ATI RN
ATI RN Fundamentals 2023 Exam 5 Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is considering placing wrist restraints on a client who has cognitive deficits and has pulled out their IV catheter. Before using wrist restraints, which of the following actions must the nurse take first?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Documenting the indications for using wrist restraints is an important step in the process, but it is not the first action the nurse should take. Documentation ensures that there is a clear rationale for the use of restraints and helps in maintaining legal and ethical standards. However, before documenting, the nurse must explore and attempt less restrictive alternatives to ensure that restraints are truly necessary. Obtaining a prescription for restraints from the provider is a crucial step, as restraints should only be used with a valid order from a healthcare provider. This ensures that the use of restraints is medically justified and that the provider is aware of the client's condition. However, before seeking a prescription, the nurse must first attempt less restrictive alternatives to manage the client's behavior. Explaining the procedure to the client and their family is an important step in obtaining informed consent and maintaining transparency. However, it should be done after the nurse has determined that less restrictive alternatives are not effective and that restraints are necessary. Attempting less restrictive alternatives is the first action the nurse must take. This approach aligns with ethical and legal guidelines that emphasize the use of the least restrictive measures to ensure the client's safety. Alternatives may include verbal de-escalation, environmental modifications, or the use of less restrictive devices. Only if these measures fail should the nurse consider using restraints.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is assessing a client who received morphine for severe pain 30 minutes ago. Which of the following findings is the nurse's priority?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: While it is important to monitor bowel movements, especially since opioids like morphine can cause constipation, this is not the immediate priority. Opioid-induced constipation is a common side effect due to decreased gastrointestinal motility. However, it does not pose an immediate life-threatening risk compared to respiratory depression. A respiratory rate of 7 breaths per minute is significantly below the normal range for adults, which is typically 12-20 breaths per minute. This indicates severe respiratory depression, a known and potentially fatal side effect of morphine. Immediate intervention is required to ensure the patient's airway is maintained and to prevent respiratory arrest. Although the client reporting a pain level of 8 out of 10 indicates that the pain is not adequately controlled, this is not the most urgent concern compared to respiratory depression. Pain management is crucial, but ensuring the patient's respiratory function takes precedence. A distended bladder can be a side effect of morphine due to urinary retention. While this needs to be addressed to prevent discomfort and potential complications, it is not as critical as managing a severely low respiratory rate.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is assessing a client whose partner is receiving hospice care and is dying. The client states, 'I should start planning the trip that we want to take.' Which of the following ego-defense mechanisms is the client expressing?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Dissociation is a defense mechanism where a person disconnects from their thoughts, feelings, or sense of identity. It often occurs in response to trauma or extreme stress, allowing the individual to distance themselves from the reality of the situation. In this case, the client is not showing signs of dissociation, such as feeling detached from reality or experiencing memory gaps. Instead, they are avoiding the reality of their partner's condition. Denial is a defense mechanism where a person refuses to accept the reality of a situation to avoid dealing with painful emotions. The client's statement about planning a trip despite their partner's terminal condition indicates that they are not acknowledging the severity of the situation. This refusal to accept reality helps them cope with the emotional distress associated with their partner's impending death. Regression involves reverting to behaviors from an earlier stage of development when faced with stress. This might include actions like thumb-sucking, bed-wetting, or other childlike behaviors. The client's statement does not indicate a return to earlier developmental behaviors but rather a refusal to accept the current reality. Displacement is a defense mechanism where negative emotions are redirected from their original source to a less threatening target. For example, someone might take out their frustration with their boss on a family member. In this scenario, the client is not redirecting their emotions but rather avoiding the reality of their partner's condition.
Question 4 of 5
A home health nurse is performing a fall risk assessment for an older adult client. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a potential fall risk in the home?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Electrical wires secured to baseboards are generally not considered a significant fall risk. Properly secured wires reduce the likelihood of tripping hazards compared to loose or exposed wires.
Therefore, this is not a primary concern for fall risk. Taking antihypertensive medication can increase the risk of falls, especially in older adults. These medications can cause orthostatic hypotension, a condition where blood pressure drops significantly upon standing, leading to dizziness and an increased risk of falling. This makes it a critical factor to consider in fall risk assessments. Wearing rubber-sole shoes is typically recommended to prevent falls because they provide good traction and reduce the risk of slipping. However, if the soles are too thick or bulky, they can catch on carpets or other surfaces, potentially causing trips. Generally, rubber-sole shoes are considered safer than other types of footwear. A visual acuity of 20/40 indicates some level of visual impairment, but it is not severe. While reduced visual acuity can contribute to fall risk, it is not as significant as the risk posed by medications that affect blood pressure. Visual impairments should still be addressed, but they are not the most immediate concern in this context.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is assessing a client who has hypocalcemia. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: B,C,E
Rationale: A negative Chvostek's sign is not expected in a client with hypocalcemia. The Chvostek's sign is a clinical indicator of hypocalcemia, where tapping the facial nerve triggers facial muscle twitching. A positive Chvostek's sign indicates neuromuscular irritability due to low calcium levels.
Therefore, a negative Chvostek's sign would not be consistent with hypocalcemia. A positive Trousseau's sign is a classic indicator of hypocalcemia. This sign is elicited by inflating a blood pressure cuff on the upper arm to a level above the systolic pressure for several minutes. The resultant carpopedal spasm (involuntary contraction of the hand and wrist muscles) is a positive Trousseau's sign, indicating neuromuscular irritability due to low calcium levels. Muscle cramps are a common symptom of hypocalcemia. Low calcium levels increase neuromuscular excitability, leading to involuntary muscle contractions and cramps. These cramps can occur in various muscle groups, often causing significant discomfort. Abdominal distention is not typically associated with hypocalcemia. While abdominal distention can result from various gastrointestinal issues, it is not a direct symptom of low calcium levels. Hypocalcemia primarily affects neuromuscular function rather than causing abdominal distention. Tingling sensation around the lips, also known as perioral tingling, is a common symptom of hypocalcemia. This occurs due to increased neuromuscular irritability caused by low calcium levels, leading to sensations of tingling or numbness around the mouth.