ATI RN
NP125 Med Surg Exam Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
What is the most appropriate method for controlling bleeding at this wound site?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Applying a warm pack is inappropriate for controlling active bleeding, as it can exacerbate blood flow to the site, worsening the hemorrhage rather than controlling it effectively. Using a tourniquet above the bleeding site is a last-resort method typically reserved for life-threatening bleeding. It may cause complications such as nerve damage or ischemia, so other measures are prioritized first. Direct pressure or sterile pressure dressing with elevation minimizes blood loss effectively by compressing the damaged vessels, promoting clot formation, and utilizing gravity to reduce the pressure at the wound site. It is the recommended first-line method. Placing an ice pack on the bleeding site may reduce localized blood flow by inducing vasoconstriction but is less effective than direct pressure for stopping active hemorrhage. It is secondary to other control measures.
Question 2 of 5
Which diagnostic assessment method is commonly used for osteoarthritis (O
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: X-rays are commonly used to diagnose osteoarthritis as they effectively visualize joint space narrowing, osteophyte formation, and subchondral sclerosis, which are characteristic of OA. These imaging findings assist in confirming the diagnosis and assessing disease progression. Lithography is not a diagnostic tool used for OA. It primarily refers to a printing method and has no relevance to imaging joints affected by osteoarthritis or diagnosing the condition scientifically. Ultrasound can visualize soft tissues but is not routinely used for OA diagnosis. It does not provide the detailed assessment of joint degeneration seen in X-rays, making it less appropriate for identifying OA-related changes. Echocardiograms are used to assess heart function and have no application in diagnosing osteoarthritis. They are irrelevant in imaging joint structures or evaluating degenerative joint diseases scientifically.
Question 3 of 5
Which risk factor is the most likely cause of a patient's peptic ulcer disease (PUD)?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: While alcohol is a known irritant to the gastric lining, it is not the primary cause of peptic ulcer disease. Excessive alcohol consumption contributes to mucosal damage but lacks the direct causative action of Helicobacter pylori, which colonizes the stomach lining and interferes with protective mechanisms, leading to ulcer formation. Alcohol merely exacerbates existing risk factors rather than initiating disease. Helicobacter pylori is the most common cause of peptic ulcer disease globally. Its mechanism involves producing urease, neutralizing stomach acid and enabling bacterial survival. It induces inflammation and mucosal damage, compromising the stomach's protective lining. Persistent infection leads to ulcer formation. This bacterial colonization is implicated in up to 90% of duodenal ulcers, making it the key pathogenic factor in PUD. Smoking is a risk factor for peptic ulcer disease but functions more as an aggravating agent than the primary cause.
Tobacco use increases gastric acid secretion and decreases bicarbonate production, weakening mucosal defenses. It also reduces the efficacy of Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy, prolonging ulcer disease. However, it does not directly induce the condition independently, highlighting its secondary role in PUD pathology. Stress is associated with peptic ulcer disease but is not a primary causative factor. Psychological stress can lead to hypersecretion of gastric acid, aggravating mucosal vulnerability in susceptible individuals. However, its role is predominantly indirect, amplifying existing risk factors like Helicobacter pylori infection. Stress-induced ulcers are typically seen in critical illnesses or severe physiological stress conditions, differing from PUD pathogenesis.
Question 4 of 5
The patient's meal has been delivered, the nurse checks the patient's pre-meal blood sugar, and the result is 243 mg/dL. The patient is awake, alert, hungry, and able to swallow. The next step the nurse should take is:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Administering dextrose IVP is inappropriate for hyperglycemia. It elevates blood sugar further, risking complications like hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state. It is used to treat severe hypoglycemia instead. Glucagon stimulates glycogen breakdown into glucose, increasing blood sugar. It is contraindicated in hyperglycemia, as it would aggravate elevated glucose levels. It is a treatment for severe hypoglycemia. Holding insulin allows hyperglycemia to persist, increasing risks of complications like ketoacidosis. Insulin administration is essential to reduce the glucose level safely. Rapid-acting insulin like Humalog reduces hyperglycemia efficiently, bringing preprandial blood glucose closer to the target range of 70-130 mg/dL. Administering 4 units is a reasonable corrective dose based on the blood glucose of 243 mg/dL.
Question 5 of 5
When caring for a patient in skeletal traction, the nurse should complete which 4 interventions?
Correct Answer: A,C,D,F
Rationale: Performing neurovascular assessments on the affected extremity helps identify potential complications such as ischemia or nerve damage. This includes checking circulation, sensation, and movement regularly to ensure proper function and prevent permanent injury. Skeletal traction relies on the tension created by weights hanging freely to maintain proper alignment of the bone. If weights lay flat on the ground, the traction effect is lost, undermining the therapeutic purpose of the intervention. Observing pin sites for signs of infection is crucial in preventing complications like osteomyelitis. Regular monitoring ensures early detection and management of redness, swelling, or discharge, which can compromise treatment outcomes. Assessing skin for signs of breakdown is essential in immobile patients receiving skeletal traction. Prolonged pressure and reduced mobility increase the risk of pressure ulcers, necessitating vigilant skin checks and preventive measures. Applying a boot directly to the skin is not appropriate in skeletal traction. Devices must be used correctly and securely without creating additional pressure points or compromising the treatment's effectiveness. Providing pin site care prevents infections and maintains the integrity of the pin and surrounding tissue. This involves cleaning the area and using antiseptics, which are standard practices in skeletal traction care.