ATI RN
ATI n200 Med Surg Exam Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is assessing a client on the first post-operative day after a L3-4 laminectomy and diskectomy. The client now complains of numbness and tingling in the left leg. What is the nurse's first priority?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The first priority is to assess whether the numbness and tingling in the left leg are new or a preexisting symptom. This helps identify if there are complications like nerve injury or issues with the surgical site. While documenting the findings is important, it's more critical to compare these new symptoms with preoperative findings to identify potential complications. Drawing blood for serum calcium is not directly relevant to the immediate issue of nerve symptoms after a laminectomy. Telling the client that the symptoms are normal could lead to delayed intervention if there is a more serious issue, like nerve damage or surgical complications.
Question 2 of 5
In the operating room, an 82-year-old client tells the circulating nurse that cataract surgery is to be performed on the left eye. The nurse notes that the consent form indicates the right eye. What is the nurse's best action?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Notifying the surgical team (
A) ensures correct site verification. Assuming confusion (
B), pointing to the eye (
C), or checking medications (
D) delays resolution.
Question 3 of 5
The most effective way for a nurse to avoid a lumbosacral spine injury while caring for clients is to:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Protective back supports can be helpful but do not replace the need for proper body mechanics and lifting devices. Proper footwear is important for overall safety but does not directly prevent back injuries related to lifting. Staying in good physical shape helps with overall body strength and endurance but does not eliminate the risk of injury when lifting clients. Mechanical lifting devices are the most effective way to prevent injury while moving or lifting patients, as they reduce the risk of strain on the spine.
Question 4 of 5
The patient is post-op day 1 of a right total hip replacement. What precautions are necessary to prevent complications? (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)
Correct Answer: A,B,D,E
Rationale: An adductor pillow helps maintain proper alignment and prevents the hip from crossing the midline (adduction). Limiting hip flexion to 90 degrees prevents dislocation by avoiding positions that could stress the hip joint. A fracture pan is not a necessary precaution for a total hip replacement; it is more relevant for clients with fractures. Adduction should be avoided to prevent the hip from dislocating. Internal rotation can cause the hip to dislocate, so it should be avoided.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse caring for a patient who has severe osteoporosis. On inspection, the patient has severe kyphosis of the upper back. Which nursing problem takes priority for this patient's care?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Severe kyphosis and osteoporosis increase the risk of falls, which can lead to fractures, making fall prevention the highest priority. While important, education is not the immediate priority compared to preventing falls. Skin breakdown is a concern but is not as critical as the immediate risk of injury from falls. Limited mobility is a concern but secondary to the risk of falls.