ATI RN
ATI Detailed Answer Key Medical Surgical
1. A client is 1-day postoperative following a left lower lobectomy and has a chest tube in place. When assessing the client's three-chamber drainage system, the nurse notes that there is no bubbling in the suction control chamber. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Continue to monitor the client as this is an expected finding.
- B. Add more water to the suction control chamber of the drainage system.
- C. Verify that the suction regulator is on and check the tubing for leaks.
- D. Milk the chest tube and dislodge any clots in the tubing that are occluding it.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In a three-chamber chest drainage system, the absence of bubbling in the suction control chamber indicates that no suction is being applied to the chest tube. The nurse should first verify that the suction regulator is on and check the tubing for any leaks that may be causing the lack of suction. Adding more water to the chamber or milking the chest tube are inappropriate actions and could potentially harm the client. Monitoring the client without taking action could lead to complications if the chest tube is not functioning properly.
2. During an assessment, a client with a long history of smoking and suspected laryngeal cancer will most likely report which early manifestation?
- A. Dysphagia
- B. Hoarseness
- C. Dyspnea
- D. Weight loss
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In clients with laryngeal cancer, hoarseness is often one of the earliest manifestations due to vocal cord involvement. The irritation and inflammation caused by the tumor affect the vocal cords, leading to changes in voice quality. Dysphagia (choice A) typically occurs later as the tumor grows and interferes with swallowing. Dyspnea (choice C) and weight loss (choice D) may occur as the cancer progresses, but hoarseness is usually among the first signs to manifest in laryngeal cancer.
3. A nurse is observing the closed chest drainage system of a client who is 24 hr post thoracotomy. The nurse notes slow, steady bubbling in the suction control chamber. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Check the tubing connections for leaks.
- B. Check the suction control outlet on the wall.
- C. Clamp the chest tube.
- D. Continue to monitor the client's respiratory status.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In a closed chest drainage system, slow, steady bubbling in the suction control chamber is an expected finding, indicating proper functioning of the system. There is no immediate need for intervention as this indicates the system is working as intended. The nurse should continue to monitor the client's respiratory status for any signs of distress or changes. Checking tubing connections for leaks or clamping the chest tube are unnecessary actions based on the information provided. Checking the suction control outlet on the wall is also not indicated in this scenario.
4. While suctioning the endotracheal tube of a client on a ventilator, the nurse notices an increase in the client's heart rate from 86/min to 110/min, with irregularity. What should the nurse do next?
- A. Obtain a cardiology consult.
- B. Suction the client less frequently.
- C. Administer an antidysrhythmic medication.
- D. Perform pre-oxygenation prior to suctioning.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: When a client's heart rate increases and becomes irregular during suctioning of an endotracheal tube, it indicates potential hypoxemia. Performing pre-oxygenation before suctioning helps prevent hypoxemia and subsequent dysrhythmias. This intervention ensures that the client has adequate oxygen reserves before the procedure, reducing the risk of complications related to suctioning.
5. A client is unconscious with a breathing pattern characterized by alternating periods of hyperventilation and apnea. The nurse should document that the client has which of the following respiratory alterations?
- A. Kussmaul respirations
- B. Apneustic respirations
- C. Cheyne-Stokes respirations
- D. Stridor
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Cheyne-Stokes respirations are characterized by periods of deep, rapid breathing followed by periods of apnea. This pattern is often seen in clients with neurological or cardiac conditions. Kussmaul respirations are deep and rapid breaths often associated with metabolic acidosis. Apneustic respirations are characterized by prolonged inhalations with shortened exhalations and can indicate damage to the pons. Stridor is a high-pitched, noisy respiratory sound usually associated with upper airway obstruction. Therefore, in this scenario, the client's alternating pattern of hyperventilation and apnea aligns with Cheyne-Stokes respirations.
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