ATI RN
ATI RN Adult Medical Surgical Online Practice 2023 A
1. A client presents with shortness of breath, pain in the lung area, and a recent history of starting birth control pills and smoking. Vital signs include a heart rate of 110/min, respiratory rate of 40/min, and blood pressure of 140/80 mm Hg. Arterial blood gases reveal pH 7.50, PaCO2 29 mm Hg, PaO2 60 mm Hg, HCO3 20 mEq/L, and SaO2 86%. What is the priority nursing intervention?
- A. Prepare for mechanical ventilation.
- B. Administer oxygen via face mask.
- C. Prepare to administer a sedative.
- D. Assess for indications of pulmonary embolism.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In a client with a high respiratory rate, low PaO2, and low SaO2, the priority intervention is to improve oxygenation. Administering oxygen via a face mask will help increase the oxygen supply to the client's lungs and tissues, addressing the hypoxemia. While mechanical ventilation may be necessary in severe cases, administering oxygen is the initial and most appropriate intervention to address the client's respiratory distress. Sedatives should not be given without ensuring adequate oxygenation. Assessing for pulmonary embolism is important but not the priority at this moment when the client is experiencing respiratory distress and hypoxemia.
2. A nurse in the PACU is assessing a client who has an endotracheal tube (ET) in place and observes the absence of left-sided chest wall expansion upon respiration. Which of the following complications should the nurse suspect?
- A. Blockage of the ET tube by the client's tongue
- B. Passage of the ET tube into the esophagus
- C. Movement of the ET tube into the right main bronchus
- D. Infection of the vocal cords
Correct answer: C
Rationale: When the nurse observes the absence of left-sided chest wall expansion upon respiration, it indicates that the endotracheal tube (ET) may have migrated into the right main bronchus, leading to uneven chest expansion. This can result in inadequate ventilation to the left lung, causing respiratory compromise. The other options, such as blockage of the ET tube by the client's tongue, passage of the ET tube into the esophagus, and infection of the vocal cords, do not directly explain the observed chest wall asymmetry and respiratory distress.
3. During an assessment of the respiratory pattern of an older adult client receiving end-of-life care, which of the following assessment findings should the nurse identify as Cheyne-Stokes respirations?
- A. Breathing ranging from very deep to very shallow with periods of apnea
- B. Shallow to normal breaths alternating with periods of apnea
- C. Rapid respirations that are unusually deep and regular
- D. An inability to breathe without dyspnea unless sitting upright
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Cheyne-Stokes respirations are characterized by a pattern of breathing that ranges from very deep to very shallow with periods of apnea (temporary cessation of breathing). This pattern is often seen in clients near the end of life or with certain medical conditions affecting the respiratory control center in the brain. The alternating deep and shallow breaths can be distressing for both the client and caregivers. It is crucial for the nurse to recognize this pattern to provide appropriate care and support to the client and their family during this challenging time.
4. A client had an evacuation of a subdural hematoma. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
- A. Observe for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks from the evacuation site.
- B. Assess for an increase in temperature.
- C. Check the oximeter.
- D. Monitor for manifestations of increased intracranial pressure.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: When caring for a client who had an evacuation of a subdural hematoma, the nurse's priority is to check the oximeter. Monitoring oxygen saturation is crucial to ensure adequate tissue oxygenation, especially after such a procedure. This assessment helps in early detection of hypoxemia, which can be detrimental to the client's recovery. While observing for CSF leaks, assessing for temperature changes, and monitoring for signs of increased intracranial pressure are important, checking the oximeter takes precedence to address immediate oxygenation needs.
5. A client just had a flexible bronchoscopy. Which of the following nursing actions is appropriate?
- A. Withhold food and liquids until the client's gag reflex returns.
- B. Irrigate the client's throat every 4 hours.
- C. Have the client refrain from talking for 24 hours.
- D. Suction the client's oropharynx frequently.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: After a flexible bronchoscopy, it is crucial to withhold food and liquids until the client's gag reflex returns to prevent aspiration. Irrigating the client's throat every 4 hours, having the client refrain from talking for 24 hours, and frequent suctioning of the oropharynx are not indicated post-bronchoscopy and may even pose risks to the client's recovery.
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