ATI RN
ATI Med Surg N241 Exam Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
When reviewing a client's health history, which information does the nurse identify as a risk factor for development of chronic pancreatitis?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Chronic and excessive alcohol consumption is a well-established risk factor for the development of chronic pancreatitis. While contributing to other health issues, it is not directly linked to chronic pancreatitis. Smoking is a risk factor, but alcohol abuse is more significantly associated with chronic pancreatitis. Although it contributes to various health problems, it is not as directly linked to chronic pancreatitis as alcohol abuse.
Question 2 of 5
A client with a history of chronic pancreatitis reports weight loss of 10 pounds over the last month and foul smelling stools. What would be a priority action for the nurse to take?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: While reviewing the diet history is important to understand nutritional intake and habits, it is not the priority action in this case. Consulting a dietitian is important but should follow an assessment that identifies the specific issue causing the symptoms. This action may be necessary if the patient is dehydrated but doesn’t address the primary concern of foul-smelling stools and weight loss. This test is crucial as it helps confirm the diagnosis of malabsorption, which is likely given the patient’s history of chronic pancreatitis and symptoms described. This would be the priority to confirm the cause of the symptoms.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is preparing to administer spironolactone (Aldactone) and furosemide (Lasix) at 0900 to a client diagnosed with ascites. Review of 0600 laboratory results shows serum sodium 130 mEq/L (136-145 mEq/L) and potassium 3.1 mEq/L (3.5-5.0 mEq/L). Which action should the nurse take first?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Requesting a dietary consult is useful but not the most immediate action needed. Ordering a 2 gram sodium restriction diet is important but not addressing the immediate issue of electrolyte imbalance. Fluid restriction may be considered but not before addressing the electrolyte issues. Holding the spironolactone and furosemide is the correct action, as administering these could exacerbate the existing hypokalemia and hyponatremia, increasing the risk of adverse effects.
Question 4 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 5 of 5
The nurse is collecting a health history of a client admitted for possible acute pancreatitis. Which health history item would increase the client's risk for this diagnosis?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Gallstones are a leading cause of acute pancreatitis as they can block the pancreatic duct. While inflammation of the duodenum can cause abdominal symptoms, it does not directly lead to acute pancreatitis. Diabetes results from the dysfunction of the pancreas after damage but does not cause acute pancreatitis. Hepatitis C affects the liver and does not directly cause pancreatitis.