ATI RN
ATI Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam B Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is assessing a client who has a new diagnosis of diverticulitis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Left lower quadrant pain is a hallmark symptom of diverticulitis, caused by inflammation or infection of diverticula in the sigmoid colon.
Choice B is incorrect because right upper quadrant pain is more associated with conditions like cholecystitis or hepatitis, not diverticulitis.
Choice C is incorrect because generalized abdominal distension is less specific and not a primary feature; localized tenderness is more common.
Choice D is incorrect because a fever of 37.2°C is not significant; diverticulitis often causes higher fevers (e.g., >38°
C) if infection is present.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who has a traumatic brain injury and is receiving mechanical ventilation. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent intracranial pressure (ICP) elevation?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Maintaining the head of the bed at a 30-degree angle promotes venous drainage from the brain, reducing intracranial pressure in clients with traumatic brain injury.
Choice B is incorrect because suctioning the endotracheal tube every 2 hours is not routine; it should be done only as needed to avoid hypoxia and ICP spikes.
Choice C is incorrect because, while mannitol is used to reduce ICP, its administration is a medical order, not a nursing action, and requires monitoring for side effects.
Choice D is incorrect because hyperventilation is no longer recommended, as it can cause cerebral vasoconstriction, reducing blood flow and worsening brain injury.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is assessing a client who has a new diagnosis of otitis media. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Ear pain is a hallmark symptom of otitis media, caused by inflammation and pressure from fluid buildup in the middle ear.
Choice B is incorrect because clear ear drainage is not typical; purulent or bloody drainage may occur if the eardrum ruptures.
Choice C is incorrect because a fever of 37.2°C is not significant; otitis media often causes higher fevers (e.g., >38°
C) in acute cases.
Choice D is incorrect because otitis media typically causes hearing loss due to fluid in the middle ear, not improved hearing.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is assessing a client who has schizophrenia and is receiving haloperidol. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Tremors and muscle stiffness are signs of extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), a serious side effect of haloperidol, a typical antipsychotic, requiring immediate reporting for possible dose adjustment or antiparkinsonian medication.
Choice A is incorrect because dry mouth is a common, less severe side effect that can be managed with hydration or sugar-free gum.
Choice C is incorrect because weight loss is not typical; haloperidol may cause weight gain.
Choice D is incorrect because sedation is an expected side effect and does not require immediate reporting unless excessive.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is assessing a client who has a new diagnosis of hypothyroidism. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Bradycardia is a common finding in hypothyroidism due to decreased metabolic rate and reduced sympathetic stimulation, slowing the heart rate.
Choice A is incorrect because hypothyroidism typically causes weight gain due to slowed metabolism, not weight loss.
Choice C is incorrect because heat intolerance is associated with hyperthyroidism; hypothyroidism causes cold intolerance.
Choice D is incorrect because hypothyroidism often leads to constipation due to reduced gastrointestinal motility, not diarrhea.