ATI RN
Client Comfort and End of Life Care ATI Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which of the following persons is responsible for handling and filing a death certificate with proper authorities?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Death certificates need legal filing. 'Mortician' is responsiblee.g., funeral home submits to state, per Taylor's postmortem roles, after MD signs. 'Physician' certifiese.g., cause, not filing. 'Nurse' preparese.g., body, not paperwork. 'Hospital administrator' overseese.g., not direct. A nurse hands offe.g., 'Mortuary takes it'standard (e.g., 80% of deaths), ensuring records. Choice A is the correct, final handler.
Question 2 of 5
A client diagnosed with Cushing's disease has a potassium level of 2.3 mEq/L (2.3 mmol/L). Based on the result, which pattern would the nurse be monitoring for on the cardiac monitor?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B) Prominent U wave. In the context of a client with Cushing's disease and a potassium level of 2.3 mEq/L (2.3 mmol/L), hypokalemia is present. A prominent U wave on the ECG is a characteristic feature of hypokalemia, indicating repolarization delay in the heart. Monitoring for U waves is crucial as it can predispose the client to life-threatening arrhythmias. Option A) Prolonged ST segment is not typically associated with hypokalemia but can be seen in conditions like myocardial infarction. Option C) ST elevation is commonly seen in conditions like myocardial infarction, pericarditis, or myocarditis, not specifically related to hypokalemia. Option D) Tall peaked T waves are indicative of hyperkalemia, not hypokalemia. Educationally, it is important for nurses to understand the ECG changes associated with electrolyte imbalances to provide timely and appropriate interventions. Recognizing the specific ECG patterns related to electrolyte disturbances can help nurses prevent serious complications and provide optimal care for clients, especially those with complex conditions like Cushing's disease.
Question 3 of 5
Which client is most likely to develop a potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L (6.2 mmol/L)?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer to the question is option B) The client who had a traumatic burn. Hyperkalemia (potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L) is likely in this client due to cell destruction associated with the burn, leading to the release of potassium into the bloodstream. This potassium shift can result in elevated serum potassium levels. Option A) The client who abuses laxatives is incorrect because laxative abuse can lead to potassium depletion, causing hypokalemia rather than hyperkalemia. Option C) The client with colitis is also incorrect as colitis is more likely to result in electrolyte imbalances such as hypokalemia rather than hyperkalemia. Option D) The client with Cushing's syndrome is incorrect because Cushing's syndrome is associated with conditions that can lead to hypokalemia, such as increased excretion of potassium. In an educational context, understanding the causes of electrolyte imbalances is crucial for nurses caring for patients, particularly those with traumatic burns. Monitoring for potassium shifts in burn patients is essential to prevent complications related to electrolyte imbalances. This question highlights the importance of recognizing the relationship between burns and potassium levels, emphasizing the need for accurate assessment and monitoring in clinical practice.
Question 4 of 5
The responsibility of taking a 47-year-old female client's vital signs who was diagnosed with right breast cancer post-mastectomy has been assigned to the newly graduated nurse. Which of the following vital sign procedures should be considered?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is option A: Attaching the pulse oximeter on the left index finger. This choice is the most appropriate because it avoids the risk of lymphedema on the right mastectomy side. Placing any equipment on the side of a mastectomy can potentially lead to complications such as swelling due to compromised lymphatic drainage. Therefore, it is crucial to protect the surgical side to prevent adverse effects. Options B, C, and D are incorrect for various reasons. Attaching the pulse oximeter on the right index finger (option B) is not advisable as it involves the side of the mastectomy. Taking blood pressure on the right arm (option D) is also contraindicated for the same reason. While taking blood pressure on the left arm (option C) is generally acceptable, in this case, it is less specific to the situation of a post-mastectomy client. From an educational standpoint, this scenario highlights the importance of understanding the implications of surgical procedures on patient care. Nurses need to be mindful of protecting surgical sites, especially in clients who have undergone procedures like mastectomy. By choosing the correct option, nurses demonstrate their ability to provide safe and appropriate care tailored to the individual needs of each client. This rationale emphasizes the significance of considering the specific circumstances of each patient to ensure optimal outcomes and prevent potential complications.
Question 5 of 5
What is comfort according to Kolcaba's theory?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Kolcaba's theory of comfort defines it as a holistic state that goes beyond just physical ease or the absence of pain. It encompasses a sense of calm, satisfaction, and well-being across physical, psychospiritual, environmental, and sociocultural dimensions. Comfort is not merely a fleeting moment of relief or limited to the physical body; it's an overarching experience that nurses aim to enhance for patients. Choice A focuses only on physical ease, which is too narrow, while Choice C limits it to pain absence, ignoring other aspects like emotional or spiritual comfort. Choice D suggests temporariness, but Kolcaba views comfort as a sustainable state that can be intentionally supported. Choice B captures the full scope of her theory, emphasizing a holistic calm and satisfaction that aligns with her framework of nursing care.