ATI RN
Client Comfort and End of Life Care ATI Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which of the following would the nurse most expect to find when assessing a client with acute pain?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse most expects cool, clammy skin when assessing a client with acute pain, as it's a physiological response to sympathetic nervous system activationpain triggers stress, causing vasoconstriction and sweating, cooling the skin. This contrasts with chronic pain's subtler signs. Choice B, euphoria, is rareacute pain typically causes distress, not happiness, unless masked by strong analgesics, which isn't implied. Choice C, increased appetite, is unlikely; pain often suppresses hunger via stress hormones like cortisol. Choice D, lethargy, might occur in chronic pain from exhaustion, but acute pain usually heightens alertness initially due to adrenaline. Choice A is correct, reflecting a classic sign nurses assess in acute pain (e.g., post-injury), guiding interventions like analgesics or comfort measures to address both symptoms and underlying causes effectively.
Question 2 of 5
A client asks the nurse why pain medication is given around-the-clock for the first few days after surgery rather than just when the pain is severe. What would be the basis of the nurse's response?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The basis of the nurse's response is to maintain a stable blood level of the drug, as around-the-clock (ATC) dosing post-surgery prevents pain peaks by keeping analgesic levels consistent, blocking nociceptive signals before they escalate. This contrasts with PRN's reactive approach. Choice A, keeping the client sedated, isn't the goalsedation may occur, but pain control drives scheduling. Choice C, reducing total drug amount, is falseATC may use more initially to preempt pain, not less. Choice D, preventing addiction, isn't relevant; short-term post-op use rarely causes dependence. Choice B is correct, explaining ATC's pharmacokinetic logicnurses educate that steady levels (e.g., via morphine every 4 hours) optimize comfort, reduce breakthrough pain, and aid healing, a standard in acute post-surgical management.
Question 3 of 5
A client asks the nurse how aspirin relieves pain. What would be the basis of the nurse's response?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The basis of the nurse's response is that aspirin reduces inflammation, as it inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, decreasing prostaglandin productionchemicals that sensitize nociceptors and swell tissues, driving pain in conditions like arthritis. This anti-inflammatory action is aspirin's core pain-relief mechanism. Choice A, blocks nerve impulses, is wrongnerve blockers (e.g., lidocaine) do this, not aspirin, which acts peripherally. Choice C, numbs the skin, applies to topical anesthetics, not oral aspirin, which targets systemic inflammation. Choice D, increases blood flow, isn't primaryaspirin thins blood, but pain relief ties to inflammation reduction. Choice B is correct, enabling nurses to explain aspirin's role in inflammatory pain (e.g., headaches, joint pain), distinguishing it from opioids, and advising on use (e.g., with food) to manage mild-to-moderate pain effectively.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client who reports chronic pain that is worse in the morning. What would the nurse suggest?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The nurse would suggest applying heat to the area for chronic pain worse in the morning, as heat boosts blood flow, relaxes stiff muscles, and eases joint paincommon with conditions like arthritis, where inactivity overnight stiffens tissues. This targets morning exacerbation. Choice A, increase activity, may help later but risks strain when pain peaks; gradual movement post-relief is better. Choice C, take medication at noon, misses the morning windowpain needs earlier control (e.g., bedtime dosing). Choice D, sleep later, avoids the issue; pain persists regardless of wake time. Choice B is correct, offering a practical, nonpharmacological fix nurses recommend, paired with meds if needed, to reduce morning stiffness and improve daily function for chronic pain clients.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse would expect a client with somatic pain to report which of the following?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The nurse expects a dull ache in somatic pain, as it arises from musculoskeletal tissues (e.g., bones, muscles) due to injury or inflammation, producing a localized, throbbing or aching qualitydistinct from neuropathic pain's neural feel. Choice A, burning sensation, fits neuropathic pain (e.g., nerve damage), not somatic's mechanical origin. Choice C, tingling, also suggests neuropathy (e.g., pinched nerve), not the deeper ache of somatic pain like fractures. Choice D, numbness, indicates nerve dysfunction or anesthesia, not pain itselfsomatic pain is felt, not absent. Choice B is correct, guiding nurses to identify somatic pain's hallmarke.g., post-op or arthritis discomfortprompting treatments like NSAIDs or rest, tailored to its tissue-based source, unlike neuropathic options.