ATI RN
ATI Medsurg Proctored Final Exam Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is admitting a client who has a serum calcium level of 12.3 mg/dL and initiates cardiac monitoring. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect during the initial assessment?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Lethargy. A serum calcium level of 12.3 mg/dL indicates hypercalcemia. In hypercalcemia, calcium affects the central nervous system, leading to lethargy, weakness, and confusion. Lethargy is a common early symptom of hypercalcemia. Hypertension is not typically associated with hypercalcemia. Muscle spasms are more common in hypocalcemia. Severe agitation is not a typical manifestation of hypercalcemia.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is planning an educational program about basal cell carcinoma. Which of the following information should the nurse plan to include?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Basal cell carcinoma has a low incidence of metastasis. Basal cell carcinoma rarely metastasizes to other parts of the body, making it highly curable through surgical excision. This information is crucial for patients to understand the low likelihood of the cancer spreading.
Choices B and C are incorrect because basal cell carcinoma is not typically fatal nor does it metastasize early.
Choice D is incorrect as basal cell carcinoma is more common in older adults, not younger clients.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is reviewing the arterial blood gas values of a client who has chronic kidney disease. Which of the following sets of values should the nurse expect?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A (pH 7.25, HCO3- 19 mEq/L, PaCO2 30 mm Hg). In chronic kidney disease, the kidneys are unable to excrete acid effectively, leading to metabolic acidosis. The pH is low (acidotic) due to the accumulation of acids. The bicarbonate (HCO3-) is low (19 mEq/L) as the kidneys are unable to reabsorb and regenerate bicarbonate effectively. The PaCO2 is low (30 mm Hg) as the respiratory system compensates by increasing the respiratory rate to blow off carbon dioxide in an attempt to normalize the pH.
Choices B, C, and D have pH values within normal range and do not reflect the expected acidosis in chronic kidney disease.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse in a clinic is interviewing a client who has a possible diagnosis of endometriosis. Which of the following findings in the client's history should the nurse recognize as consistent with a diagnosis of endometriosis?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Dysmenorrhea that is unresponsive to NSAIDs. Endometriosis is characterized by severe menstrual pain that is not relieved by NSAIDs. This is due to the abnormal growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. Heavy menstrual bleeding (
B) is a common symptom but not specific to endometriosis. Positive family history of fibroids (
C) is unrelated to endometriosis. Pelvic pain after intercourse (
D) can be a symptom of endometriosis but is not as specific as unresponsive dysmenorrhea.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is providing discharge teaching for a client who is postoperative following a simple mastectomy. The client is to begin outpatient radiation therapy the next day. Which of the following instructions about maintaining skin integrity should the nurse include?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Correct Answer: A. Do not apply heat to the area of irradiation.
Rationale: Heat can increase skin sensitivity and damage during radiation therapy. It is important to avoid any source of heat on the irradiated area to prevent further skin irritation and burns.
Summary:
B. Using sunscreen is not necessary for radiation therapy as it does not protect against radiation.
C. Applying lotion generously can interfere with the radiation treatment and cause skin irritation.
D. Rubbing the area with an alcohol-based lotion can further irritate the skin and is not recommended during radiation therapy.