ATI RN
ATI Comprehensive Exit Exam
1. A nurse is assessing a client who is immediately postoperative following a subtotal thyroidectomy. Which of the following should the nurse expect to administer?
- A. Calcium gluconate
- B. Sodium bicarbonate
- C. Potassium chloride
- D. Sodium phosphate
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Calcium gluconate is the correct answer because it is administered to treat hypocalcemia, a common complication post-thyroidectomy. After a thyroidectomy, there is a risk of damaging the parathyroid glands, which can lead to a decrease in calcium levels. Administering calcium gluconate helps to raise calcium levels. Sodium bicarbonate (Choice B) is not typically indicated for immediate postoperative care following a subtotal thyroidectomy. Potassium chloride (Choice C) is not directly related to the common complications of this specific surgery. Sodium phosphate (Choice D) is not typically used to address immediate postoperative issues post-thyroidectomy.
2. A nurse is caring for a client who has chronic kidney disease and a serum potassium level of 6.5 mEq/L. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Administer sodium bicarbonate
- B. Administer sodium polystyrene sulfonate
- C. Administer calcium gluconate
- D. Administer calcium carbonate
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take is to administer sodium polystyrene sulfonate. This medication promotes potassium excretion and helps lower serum potassium levels in clients with hyperkalemia, which is indicated by a high potassium level. Sodium bicarbonate (choice A) is not used to treat hyperkalemia. Calcium gluconate (choice C) and calcium carbonate (choice D) are used to manage hyperkalemia by stabilizing cell membranes but are not the initial treatment choice for lowering potassium levels.
3. A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for clopidogrel. Which of the following statements should the nurse include?
- A. You should avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.
- B. You should monitor for signs of infection.
- C. Take this medication with food to prevent gastrointestinal upset.
- D. Take this medication with a full glass of water.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct statement the nurse should include when teaching a client taking clopidogrel is to monitor for signs of infection. Clopidogrel affects platelet levels and can increase the risk of bleeding. Monitoring for signs of infection is crucial because a compromised immune system can make the client more susceptible to infections. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because clopidogrel is not directly linked to alcohol restrictions, food requirements, or specific water intake instructions.
4. A nurse is preparing to administer a cleansing enema to a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Position the client on their left side.
- B. Insert the enema tubing 8 cm (3.1 in) into the client's rectum.
- C. Hold the container of the enema solution 61 cm (24 in) above the client.
- D. Advance the enema tubing 15 cm (6 in) into the client's rectum.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct action the nurse should take when administering a cleansing enema is to hold the container of the enema solution 61 cm (24 in) above the client. This height facilitates the proper flow of the solution into the client's rectum. Positioning the client on their left side helps facilitate the administration process, but it is not the specific action related to the enema solution. Inserting the enema tubing 8 cm (3.1 in) into the rectum is incorrect as it may not deliver the solution effectively. Advancing the enema tubing 15 cm (6 in) into the client's rectum is excessive and could cause trauma.
5. A client who has a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus is being taught about foot care by a nurse. Which of the following statements should the nurse include?
- A. Use lotion on your feet to prevent dry, cracked skin, avoiding application between the toes.
- B. Avoid soaking your feet in warm water daily to prevent dry skin.
- C. Trim your toenails straight across to prevent injury.
- D. Do not apply a heating pad to your feet if they feel cold.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Trimming toenails straight across is essential for clients with diabetes to prevent the risk of ingrown toenails and injury. Using lotion on feet can be beneficial but should not be applied between the toes to avoid moisture buildup, which can lead to infections. Soaking feet in warm water can lead to dry skin, increasing the risk of cracks and other complications. Applying a heating pad to feet when they feel cold is not recommended for clients with diabetes due to impaired sensation, which can result in burns and other injuries.
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