ATI RN
ATI RN Custom Med Surg Surgical patient Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is analyzing the arterial blood gas (ABG) results of a patient. The patient's ABGs are: pH:7.6, PaCO2:40 mm Hg, HCO3:32 mEq/L. Which of the following acid-base conditions should the nurse identify the patient is experiencing?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: High pH (7.6) and elevated HCO3 (32 mEq/L) with normal PaCO2 indicate metabolic alkalosis. Respiratory acidosis has low pH, respiratory alkalosis low PaCO2, and metabolic acidosis low HCO3.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is caring for a patient who is a hospital employee. Several nurses have called seeking information about the patient. What action should the nurse take in response to inquiries from the nurses?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Referring inquiries to the supervisor ensures HIPAA compliance and protects patient confidentiality. Transferring calls breaches privacy, acknowledging presence risks confidentiality, and contacting the provider is inefficient.
Question 3 of 5
During a shift change report, a nurse notices that a patient's IV bag of 0.9% sodium chloride has 900 mL of fluid remaining. The nurse checks again 30 minutes later and finds that the IV bag is empty. What should the nurse do in this situation?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Checking respiratory rate and lung sounds assesses for fluid overload from rapid infusion. NPO status, head elevation, and temperature measurement are less relevant.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is looking after a patient who is 12 hours postoperative following a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and has a 3-way urinary catheter with continuous irrigation. The nurse observes that there has been no urinary output in the last hour. What should the nurse do first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Checking tubing patency addresses the likely cause of obstruction, preventing complications like bladder distention. Analgesics, provider notification, and fluids are secondary.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse on the unit suspects that a colleague is extracting a small quantity of morphine from the syringe prior to administering it to the patient. What should the nurse do in this situation?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Informing the charge nurse follows the chain of command, ensuring a discreet investigation. Security involvement is premature, AP monitoring is inappropriate, and confrontation risks escalation.