ATI RN
Client Safety Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which medication should the nurse anticipate the health-care provider ordering for the client diagnosed with ARDS?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: A synthetic surfactant. In ARDS, the alveoli become stiff and collapse, leading to impaired gas exchange. Synthetic surfactant helps reduce surface tension in the alveoli, improving lung compliance and gas exchange. Aminoglycoside antibiotics (A) are not typically used in ARDS. Potassium cation (C) is not a medication used to treat ARDS. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (D) do not address the underlying pathophysiology of ARDS.
Question 2 of 5
A patient is diagnosed with a large pulmonary embolism. When explaining to the patient what has happened to cause respiratory failure, which information will the nurse include?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because in a large pulmonary embolism, a blood clot obstructs blood flow in the pulmonary arteries, leading to decreased blood flow to parts of the lungs despite adequate breathing. This mismatch between ventilation and perfusion causes respiratory failure. A is incorrect because thick membranes between air sacs and lung circulation do not play a significant role in pulmonary embolism. B is incorrect as it describes bronchial blockage, not pulmonary embolism. C is incorrect because it describes a mismatch in ventilation and perfusion but does not specifically relate to decreased blood flow due to a pulmonary embolism.
Question 3 of 5
When caring for a patient who developed acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) as a result of a urinary tract infection (UTI), the nurse is asked by the patient's family how a urinary tract infection could cause lung damage. Which response by the nurse is appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for the correct answer (C): 1. Urinary tract infection (UTI) triggers a systemic inflammatory response. 2. Systemic inflammation can lead to a condition called sepsis. 3. Sepsis can cause widespread inflammation in the body, including the lungs. 4. This generalized inflammation can result in damage to the lung tissue, leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Summary of why other choices are incorrect: A: Incorrect because UTI does not directly spread to the lungs through circulation. B: Incorrect because toxins produced by UTI typically affect the urinary system, not the lungs. D: Incorrect because fever associated with infection does not directly cause scar tissue formation in the lungs.
Question 4 of 5
The oxygen delivery system chosen for the patient in acute respiratory failure should
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because in acute respiratory failure, the goal is to maintain adequate oxygenation while avoiding oxygen toxicity. Keeping PaO2 at ≥60 mm Hg ensures tissue oxygenation without causing harm. Low-flow devices like nasal cannula (A) may not provide sufficient oxygen. Correcting PaO2 to normal levels quickly (B) can lead to oxygen toxicity. Positive-pressure ventilation (C) is indicated in severe respiratory failure, not for all patients in acute respiratory failure.
Question 5 of 5
The student nurse diligently assesses her patient with a chest tube. She notices that the suction control chamber of the chest tube is not bubbling. What is the first thing this student should do?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The student nurse should first check the level of suction on the wall because the absence of bubbling in the suction control chamber indicates a potential issue with the suction level. Checking the suction setting ensures that the chest tube is functioning properly. Documenting this as normal (choice A) is incorrect because it could lead to overlooking a problem. Encouraging the patient to cough and deep breathe (choice B) is not relevant to addressing the issue with the chest tube. Clamping the chest tube and calling for help (choice D) is dangerous and could compromise the patient's condition. Therefore, checking the suction level on the wall (choice C) is the appropriate initial action to take.