than ulcerative colitis, as the cause of the client's signs and symptoms?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: An absence of blood in stool. This suggests Crohn's disease over ulcerative colitis because Crohn's can involve any part of the GI tract and may not always present with blood in stool, in contrast to ulcerative colitis which typically involves the rectum and almost always presents with blood in stool due to continuous inflammation in the colon. Choices A, B, and D are more commonly associated with ulcerative colitis, which typically presents with a pattern of exacerbations and remissions, severe diarrhea, and rectal mucosal involvement.
Question 4 of 5
When creating a care plan for a 70-year-old obese client admitted to the postsurgical unit following a colon resection, the client's age and increased body mass index put them at increased risk for which complication in the postoperative period?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Infection. Postoperative obese patients are at higher risk for surgical site infections due to impaired wound healing, decreased tissue oxygenation, and increased tissue pressure. Obesity also compromises the immune system, further increasing susceptibility to infections. Age is a risk factor for infection as well, as older adults may have weakened immune responses. Hyperglycemia (choice A) is a common issue in obese patients but not specifically related to postoperative complications. Azotemia (choice B) refers to elevated levels of nitrogen-containing compounds in the blood and is not directly related to obesity or age. Falls (choice C) are more related to mobility issues and environmental factors, not specifically to age and obesity in the postoperative period.
Question 5 of 5
A 45-year-old obese man arrives at a clinic reporting daytime sleepiness, difficulty falling asleep at night, and snoring. The nurse should recognize the manifestations of what health problem?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Obstructive sleep apnea. The patient's symptoms of daytime sleepiness, difficulty falling asleep, and snoring are classic signs of obstructive sleep apnea, a condition where the upper airway collapses during sleep, leading to pauses in breathing. This results in poor sleep quality and daytime fatigue. Adenoiditis (choice A) and chronic tonsillitis (choice B) typically present with symptoms like sore throat and difficulty swallowing, which are not seen in this patient. Laryngeal cancer (choice D) would present with hoarseness, persistent cough, and difficulty swallowing, which are not mentioned in the patient's symptoms. Therefore, based on the patient's presentation, the most likely diagnosis is obstructive sleep apnea.