ATI RN
ATI Nurs285 Med Surg Exam Questions
Extract:
Question 1 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 suggests acute compartment syndrome, where swelling increases pressure in a muscle compartment, risking tissue damage.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient with a long history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who develops cor pulmonale. The nurse should monitor the patient for which expected finding if heart failure is present?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Peripheral edema is a key sign of right-sided heart failure in cor pulmonale, resulting from fluid accumulation due to impaired cardiac pumping.
Question 3 of 5
A patient with asthma presents with daily peak flow rates consistently at 45% of their personal best. What is the most appropriate action the nurse should take?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Peak flow rates at 45% indicate poor asthma control, requiring initiation of an asthma action plan and oral corticosteroids to manage the exacerbation.
Question 4 of 5
A 70-year-old client in a nursing home is found wandering in the hall and has a new onset confusion. Which action should the registered nurse implement first?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Assessing the client's lung fields and temperature is the first priority because new onset confusion in an older adult is often a symptom of an underlying medical issue, such as infection or hypoxia. Early assessment helps identify the cause and guide appropriate interventions.
Question 5 of 5
Postural drainage with percussion and vibration is ordered twice daily for a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Administering a bronchodilator before postural drainage opens airways, enhancing secretion clearance. Fluid restriction is inappropriate, deep breathing is secondary, and supine positioning is not ideal.