ATI RN
ATI Detailed Answer Key Medical Surgical
1. While caring for a client with extensive partial and full-thickness burns of the head, neck, and chest, which risk should the nurse prioritize for assessment and intervention?
- A. Airway obstruction
- B. Infection
- C. Fluid imbalance
- D. Paralytic ileus
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When a client sustains burns to the head, neck, or chest, the risk of airway obstruction is a critical concern due to potential swelling, inflammation, or inhalation injury. Any compromise to the airway can lead to severe respiratory distress or failure. Early recognition and intervention to maintain a clear airway are essential to prevent life-threatening complications in burn patients.
2. A client underwent a total laryngectomy. Which of the following is the priority observation in the client's care?
- A. Patency of the intravenous line
- B. Level of pain
- C. Integrity of the dressing
- D. Need for suctioning
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Following a total laryngectomy, maintaining a clear airway is crucial to prevent complications such as airway obstruction due to secretions or blood clots. Monitoring the need for suctioning takes precedence to ensure the client's airway remains patent. While monitoring pain levels, IV line patency, and dressing integrity are important aspects of care, ensuring adequate airway clearance through suctioning is the priority in this scenario.
3. A client is 12 hours postoperative and has a chest tube to a disposable water-seal drainage system with suction. The healthcare provider should intervene for which of the following observations?
- A. Constant bubbling in the suction-control chamber
- B. Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber
- C. Bloody drainage in the collection chamber
- D. Fluid-level fluctuations in the water-seal chamber
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber indicates an air leak, which can compromise the system's integrity and affect the client's respiratory status. The other options are expected findings in a client with a chest tube drainage system: constant bubbling in the suction-control chamber indicates proper suction function, bloody drainage in the collection chamber is expected in the immediate postoperative period, and fluid-level fluctuations in the water-seal chamber demonstrate normal drainage and lung re-expansion.
4. When admitting a client with active tuberculosis to a room on a medical-surgical unit, which of the following room assignments should the nurse make?
- A. A room with air exhaust directly to the outdoor environment
- B. A room with another nonsurgical client
- C. A room in the ICU
- D. A room that is within view of the nurses' station
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When admitting a client with active tuberculosis, it is crucial to assign them to a room with air exhaust directly to the outdoor environment to prevent the spread of infectious particles to other patients and healthcare workers. This setup helps in reducing the risk of transmission within the healthcare facility. Placing the client in a room with another nonsurgical client or in the ICU may increase the chances of spreading the infection. Additionally, placing the client in a room within view of the nurses' station does not address the need for proper ventilation to minimize transmission of tuberculosis.
5. A client developed fat embolism syndrome (FES) following a fracture. Which of the following laboratory findings should the nurse expect?
- A. Decreased serum calcium level
- B. Decreased level of serum lipids
- C. Decreased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
- D. Increased platelet count
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In fat embolism syndrome (FES), fat globules enter the bloodstream and can lead to various complications, including a decrease in serum calcium levels. This occurs due to the formation of fat emboli in the vessels, which can interfere with calcium metabolism. Therefore, a decreased serum calcium level is an expected laboratory finding in a client with fat embolism syndrome.
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