ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam 2023
1. A male patient calls to tell the nurse that his monthly lithium level is 1.7 mEq/L. Which nursing intervention will the nurse implement initially?
- A. Reinforce that the level is above the therapeutic range.
- B. Instruct the patient to hold the next dose of medication and contact the prescriber.
- C. Advise the patient to go to the hospital emergency room immediately.
- D. Inform the patient about the possibility of seizures and appropriate precautions.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A lithium level of 1.7 mEq/L is above the therapeutic range, indicating a potential risk of toxicity. The initial nursing intervention should be to instruct the patient to hold the next dose of medication and promptly contact the prescriber for further guidance and management. This action aims to prevent adverse effects and ensure the patient's safety by addressing the elevated lithium level appropriately.
2. A client has difficulty swallowing medications and is prescribed enteric-coated aspirin PO once daily. The client asks if the medication can be crushed to make it easier to swallow. Which of the following responses should the nurse provide?
- A. Crushing the medication might cause you to have a stomachache or indigestion.
- B. Crushing the medication is a good idea, and I can mix it in some ice cream for you.
- C. Crushing the medication would release all the medication at once, rather than over time.
- D. Crushing is unsafe, as it destroys the ingredients in the medication.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Crushing an enteric-coated medication can cause it to break down in the stomach instead of the intestines, potentially leading to gastrointestinal distress like stomachache or indigestion. It is important to take enteric-coated medications whole to ensure they are properly absorbed in the intestines and to prevent irritation to the stomach.
3. A nurse is reviewing a client's medication regimen. Which of the following medications places the client at increased risk for digoxin toxicity?
- A. Calcium channel blockers
- B. Potassium-sparing diuretics
- C. Beta blockers
- D. Loop diuretics
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, Loop diuretics. Loop diuretics can lead to hypokalemia, which increases the risk for digoxin toxicity. Loop diuretics cause potassium loss, and hypokalemia can potentiate the toxic effects of digoxin. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because calcium channel blockers, potassium-sparing diuretics, and beta blockers do not directly increase the risk of digoxin toxicity.
4. The healthcare professional working with oncology clients understands that which age-related change increases the older client’s susceptibility to infection during chemotherapy?
- A. Decreased immune function.
- B. Diminished nutritional stores.
- C. Existing cognitive deficits.
- D. Poor physical reserves.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Decreased immune function. Aging leads to a decline in immune function, which increases susceptibility to infections during chemotherapy. This decline is due to changes in the immune system that occur with age. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because while they may impact overall health in older clients, they do not directly increase susceptibility to infections during chemotherapy like decreased immune function does.
5. A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for amoxicillin clavulanate to treat pharyngitis. Which statement indicates understanding?
- A. I will double my dose if I miss one
- B. I should take this medication on an empty stomach between meals
- C. I will take the medication until my sore throat goes away
- D. I will stop taking this medication if I develop itching
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The client should never double the dose if a dose is missed. This can lead to an overdose, which can cause serious adverse effects. Instead, the client should take the next dose as scheduled or consult the provider for guidance.
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