ATI RN
RN ATI Capstone Proctored Comprehensive Assessment A
1. What is the primary goal when caring for a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?
- A. Maintain the patient's oxygen saturation above 90%.
- B. Administer bronchodilators as prescribed.
- C. Improve the patient's nutritional intake.
- D. Encourage the patient to limit physical activity.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to maintain the patient's oxygen saturation above 90% when caring for a patient with COPD. In COPD, impaired gas exchange leads to decreased oxygen levels in the blood. By ensuring oxygen saturation remains above 90%, healthcare providers can prevent hypoxia and its complications. Administering bronchodilators as prescribed (Choice B) is an important intervention in managing COPD symptoms, but it is not the primary goal. Improving the patient's nutritional intake (Choice C) and encouraging the patient to limit physical activity (Choice D) are also essential aspects of COPD management, but they are not the primary goal when caring for a patient with this condition.
2. A nurse is assessing a postoperative patient for signs of infection. Which finding is most concerning?
- A. Mild redness at the incision site.
- B. Increased drainage from the surgical site.
- C. Fever of 101°F.
- D. Normal white blood cell count.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A fever of 101°F is the most concerning finding when assessing a postoperative patient for signs of infection. Fever can indicate an inflammatory response to an infection, and in a postoperative patient, it can signal a surgical site infection or a systemic infection. Prompt attention is necessary to prevent complications such as sepsis. Mild redness at the incision site and increased drainage can be expected in the early postoperative period due to the normal healing process. A normal white blood cell count does not rule out infection as it can be influenced by various factors, and some infections may not initially cause a rise in white blood cells.
3. Which principle is most important for maintaining medical asepsis in a healthcare setting?
- A. Sterilize instruments only when visibly contaminated.
- B. Use sterile gloves for all patient interactions.
- C. Disinfect patient areas only at the end of the day.
- D. Clean hands thoroughly before and after patient contact.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Clean hands thoroughly before and after patient contact. Hand hygiene is crucial for maintaining medical asepsis in a healthcare setting as it helps prevent the spread of infections between patients and healthcare workers. Choice A is incorrect because instruments should be sterilized regularly, not just when visibly contaminated. Choice B is incorrect as sterile gloves are not required for all patient interactions, only for specific procedures. Choice C is incorrect because patient areas should be disinfected regularly throughout the day, not just at the end of the day.
4. A patient has an ankle restraint applied. Upon assessment, the nurse finds the toes a light blue color. Which action will the nurse take next?
- A. Immediately do a complete head-to-toe neurological assessment.
- B. Take the patient's blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and respiratory rate.
- C. Place a blanket over the feet.
- D. Remove the restraint.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is to remove the restraint (Choice D). Cyanosis of the toes, indicated by a light blue color, suggests impaired circulation. The priority action is to ensure proper circulation by removing the restraint to prevent further compromise. Choices A and B are not the immediate actions needed for cyanosis related to impaired circulation. Choice C, placing a blanket over the feet, does not address the underlying issue of impaired circulation and could delay appropriate intervention.
5. Which intervention is most effective in preventing postoperative complications?
- A. Encourage the patient to drink fluids.
- B. Ambulate the patient as soon as possible.
- C. Perform deep breathing exercises with the patient.
- D. Encourage the patient to perform range of motion exercises.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The most effective intervention in preventing postoperative complications is to ambulate the patient as soon as possible. Early ambulation helps prevent complications like deep vein thrombosis and pneumonia by enhancing circulation and preventing respiratory issues. Encouraging the patient to drink fluids, perform deep breathing exercises, or range of motion exercises are beneficial interventions, but ambulation is the priority due to its overall impact on preventing various postoperative complications.
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