ATI RN
Medical Surgical Nursing Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
You are taking histories from several clients who report vertigo. Which client report concerns you the most?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Vertigo accompanied by hearing loss may indicate Meniere's disease or other serious inner ear disorders requiring prompt evaluation.
Question 2 of 9
Anne asks how a chest x-ray would help the physician examine her heart. You respond by saying
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Chest x-rays provide information about heart size and position.
Question 3 of 9
What general appearance and obvious physical characteristic components should the nurse evaluate when completing a biocultural assessment?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Evaluating multiple aspects of physical appearance provides a comprehensive understanding of the client's biocultural context.
Question 4 of 9
A healthcare provider suspects anaphylaxis when caring for a client following the initial administration of an oral antibiotic. Which of the following should be the healthcare provider's priority intervention?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Count the respiratory rate. This is the priority intervention because anaphylaxis can lead to severe respiratory distress due to airway swelling or bronchoconstriction. Counting the respiratory rate helps to quickly assess the client's breathing status and detect any signs of respiratory distress. Inserting an IV line (choice A) may be necessary for administering medications, but assessing the respiratory rate takes precedence. Administering oxygen (choice C) is important but should follow assessing the respiratory rate. Preparing equipment for intubation (choice D) is a later intervention if respiratory distress worsens.
Question 5 of 9
A postoperative priority nursing diagnosis for a client having a vertical partial laryngectomy would be:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The laryngectomy client should be able to gradually increase activities without difficulty. The laryngectomy client may have copious amounts of secretions, which will require suctioning for the first 24-48 hours. Because the mucous collects in the cannula, it will require cleaning after the first 24 hours. Even though the client does have a potential for infection, this is not more important than the ineffective airway clearance. An altered mucous membrane problem is not more important than ineffective airway clearance. The client's mouth may become dry, but can be taken care of with good oral care.
Question 6 of 9
Following a cocaine high, the user commonly experiences an extremely unpleasant feeling called:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Crashing refers to the intense fatigue and depression following cocaine use.
Question 7 of 9
A healthcare professional is monitoring a client following a thoracentesis. The healthcare professional should identify which of the following manifestations as a complication and contact the provider immediately?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, increased heart rate, as it indicates a potential complication such as hemorrhage or pneumothorax post-thoracentesis. An increased heart rate can signify hypovolemia or respiratory distress, requiring immediate provider notification. Serosanguineous drainage (A) is expected initially, discomfort (B) is common, and decreased temperature (D) is not typically a complication post-thoracentesis.
Question 8 of 9
A community health center is preparing a presentation on the prevention and detection of cancer. Which health care professional (RN, LPN/LVN, nurse practitioner, nutritionist) should be assigned to address the following topics?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: RNs are best suited to explain complex medical procedures like screening exams and diagnostic tests, while other topics may involve collaboration with nutritionists or nurse practitioners.
Question 9 of 9
The PACU nurse applies warm blankets to a postoperative patient who is shivering and has a body temperature of 96.0°F (35.6°C). What treatment also may be used to treat the patient?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Shivering increases oxygen demand; providing oxygen supports metabolic needs.