ATI RN
ATI Med Surg N241 Exam Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
What does the nurse identify as a potential complication of chronic pancreatitis?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Chronic damage to the pancreas can lead to diabetes mellitus due to the destruction of insulin-producing cells. Jaundice is typically associated with liver disease, not directly linked with chronic pancreatitis. Ascites is a complication of liver disease, not typically a direct result of chronic pancreatitis. While steatorrhea is a symptom of chronic pancreatitis due to malabsorption of fats, it is not a complication but rather a direct effect of the enzyme insufficiency.
Question 2 of 5
A client with cirrhosis has the following current assessment data: jaundice, decreased appetite, hemoglobin 15 g/dL (14-18 g/dL) and PT of 20.6 seconds (11-12.5 sec). What does the nurse identify as the priority problem for this client?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Cirrhosis can lead to coagulopathy due to impaired synthesis of clotting factors by the liver, putting the client at high risk for bleeding. While clients with cirrhosis may experience fatigue, it is not the priority problem indicated by the assessment data provided. Decreased appetite and jaundice may affect nutritional status, but they do not pose an immediate threat compared to the risk of bleeding. Jaundice can lead to pruritus and increased risk of skin breakdown, but it is not the priority problem indicated by the assessment data provided.
Question 3 of 5
An adult client is admitted to the emergency department with symptoms of acute pancreatitis. Which data support this diagnosis?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: These symptoms are more indicative of chronic conditions. These are not specific to acute pancreatitis. Elevated lipase and Turner's sign (bruising around the flanks) strongly suggest acute pancreatitis. Amylase within normal limits and steatorrhea do not support acute pancreatitis.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is admitting a client with the diagnosis of hepatic encephalopathy. Which assessment finding should the nurse anticipate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Bradycardia is not typically associated with hepatic encephalopathy. Asterixis is a characteristic finding in hepatic encephalopathy, known as 'flapping tremor,' indicating neuromuscular irritability due to elevated blood ammonia levels. Fever is not a common direct symptom of hepatic encephalopathy. Melena indicates gastrointestinal bleeding, which while possible in liver disease, is not specific to hepatic encephalopathy.
Question 5 of 5
A client with cirrhosis has the following laboratory results: albumin 4.9 g/dl. (3.5-5 g/dL), PT 13 seconds (11-12.5 sec), and serum ammonia 68 mcg/dL (15-45 mcg/dL). Based on this information, what is the nurse's next action?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Elevated serum ammonia levels can lead to hepatic encephalopathy, which affects mental status and consciousness, making this the priority assessment. The PT is slightly prolonged but not alarmingly high; bleeding is less of a concern compared to the elevated ammonia. This action is important in assessing fluid accumulation but is not as critical as assessing mental status in this scenario. While part of a comprehensive abdominal assessment, this is not the most critical action given the elevated ammonia level.