ATI RN
ATI RN Comprehensive Exit Exam 2023
1. A nurse is assessing a client who is 1 day postoperative following abdominal surgery. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
- A. Blood pressure of 110/70 mm Hg
- B. Heart rate of 88/min
- C. Respiratory rate of 20/min
- D. Temperature of 37.3°C (99.1°F)
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because a temperature of 37.3°C (99.1°F) is slightly elevated, indicating a possible infection or inflammatory response, which should be reported to the provider for further evaluation. Choices A, B, and C are within normal limits for a client postoperative, so they do not require immediate reporting. Elevated temperature can be a sign of infection or other complications, making it a priority for reporting and further assessment.
2. A client with diabetes mellitus is being taught by a nurse on managing hypoglycemia. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
- A. Avoid consuming carbohydrate-rich foods.
- B. Consume 15 grams of a fast-acting carbohydrate.
- C. Drink a glass of water to raise blood glucose levels.
- D. Eat a snack before exercising to prevent hypoglycemia.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Consume 15 grams of a fast-acting carbohydrate. Consuming 15 grams of a fast-acting carbohydrate, such as glucose tablets or juice, helps raise blood glucose levels quickly in cases of hypoglycemia. Choice A is incorrect because avoiding carbohydrate-rich foods during hypoglycemia can worsen the condition. Choice C is incorrect as drinking water does not effectively raise blood glucose levels. Choice D is incorrect as eating a snack before exercising is more related to preventing exercise-induced hypoglycemia, not managing hypoglycemia.
3. A nurse is planning care for a client who has osteoarthritis. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?
- A. Administer opioids routinely for chronic pain.
- B. Instruct the client to avoid weight-bearing exercises.
- C. Apply heat to affected joints to reduce stiffness.
- D. Avoid physical activity to prevent joint damage.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with osteoarthritis is to apply heat to affected joints to reduce stiffness. Heat application helps improve circulation, relax muscles, and reduce discomfort in joints affected by osteoarthritis. Administering opioids routinely (Choice A) is not the first-line treatment for osteoarthritis and carries risks of dependency and side effects. Instructing the client to avoid weight-bearing exercises (Choice B) may lead to muscle weakness and reduced joint flexibility. Avoiding physical activity altogether (Choice D) can lead to further joint stiffness and compromised overall health.
4. What is the best dietary recommendation for a patient with chronic liver disease?
- A. Low protein diet
- B. High protein diet
- C. Low sodium diet
- D. High sodium diet
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The best dietary recommendation for a patient with chronic liver disease is a low protein diet. In liver disease, the liver may have difficulty processing protein, leading to the accumulation of toxins like ammonia in the body. A low protein diet helps reduce the burden on the liver and minimizes the production of these harmful substances. High protein diets can exacerbate the condition by increasing the workload on the liver. A low sodium diet (Choice C) is also important for liver disease patients as excess sodium can contribute to fluid retention and swelling, but reducing protein intake is the primary focus in these cases.
5. A client has a new prescription for levothyroxine. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
- A. Take this medication in the evening before bed.
- B. Take this medication on an empty stomach.
- C. Take this medication with a full glass of milk.
- D. Take this medication with an antacid if you experience indigestion.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct instruction when taking levothyroxine is to take it on an empty stomach. This enhances absorption and ensures the medication's effectiveness. Taking it with food or other substances, such as milk or antacids, can interfere with its absorption. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect.
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