ATI RN
ATI Nur 175 Med Surg Exam Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is reviewing the laboratory results for a client who is scheduled for knee arthroplasty later in the day. Which laboratory value is most important to report to the health care provider before the surgery?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A hematocrit level of 33.4% is slightly below the normal range, which may indicate mild anemia. While this is important to monitor, it is not as urgent as a high white blood cell count, which could indicate an infection. Mild anemia can typically be managed perioperatively without significant risk. A white blood cell count of 15.5 x10/uL is significantly elevated and suggests an active infection or inflammatory process. Before proceeding with surgery, it is crucial to identify and treat any infections to prevent postoperative complications, such as sepsis. This value is the most critical to report to the healthcare provider to ensure the safety of the surgical procedure. A platelet count of 386,000 mm³ is within the normal range and does not indicate any immediate risk of bleeding or clotting disorders. Thus, this value does not necessitate urgent reporting before surgery. A hemoglobin level of 12.2 g/dL is at the lower end of the normal range, indicating borderline anemia. Although it is important to consider, it does not present as immediate a concern as a potential infection. The surgery can generally proceed with closer monitoring of the client's hemoglobin levels.
Question 2 of 5
When assessing a patient taking stimulant medications, the nurse should monitor for which of the following?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Stimulants increase heart rate, making tachycardia a critical side effect to monitor.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is caring for an adult client who is scheduled for surgery. The client is competent and neurologically intact. Who would be responsible for signing the informed consent?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The person granted power of attorney for healthcare would be responsible for signing the informed consent only if the client is unable to make decisions for themselves due to incompetence or incapacity. Since the client in this scenario is competent and neurologically intact, the power of attorney is not applicable. The client's emergency contact is not authorized to sign informed consent unless they hold legal power of attorney or the client is incapacitated and unable to make decisions. The emergency contact's primary role is to be contacted in emergency situations, not to make medical decisions on behalf of the client. The legal next of kin would only be responsible for signing the informed consent if the client is not capable of doing so themselves. In this case, the client is competent and neurologically intact, so the next of kin's consent is not needed. The client is responsible for signing the informed consent because they are competent and capable of making their own medical decisions. Informed consent must be obtained from the client directly when they have the capacity to understand and agree to the proposed treatment or procedure.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is teaching a class on bioterrorism. What is the scientific rationale for designating a specific area for decontamination?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Providing a centralized area for stocking the needed supplies is important for logistical reasons, ensuring that all necessary materials are readily available. However, this is not the primary scientific rationale for designating a specific decontamination area. The primary focus is on preventing contamination and ensuring safety. Preventing secondary contamination to health-care providers is the most crucial reason for designating a specific area for decontamination. This measure is vital to avoid spreading hazardous substances to others and ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the decontamination process. By containing the contamination in a controlled area, health-care providers can minimize the risk of exposure and cross-contamination. Designating an area where bioterrorism clients can receive care is important, but it is not the primary rationale for having a specific decontamination area. While care and treatment are critical, the main goal of the decontamination area is to remove contaminants and protect health-care providers and other patients from exposure. Providing showers and privacy to the client in the decontamination area is beneficial for the comfort and dignity of the client. However, this is not the main scientific rationale for having a designated decontamination area. The primary reason is to control and contain contamination and prevent it from spreading.
Question 5 of 5
A school nurse is planning a presentation about identifying potential warning signs of suicide for high school students. Which of the following examples of behaviors should the nurse include in the teaching?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Extreme mood swings can indicate suicidal ideation.