ATI RN
ATI Medical Surgical Proctored Exam
1. During a home visit to an older client living alone post-coronary artery bypass graft, what finding prompts the nurse to consider additional referrals?
- A. Dirty carpets requiring vacuuming
- B. Expired food found in the refrigerator
- C. Outdated medications stored in the kitchen
- D. Presence of multiple cats in the home
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The presence of expired food in the refrigerator is concerning as it raises safety issues for the client and indicates potential financial constraints preventing them from buying fresh food. The nurse should consider referring the client to services like Meals on Wheels or other home-based food programs to address this issue and ensure the client's nutritional needs are met.
2. When caring for an older adult client with a pulmonary infection, what action should the nurse take first?
- A. Encourage the client to increase fluid intake.
- B. Assess the client's level of consciousness.
- C. Raise the head of the bed to at least 45 degrees.
- D. Provide the client with humidified oxygen.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Assessing the client's level of consciousness is the priority because it provides crucial information on the client's neurological status and response to the infection. Changes in consciousness can indicate deterioration or improvement in the client's condition, guiding further interventions and treatment.
3. Which action best demonstrates respect for autonomy when working with a client?
- A. Asks if the client has questions before signing a consent form
- B. Provides the client with accurate information when questioned
- C. Honors the promises made to the client and family
- D. Ensures fair treatment of the client compared to others
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Respect for autonomy involves allowing individuals to make decisions about their care. By asking if the client has questions before signing a consent form, the nurse is respecting the client's right to make informed choices and decisions regarding their healthcare. This action supports the principle of self-determination and autonomy in healthcare decision-making.
4. A client is on intravenous heparin to treat a pulmonary embolism. The client's most recent partial thromboplastin time (PTT) was 25 seconds. What action should the nurse anticipate?
- A. Decrease the heparin rate.
- B. Increase the heparin rate.
- C. No change to the heparin rate.
- D. Stop the heparin; start warfarin (Coumadin).
Correct answer: B
Rationale: For clients on heparin therapy, a PTT value of 1.5 to 2.5 times the normal range is required to ensure therapeutic anticoagulation. The normal PTT range is 25 to 35 seconds. In this case, the client's PTT of 25 seconds falls below the therapeutic range, indicating that the heparin dose is insufficient. Therefore, the nurse should anticipate increasing the heparin rate to achieve the desired therapeutic effect.
5. A healthcare professional is assessing a client who has a new onset of confusion. Which laboratory value should the professional check first?
- A. Blood glucose level
- B. Serum sodium level
- C. Serum calcium level
- D. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In a client presenting with a new onset of confusion, checking the blood glucose level first is crucial as hypoglycemia can cause confusion and is easily correctable. Addressing hypoglycemia promptly is essential to prevent further complications.
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