ATI RN
ATI Medical Surgical Proctored Exam 2023
1. A client with emphysema is being assessed by a nurse. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse expect?
- A. Decreased chest expansion
- B. Cyanosis
- C. Pursed-lip breathing
- D. Bradypnea
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Pursed-lip breathing is a common manifestation in clients with emphysema. It helps to increase the duration of exhalation and reduce air trapping, aiding in the management of the condition. Decreased chest expansion and bradypnea are not typically associated with emphysema. While cyanosis can occur in severe cases, pursed-lip breathing is a more specific and commonly observed sign of emphysema.
2. A healthcare professional is assessing a client who has postoperative atelectasis and is hypoxic. Which of the following manifestations should the healthcare professional expect?
- A. Bradycardia
- B. Bradypnea
- C. Lethargy
- D. Intercostal retractions
Correct answer: Intercostal retractions
Rationale: Postoperative atelectasis can lead to hypoxia, which causes respiratory distress. Intercostal retractions, where the muscles between the ribs pull inward during inspiration, are a common sign of respiratory distress in a client with atelectasis. Bradycardia (slow heart rate), Bradypnea (slow breathing rate), and lethargy are not typically associated with atelectasis and hypoxia.
3. 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?
- A. Obtain a cardiology consult.
- B. Suction the client less frequently.
- C. Administer an antidysrhythmic medication.
- D. Perform pre-oxygenation prior to suctioning.
Correct answer: D: Perform pre-oxygenation prior to suctioning.
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.
4. A newly graduated nurse in the hospital states that, since she is so new, she cannot participate in quality improvement (QI) projects. What response by the precepting nurse is best?
- A. All staff nurses are required to participate in quality improvement projects.
- B. Even as a new nurse, you can implement activities designed to improve care.
- C. It's easy to identify which indicators should be used to measure quality improvement.
- D. You should ask to be assigned to the research and quality committee.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The best response is to encourage the newly graduated nurse to actively participate in quality improvement initiatives. Being new does not preclude one from contributing to improving care processes and outcomes. By engaging in small activities focused on quality improvement, the new nurse can start making a positive impact and learn valuable skills early in their career.
5. A client is 1 day postoperative following a lobectomy with a chest tube drainage system in place. Which finding by the nurse indicates a need for intervention?
- A. Chest tube eyelets not visible
- B. Continuous bubbling in the suction control chamber
- C. Presence of tidal fluctuation in the water seal chamber
- D. Development of subcutaneous emphysema
Correct answer: Development of subcutaneous emphysema
Rationale: The development of subcutaneous emphysema is a concerning finding that requires immediate intervention. Subcutaneous emphysema results from air leaking into the tissues, which can lead to respiratory compromise. It is important to address this issue promptly to prevent further complications. The other options are normal or expected findings in a chest tube drainage system. Chest tube eyelets not being visible may indicate dislodgement, continuous bubbling in the suction control chamber indicates proper functioning, and the presence of tidal fluctuation in the water seal chamber demonstrates appropriate drainage and lung re-expansion.
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