ATI RN
ATI RN Exit Exam
1. A client with a colostomy needs optimal skin integrity. What action should the nurse take to promote this?
- A. Cleanse the peristomal skin with alcohol.
- B. Change the colostomy pouch every 3 days.
- C. Use a barrier cream to protect the skin from the pouch contents.
- D. Cleanse the stoma with hydrogen peroxide.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: To promote optimal skin integrity in a client with a colostomy, using a barrier cream to protect the skin from the irritating effects of the colostomy pouch contents is essential. Cleansing the peristomal skin with alcohol (Choice A) can be too harsh and drying for the skin. Changing the colostomy pouch every 3 days (Choice B) is important for hygiene but using a barrier cream is more directly related to skin protection. Cleaning the stoma with hydrogen peroxide (Choice D) is not recommended as it can be too abrasive for the sensitive stoma area.
2. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving a continuous heparin infusion. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of the therapy?
- A. Serum potassium
- B. Platelets
- C. aPTT
- D. INR
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: aPTT. Monitoring the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is crucial when a client is receiving heparin therapy. The aPTT reflects the clotting time and helps assess the effectiveness of heparin in preventing clot formation. Keeping the aPTT within the therapeutic range ensures that the medication is working optimally. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because serum potassium, platelets, and INR are not direct indicators of heparin's effectiveness or therapeutic range.
3. How should a healthcare professional prepare a patient for a colonoscopy?
- A. Provide clear instructions on diet
- B. Explain the procedure in detail
- C. Ensure the patient has an empty stomach
- D. Give a bowel prep solution
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Giving a bowel prep solution is essential to clean out the colon thoroughly before a colonoscopy. This process is crucial as it helps to achieve a clear view of the colon during the procedure. Providing clear instructions on diet (Choice A) and ensuring the patient has an empty stomach (Choice C) are important steps in the preparation process but may not be sufficient on their own to adequately cleanse the colon. Explaining the procedure in detail (Choice B) is helpful for patient education but does not directly contribute to the physical preparation required for a successful colonoscopy.
4. How should a healthcare professional monitor a patient with a central line for infection?
- A. Monitor the dressing site daily
- B. Check for redness and swelling
- C. Monitor for fever
- D. Flush the central line
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Monitoring the dressing site daily is crucial for detecting early signs of infection in patients with central lines. Checking for redness and swelling (choice B) is important but may indicate a more advanced stage of infection. Monitoring for fever (choice C) can also be a sign of infection, but it is a later manifestation. Flushing the central line (choice D) is necessary for maintaining patency but does not directly monitor for infection.
5. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a cholecystectomy. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
- A. Blood pressure of 110/70 mm Hg
- B. Temperature of 37.2°C (99°F)
- C. Serosanguineous wound drainage
- D. Bile-colored drainage from the surgical site
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Bile-colored drainage from the surgical site can indicate a bile leak, which is an abnormal finding and should be reported. A blood pressure of 110/70 mm Hg and a temperature of 37.2°C (99°F) are within normal ranges for a postoperative client. Serosanguineous wound drainage, which is a mix of blood and serum, is expected following a surgery like cholecystectomy. Therefore, choices A, B, and C are not findings that require immediate reporting.
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