ATI RN
ATI Detailed Answer Key Medical Surgical
1. A nurse is teaching a client who is obese and has obstructive sleep apnea how to decrease the number of nightly apneic episodes. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?
- A. "It might help if I tried sleeping only on my back."
- B. "I'll sleep better if I take a sleeping pill at night."
- C. "I'll get a humidifier to run at my bedside at night."
- D. "If I could lose about 50 pounds, I might stop having so many apneic episodes."
Correct answer: D
Rationale:
2. A healthcare professional is assessing a client who has a fracture of the femur. Vital signs are obtained on admission and again in 2 hours. Which of the following changes in assessment should indicate to the healthcare professional that the client could be developing a serious complication?
- A. Increased respiratory rate from 18 to 44/min
- B. Increased oral temperature from 36.6� C (97.8� F) to 37� C (98.6� F)
- C. Increased blood pressure from 112/68 to 120/72 mm Hg
- D. Increased heart rate from 68 to 72/min
Correct answer: A
Rationale: An increased respiratory rate from 18 to 44/min is a significant change that should alert the healthcare professional to a potential serious complication. Such a drastic increase in respiratory rate may indicate respiratory distress or hypoxia, which are critical conditions requiring immediate attention. The other options show minor changes in vital signs that are within normal limits and are less likely to indicate a serious complication.
3. A client in an emergency department has a sucking chest wound resulting from a gunshot. The client has a blood pressure of 100/60 mm Hg, a weak pulse rate of 118/min, and a respiratory rate of 40/min. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Raise the foot of the bed to a 90� angle
- B. Remove the dressing to inspect the wound
- C. Prepare to insert a central line
- D. Administer oxygen via nasal cannula
Correct answer: D
Rationale: In a client with a sucking chest wound, the priority is to administer oxygen via nasal cannula to improve oxygenation. The client's blood pressure, weak pulse rate, and elevated respiratory rate indicate hypovolemic shock, so increasing oxygen supply is crucial. Raising the foot of the bed, removing the dressing, or preparing to insert a central line are not immediate actions needed for a client with a sucking chest wound and signs of shock.
4. What information should be included as effective for preventing chronic bronchitis in a community presentation?
- A. Maintenance of ideal weight
- B. Annual influenza immunization
- C. Smoking cessation
- D. Regular moderate exercise
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Chronic bronchitis is often linked to smoking. Smoking cessation is the most effective preventive measure to reduce the risk of developing chronic bronchitis. Smoking damages the airways and leads to inflammation, making individuals more susceptible to chronic bronchitis. While maintaining an ideal weight, getting an annual influenza vaccine, and engaging in regular moderate exercise are beneficial for overall health, the most crucial intervention to prevent chronic bronchitis is quitting smoking.
5. 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.
Similar Questions

Access More Features
ATI RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days
- 50,000 Questions with answers
- All ATI courses Coverage
- 30 days access @ $69.99
ATI RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days
- 50,000 Questions with answers
- All ATI courses Coverage
- 30 days access @ $149.99