ATI RN
ATI Pediatric Proctored Exam
1. A school nurse is assessing a school-age child�s blood pressure while he is seated in a chair. The child starts to experience a tonic-clonic seizure. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
- A. Clear the immediate area around the child of hazardous objects
- B. loosen the child�s restrictive clothing
- C. assist the child to a side-lying position on the floor
- D. apply an oxygen mask to the child
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The greatest risk to this child is aspiration, occlusion of the airway, and bodily injury from falling out of the chair. The nurse should ease the child down to the floor in a side-lying position immediately.
2. A patient in the emergency department reports taking sildenafil (Viagra) and nitroglycerin 1 hr before sexual activity. Which finding should the nurse immediately report to the physician?
- A. WBC of 3200 cells/mm³
- B. RR of 26 breaths/min
- C. Temp of 38°C
- D. BP of 70/50
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: BP of 70/50. When sildenafil (Viagra) is taken with nitroglycerin, it can cause severe hypotension that is unresponsive to treatment. The combination of these medications can lead to a dangerous drop in blood pressure. It is crucial to immediately report hypotension in this scenario as it poses a significant risk to the patient's life. It is recommended to allow at least 24 hours to elapse between the last dose of sildenafil and nitroglycerin to prevent such adverse effects. The other vital signs and lab values may be abnormal but do not have the immediate life-threatening implications that severe hypotension does in this context.
3. A young child admitted to the pediatric unit has fever, irritability, and vomiting with suspected bacterial meningitis. Which cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) result should the nurse anticipate based on these data?
- A. Decreased protein count
- B. Clear, straw-colored fluid
- C. Positive for red blood cells (RBCs)
- D. Decreased glucose level
Correct answer: D
Rationale: In bacterial meningitis, the glucose level in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is typically decreased due to the increased utilization of glucose by the infecting bacteria. This metabolic change leads to a decrease in CSF glucose levels, making choice D the correct answer in this scenario. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because bacterial meningitis usually results in an increased protein count, cloudy appearance of the CSF due to the presence of bacteria, and absence of red blood cells (RBCs) in the CSF unless there is a traumatic tap, respectively.
4. When a patient is taking glucocorticoids and digoxin, which electrolyte should the nurse prioritize monitoring?
- A. Calcium
- B. Magnesium
- C. Sodium
- D. Potassium
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The nurse should primarily monitor potassium levels in a patient taking glucocorticoids and digoxin. Glucocorticoids can lead to potassium loss, potentially increasing the risk of digoxin toxicity. Additionally, glucocorticoids may worsen hypokalemia induced by diuretics like thiazides and loops. While calcium, magnesium, and sodium are important electrolytes to monitor in various clinical situations, they are not the priority in this specific scenario of a patient on glucocorticoids and digoxin.
5. What is the most appropriate nursing consideration for a patient who is prescribed verapamil and digoxin?
- A. Restrict intake of oral fluids and high-fiber foods
- B. Take an apical pulse for 30 seconds before administration
- C. Notify the healthcare provider of nausea, vomiting, and visual changes
- D. Hold the medications if the heart rate is greater than 110 bpm
Correct answer: C
Rationale: When a patient is prescribed verapamil and digoxin, it is crucial to monitor for signs of digoxin toxicity due to the potential interaction between these medications. Verapamil can elevate digoxin blood serum levels, increasing the risk of toxicity. Symptoms of digoxin toxicity include nausea, vomiting, and visual changes. Therefore, the most appropriate nursing consideration is to notify the healthcare provider of these symptoms. Restricting intake of oral fluids and high-fiber foods is not a specific consideration related to this medication combination. Before administering digoxin, it is essential to take an apical pulse for a full minute, not just 30 seconds, to ensure accuracy. Additionally, holding the medications if the heart rate exceeds 110 bpm is not a typical response to the combination of verapamil and digoxin, which can cause bradycardia rather than tachycardia.
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