ATI RN
ATI Fundamentals Exam Special Unit ADN Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient who is being discharged from the hospital after being treated for hypertension. The patient is instructed to take blood pressure 3 times a day and to keep a record of the readings. The nurse recommends that the patient purchase a portable electronic blood pressure device. Which other information will the nurse share with the patient?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: You will need to recalibrate the machine: Electronic blood pressure devices require periodic recalibration to maintain accuracy. The patient should follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for recalibration and compare readings with a manual blood pressure check at clinic visits. You will need to use a stethoscope properly: A portable electronic blood pressure device is automatic and does not require the use of a stethoscope. The device detects oscillations in arterial pressure to provide a reading. You can move your arm during the reading: Movement during the reading can interfere with accuracy and produce incorrect results. The patient should keep the arm still and at heart level. You can apply the cuff in any manner: The cuff must be applied correctly—snug but not too tight, with the lower edge about 1 inch above the antecubital fossa, and the bladder of the cuff positioned over the artery—to ensure accurate readings.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is providing preoperative teaching by demonstrating diaphragmatic breathing to a client who is scheduled for surgery in the morning. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the demonstration?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Inhale slowly and evenly through her nose: The correct technique for diaphragmatic breathing is to inhale deeply through the nose while the abdomen expands. This promotes lung expansion and prevents atelectasis postoperatively. Hold her breath for at least 10 seconds: Diaphragmatic breathing focuses on slow, deep breaths to promote lung expansion and oxygenation. Holding the breath is not part of this technique and may increase discomfort. Place her hands on the sides of her rib cage: While hand placement is encouraged, the correct position is on the abdomen (below the rib cage), not the sides. This helps the client feel the diaphragm expanding. Exhale forcefully through the nose: Exhalation should be slow and controlled through the mouth, not forceful through the nose, to prevent airway irritation.
Question 3 of 5
Which patient scenario of a surgical patient in pain is most indicative of critical thinking?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Asking the patient what pain-relief methods, pharmacological and nonpharmacological, have worked best in the past: This approach assesses the patient’s individual experience and applies personalized care, which is a hallmark of critical thinking. Explaining to the patient that self-reporting of severe pain is not consistent with the minor procedure that was performed: Pain is subjective and should always be believed and assessed rather than dismissed based on procedure type. This does not demonstrate critical thinking. Administering pain-relief medication according to what was given last shift: Pain levels fluctuate, and medication effectiveness must be reassessed each time. Simply repeating the previous shift’s orders does not involve critical thinking. Offering pain-relief medications based on the provider’s orders: While following orders is necessary, critical thinking involves assessing the patient’s pain level and determining the most appropriate intervention rather than blindly administering medication.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has asthma and new prescriptions for cromolyn and albuterol, both by nebulizer. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: I will be sure to take the albuterol before taking the cromolyn': Albuterol (a bronchodilator) should be taken first to open the airways, allowing better absorption of cromolyn (an anti-inflammatory medication). 'I will administer the medications 10 minutes apart': Timing is important, but this option does not specify which medication should be taken first. The correct sequence is albuterol first, followed by cromolyn. 'I will use both medications immediately after exercising': Cromolyn is a mast cell stabilizer used for prevention, not acute symptoms. It should be taken 15-30 minutes before exercise to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm, not after. 'If my breathing begins to feel tight, I will use the cromolyn immediately': Cromolyn is not a rescue medication. Albuterol should be used for acute bronchospasm, while cromolyn is for long-term asthma control.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse caring for a child who has asthma and a prescription for montelukast granules. Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide to the client's parents on administering the medication?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Give the medication in the morning daily: Montelukast (a leukotriene receptor antagonist) is given once daily in the evening for long-term asthma control. If prescribed for allergic rhinitis, it can be given in the morning. Administer the medication 2 hours before exercise: Montelukast is not a rescue medication but a maintenance drug. However, it can be prescribed for exercise-induced bronchospasm and is taken at least 2 hours before exercise when used for that purpose. Administer the granules mixed with 20 ounces of water: Montelukast granules should be mixed with a small amount of soft food (e.g., applesauce, mashed carrots) or breast milk/formula but not a large volume of liquid. Give the medication at the onset of wheezing: Montelukast is not a quick-relief medication and does not work immediately. Short-acting bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol) should be used for acute wheezing.