Which problem in a client requires the most immediate intervention by the nurse?

Questions 63

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ATI Learning System PN Medical Surgical Final Quizlet Questions

Question 1 of 9

Which problem in a client requires the most immediate intervention by the nurse?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Compartment syndrome is a medical emergency that can lead to tissue damage and loss of limb function. Immediate intervention is crucial to prevent further complications. Finger paresthesias related to carpal tunnel syndrome (A) are not life-threatening and can be managed conservatively. Morton's neuroma (C) and plantar fasciitis (D) are painful conditions, but they do not pose an immediate threat to the client's health or limb function.

Question 2 of 9

A patient with anemia is prescribed ferrous sulfate. What advice should the nurse give regarding the administration of this medication?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Take on an empty stomach for best absorption. Ferrous sulfate is best absorbed on an empty stomach to maximize its effectiveness. When taken with food or dairy products (Choice A), the absorption of iron is reduced. Vitamin C actually enhances the absorption of iron, so avoiding it (Choice C) is not recommended. Taking the medication before bedtime (Choice D) may lead to gastrointestinal side effects and is not optimal for absorption.

Question 3 of 9

A client with liver cirrhosis is prescribed lactulose. What is the purpose of this medication?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Rationale: Lactulose is prescribed for liver cirrhosis to reduce ammonia levels. It works by promoting the excretion of ammonia in the stool, preventing its accumulation in the bloodstream. This helps prevent hepatic encephalopathy, a serious complication of cirrhosis. Other choices are incorrect because lactulose does not directly affect blood sugar levels, liver inflammation, or bile flow in the context of liver cirrhosis.

Question 4 of 9

A patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus is admitted to the hospital with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). What is the priority nursing action?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer regular insulin intravenously. In DKA, the priority is to lower blood glucose levels and correct acidosis. Regular insulin intravenously is the fastest way to reduce blood glucose levels. Oral hypoglycemic agents (B) are not effective in DKA. Sodium bicarbonate (C) is not routinely recommended in DKA as it may worsen acidosis. Providing a high-calorie diet (D) is not appropriate as the focus should be on treating the underlying condition first.

Question 5 of 9

A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is experiencing severe dyspnea. What position should the nurse encourage the patient to assume?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: High Fowler's. This position helps improve lung expansion and breathing efficiency by maximizing chest expansion. Sitting upright reduces pressure on the diaphragm, allowing for better ventilation. Supine (A) position can worsen dyspnea by restricting lung expansion. Prone (B) position is not ideal for COPD patients as it can hinder breathing. Trendelenburg (D) position, where the patient's feet are elevated above the head, can increase pressure on the diaphragm and impair breathing, making it inappropriate for a patient experiencing severe dyspnea.

Question 6 of 9

A patient with severe anemia is prescribed erythropoietin. What is the primary action of this medication?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Promote red blood cell production. Erythropoietin is a hormone that stimulates the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells, helping to treat anemia. It does not stimulate white blood cell production (A), increase platelet count (B), or enhance clotting factor production (D). White blood cells are involved in the immune response, platelets are responsible for clotting, and clotting factors are proteins involved in the blood clotting process. Therefore, the primary action of erythropoietin is to specifically target red blood cell production to address anemia.

Question 7 of 9

Why is a client with ascites scheduled for a paracentesis procedure?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: To relieve abdominal pressure. Paracentesis is performed to drain excess fluid from the abdominal cavity, which helps alleviate symptoms like abdominal distension and discomfort in clients with ascites. It does not serve the purpose of diagnosing liver disease (A), assessing kidney function (C), or reducing blood pressure (D). The primary goal of paracentesis in this context is to provide symptomatic relief by removing the accumulated fluid, thereby reducing pressure on surrounding organs and improving the client's comfort and overall well-being.

Question 8 of 9

The community health nurse is working in a multi-ethnic health center. In what situation should the nurse intervene?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because an African-American infant losing weight rapidly is a sign of potential malnutrition or health issue that requires immediate intervention. The nurse should assess the infant's feeding, growth, and health status to address the problem promptly. Choice A is incorrect as cupping is a cultural practice that may not necessarily harm the child and should be respected. Choice B is incorrect as being late for appointments is not a direct health risk that requires immediate intervention. Choice C is incorrect as avoiding direct eye contact is a cultural norm for some Native-American individuals and does not indicate a health emergency.

Question 9 of 9

A client with a new diagnosis of myasthenia gravis is prescribed pyridostigmine (Mestinon). Which instruction should the nurse include in the client's teaching?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Take the medication 30 minutes before meals. Pyridostigmine is a cholinesterase inhibitor used to treat myasthenia gravis by improving muscle strength. Taking it before meals helps optimize its effects when muscle strength is needed the most during eating. Taking it with food (A) may delay absorption. Avoiding dairy products (C) is not necessary with pyridostigmine. Taking the medication at bedtime (D) may not be optimal for addressing muscle weakness during meal times.

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