While assessing a client with a casted right ankle and foot, the nurse notes the toes are more edematous than they were several hours ago and are cool to touch despite elevation of the foot above the level of the heart. Which action should the nurse take first?

Questions 90

ATI LPN

ATI LPN Test Bank

Patient Care Exam Questions Questions

Question 1 of 5

While assessing a client with a casted right ankle and foot, the nurse notes the toes are more edematous than they were several hours ago and are cool to touch despite elevation of the foot above the level of the heart. Which action should the nurse take first?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Notifying the provider immediately is first. Increased edema and coolness despite elevation suggest vascular compromise (e.g., compartment syndrome), needing urgent evaluation, per protocol. More assessments delay, documentation is secondary, and heat worsens swelling. A ensures timely intervention, making it the initial step.

Question 2 of 5

A client with a central venous catheter reports pain at the insertion site. Which action should the nurse take first?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Assessing the site for redness or swelling is first for pain at a CVC site. It identifies infection or thrombosis, guiding care, per nursing process. Flushing , medicating , or notifying follow assessment. B ensures accurate intervention, making it priority.

Question 3 of 5

A nurse administers the influenza vaccine to a client in a clinic. Within 15 minutes after the immunization was given, the client complains of itchy and watery eyes, increased anxiety, and difficulty breathing. The nurse expects that the first action in the sequence of care for this client will be to

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Maintaining the airway is the first action for anaphylaxis post-vaccine, indicated by itchy eyes, anxiety, and breathing difficulty, per emergency protocols. Airway compromise is life-threatening, prioritizing it over epinephrine , monitoring , or antihistamines , which follow. A ensures oxygenation, critical in this rapid-onset reaction.

Question 4 of 5

The nurse sees a substance abusing client occasionally in the outpatient clinic. In evaluating the client's progress, the nurse recognizes that the most revealing resistant behavior is

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Continuing drug use is the most revealing resistant behavior. It directly indicates failure to progress in substance abuse treatment, per addiction nursing. Crises , rationalizing , and absences suggest resistance but ongoing use is the definitive barrier to recovery.

Question 5 of 5

The parents of a 2 year-old child report that he has been holding his breath whenever he has temper tantrums. What is the best action by the nurse?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Advising parents to ignore breath-holding is best. It's a benign tantrum behavior; reflex breathing resumes, per pediatric standards. CPR is unnecessary, giving in reinforces behavior, and reasoning is ineffective at this age. C prevents escalation safely.

Access More Questions!

ATI LPN Basic


$89/ 30 days

ATI LPN Premium


$150/ 90 days

Similar Questions