a client is scheduled to have a tracheostomy placed in an hour what action by the nurse is the priority
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

ATI Medical Surgical Proctored Exam 2023

1. A client is scheduled to have a tracheostomy placed in an hour. What action by the nurse is the priority?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority action for the nurse is to ensure that informed consent is on the chart. Before any surgical procedure, it is essential to have the client's informed consent documented. While administering anxiolytics, starting antibiotic infusion, and reinforcing teaching may also be necessary, obtaining informed consent takes precedence to ensure the client's understanding and agreement to proceed with the tracheostomy.

2. A nurse is assessing a client with a history of seizures. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Seizure activity lasting longer than 5 minutes requires immediate intervention as it can lead to status epilepticus, a medical emergency.

3. When caring for a client with acute renal failure, which laboratory value is most important to monitor?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In acute renal failure, monitoring serum potassium is crucial because impaired kidney function can lead to hyperkalemia, which can result in life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias. Elevated potassium levels need close monitoring and prompt interventions to prevent serious complications.

4. A client with heart failure has gained 2 kg (4.4 lbs) in the past 24 hours. What action should the nurse take first?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Assessing the client's respiratory status is the priority as it helps determine if the weight gain is due to fluid retention affecting breathing. This assessment is crucial in addressing the immediate concern of potential respiratory distress before implementing interventions like fluid restriction, diuretics, or notifying the healthcare provider.

5. While suctioning the endotracheal tube of a client on a ventilator, the nurse notices an increase in the client's heart rate from 86/min to 110/min, with irregularity. What should the nurse do next?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When a client's heart rate increases and becomes irregular during suctioning of an endotracheal tube, it indicates potential hypoxemia. Performing pre-oxygenation before suctioning helps prevent hypoxemia and subsequent dysrhythmias. This intervention ensures that the client has adequate oxygen reserves before the procedure, reducing the risk of complications related to suctioning.

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