ATI RN
ATI Nurs285 Med Surg Exam Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who has multiple long bone fractures caused by a motor-vehicle crash that happened 24 hr ago. The client tells the nurse he is short of breath and experiencing chest pain. The nurse should assess the client further for which of the following potential complications?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Fat embolism syndrome is a serious complication of long bone fractures, presenting with respiratory distress and chest pain within 24-72 hours post-injury, matching the client's symptoms and timing.
Question 2 of 5
A patient who is experiencing an acute asthma attack is admitted to the emergency department. Which assessment should the nurse complete first?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Assessing lung sounds first provides critical information about airway obstruction severity, guiding immediate interventions for an acute asthma attack.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is caring for a postoperative client who has a chest tube connected to suction and a water seal drainage system. Which of the following indicates to the nurse that the chest tube is functioning properly?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Fluctuation of the fluid level within the water seal chamber (tidaling) indicates proper chest tube function, reflecting changes in intrapleural pressure during respiration. Continuous bubbling suggests an air leak, and absence of fluid or equal drainage amounts are not specific indicators of functionality.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse notes increasing edema in the calf of a client who has multiple fractures of the leg. The nurse should recognize that increasing edema is a manifestation of which of the following complications?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Increasing edema in the calf indicates acute compartment syndrome, a medical emergency caused by pressure buildup in a muscle compartment.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a Plaster of Paris walking cast on his left lower leg. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Numbness or pain in the toes may indicate impaired circulation or nerve compression, requiring immediate attention. A musty odor suggests infection, ice is not typically recommended, and the cast must be kept dry.