ATI RN
ATI Fundamentals Exam Special Unit ADN Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is teaching the patient with mitral valve problems about the valves of the heart. Starting on the right side of the heart, describe the sequence of blood flow through these valves. 1. Mitral; 2. Aortic; 3. Tricuspid; 4. Pulmonic
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: 3,4,1,2 (Tricuspid → Pulmonic → Mitral → Aortic): Blood flow through heart valves follows this order: Tricuspid Valve (Right atrium → Right ventricle), Pulmonic Valve (Right ventricle → Pulmonary artery → Lungs), Mitral Valve (Left atrium → Left ventricle), Aortic Valve (Left ventricle → Aorta → Body). 4,3,2,1 (Pulmonic → Tricuspid → Aortic → Mitral): This sequence incorrectly places the pulmonic valve first instead of the tricuspid. 1,3,2,4 (Mitral → Tricuspid → Aortic → Pulmonic): This sequence incorrectly starts with the mitral valve (left side of the heart), instead of the tricuspid (right side of the heart). 2,4,1,3 (Aortic → Pulmonic → Mitral → Tricuspid): This sequence incorrectly places the aortic valve first, which is incorrect for blood flow through the heart.
Question 2 of 5
While performing an assessment, the nurse hears crackles in the patient's lung fields. The nurse also learns that the patient is sleeping on three pillows to help with the difficulty breathing during the night. Which condition will the nurse most likely observe written in the patient's medical record?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Left-sided heart failure: Left-sided heart failure causes pulmonary congestion leading to crackles, orthopnea (difficulty breathing while lying flat), and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (waking up gasping for air). Myocardial ischemia: Myocardial ischemia causes chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue, but it does not cause crackles in the lungs or fluid overload symptoms. Right-sided heart failure: Right-sided heart failure results in systemic congestion (peripheral edema, weight gain, and jugular vein distention), not pulmonary symptoms like crackles. Atrial fibrillation: Atrial fibrillation causes irregular heartbeats, palpitations, and fatigue, but it is not the primary cause of crackles or orthopnea.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is observing a newly licensed nurse who is performing a focused skin assessment on a client who reports a skin condition. Which of the following questions by the newly licensed nurse requires intervention?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Have you had any changes in your diet?': While diet can impact skin health, this question is not the most relevant for an immediate skin assessment. More direct questions about onset, symptoms, and exacerbating factors should be prioritized. 'Does your skin condition keep you awake at night?': Pruritus (itching), pain, or discomfort from a skin condition can disrupt sleep. Asking this helps assess the impact on daily life and quality of sleep. 'How does your skin condition make you feel?': Skin conditions can affect self-esteem and mental health. This question is therapeutic and appropriate to assess emotional impact. 'How do you handle stress?': Many skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, worsen with stress. This question is relevant for identifying triggers.
Question 4 of 5
Which item should the nurse use first to assist in staging an ulcer on the heel of a darkly pigmented skin patient?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Natural light: In darkly pigmented skin, color changes may not be obvious under artificial lighting. Using natural light helps the nurse detect early signs of skin breakdown. Disposable measuring tape: While measuring the wound is important, assessing the wound’s color and depth should be the first step to determine staging. Cotton-tipped applicator: A cotton-tipped applicator is useful for assessing undermining or tunneling, but it is not the first step in staging a pressure ulcer. Sterile gloves: Gloves are necessary for infection control, but they do not assist in staging the ulcer. First, assess the wound using natural light.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse teaches a patient about atelectasis. Which statement by the patient indicates an understanding of atelectasis?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: It is important to do breathing exercises every hour to prevent atelectasis': Frequent deep breathing exercises, coughing, and incentive spirometry are essential for preventing atelectasis, especially after surgery. 'If I develop atelectasis, I will need a chest tube to drain excess fluid': Atelectasis is alveolar collapse, not fluid accumulation. Chest tubes are used for pneumothorax or pleural effusion, not for atelectasis. 'Hyperventilation will open up my alveoli, preventing atelectasis': Hyperventilation can cause respiratory alkalosis but does not effectively re-expand alveoli. Incentive spirometry and deep breathing are more effective. 'Atelectasis affects only those with chronic conditions such as emphysema': Atelectasis can affect anyone, especially postoperatively due to shallow breathing and reduced lung expansion. It is not exclusive to chronic conditions.