ATI RN
RN ATI Capstone Proctored Comprehensive Assessment A
1. What is the most important action for the nurse to take before administering digoxin to a patient?
- A. Check the patient's heart rate before administration.
- B. Assess the patient's blood pressure before administration.
- C. Ensure the patient has eaten before administration.
- D. Monitor the patient's weight before administration.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to check the patient's heart rate before administering digoxin. Digoxin is a medication that primarily affects cardiac function. Monitoring the heart rate is crucial because digoxin can cause arrhythmias or worsen existing heart rhythm abnormalities. Assessing blood pressure may also be important but is secondary to evaluating the heart rate when administering digoxin. Ensuring the patient has eaten before administration is not directly related to the safe administration of digoxin. Monitoring the patient's weight is not a priority action before administering digoxin.
2. Which intervention is essential when caring for a patient with a nasogastric (NG) tube?
- A. Suction the NG tube every 4 hours.
- B. Check the placement of the NG tube before each feeding.
- C. Flush the NG tube with water before and after each medication administration.
- D. Remove the NG tube once the patient feels comfortable.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Checking the placement of the NG tube before each feeding is crucial to ensure it is correctly positioned and safe to use. Option A is incorrect as routine suctioning can lead to complications and should only be done as needed. Option C is not necessary unless there are specific instructions for flushing. Option D is incorrect as the NG tube should only be removed by healthcare professionals based on medical criteria, not solely based on the patient's comfort.
3. A client undergoing surgery refuses to remove religious jewelry. What is the best course of action?
- A. Proceed with surgery while securing the jewelry to the patient.
- B. Remove the jewelry and document the removal.
- C. Document the refusal and delay the surgery.
- D. Remove the jewelry with the family's permission.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct course of action is to remove the jewelry and document the removal. While religious beliefs should be respected, ensuring patient safety during surgery is crucial. Securing the jewelry may not be sufficient to prevent any interference during the surgical procedure. Documenting the removal is important for legal and documentation purposes. Delaying the surgery or removing the jewelry with the family's permission may not be the best options as patient safety should be the top priority in this situation.
4. What is the priority intervention for a patient experiencing chest pain?
- A. Administer nitroglycerin as prescribed.
- B. Encourage the patient to take deep breaths.
- C. Monitor the patient's blood pressure closely.
- D. Encourage the patient to rest in a comfortable position.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to administer nitroglycerin as prescribed. Nitroglycerin helps relieve chest pain by dilating blood vessels and improving blood flow, addressing the immediate concern of chest pain. Encouraging deep breaths may not be appropriate for chest pain, monitoring blood pressure, although important, is not the priority when the patient is experiencing chest pain, and while resting in a comfortable position is beneficial, administering nitroglycerin is the priority intervention to address the chest pain.
5. A nurse is preparing to administer a high dose of morphine to a patient with terminal cancer. What is the nurse's primary consideration before administration?
- A. Ensure the family is aware of the dosage to be administered.
- B. Monitor the patient for respiratory depression.
- C. Administer the morphine in divided doses.
- D. Delay administration until the next assessment.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Monitor the patient for respiratory depression. When administering a high dose of morphine, the nurse's primary consideration should be to monitor the patient for respiratory depression, as morphine can slow down breathing, especially in higher doses. Option A is incorrect because the primary focus should be on the patient's well-being and safety rather than family awareness at this point. Option C is not the best approach as the immediate concern is monitoring the patient closely for any adverse effects. Option D is not advisable as delaying administration without a valid reason can compromise pain management in a terminal cancer patient.
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