a nurse is assessing a client who has a new onset of confusion which laboratory value should the nurse check first
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

ATI Medical Surgical Proctored Exam

1. A healthcare professional is assessing a client who has a new onset of confusion. Which laboratory value should the professional check first?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a client presenting with a new onset of confusion, checking the blood glucose level first is crucial as hypoglycemia can cause confusion and is easily correctable. Addressing hypoglycemia promptly is essential to prevent further complications.

2. A client has a disposable three-chamber chest tube in place. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing a complication?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber indicates air is leaking into the pleural space, which is a complication. The water-seal chamber should have intermittent bubbling during normal functioning. Occasional bubbling in the water-seal chamber is normal and shows the system is working as intended. Constant bubbling in the suction-control chamber suggests an issue with the suction control. Fluctuations in the fluid level in the water-seal chamber are an expected finding.

3. A healthcare professional is caring for a client who has just developed a pulmonary embolism. Which of the following medications should the healthcare professional anticipate administering?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the scenario of a pulmonary embolism, the priority medication to administer is Heparin. Heparin is an anticoagulant that helps prevent the formation of new blood clots and the growth of existing ones, which is crucial in managing pulmonary embolism. Furosemide is a diuretic used to treat fluid retention, Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid used for inflammation, and Atropine is an anticholinergic medication used for various purposes such as treating bradycardia.

4. During an assessment, a client with a long history of smoking and suspected laryngeal cancer will most likely report which early manifestation?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In clients with laryngeal cancer, hoarseness is often one of the earliest manifestations due to vocal cord involvement. The irritation and inflammation caused by the tumor affect the vocal cords, leading to changes in voice quality. Dysphagia (choice A) typically occurs later as the tumor grows and interferes with swallowing. Dyspnea (choice C) and weight loss (choice D) may occur as the cancer progresses, but hoarseness is usually among the first signs to manifest in laryngeal cancer.

5. When caring for an older adult client with a pulmonary infection, what action should the nurse take first?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Assessing the client's level of consciousness is the priority because it provides crucial information on the client's neurological status and response to the infection. Changes in consciousness can indicate deterioration or improvement in the client's condition, guiding further interventions and treatment.

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During pulmonary hygiene for a client with pneumonia, a nurse positions the client on his left side in Trendelenburg position. From which of the following lung segments should the nurse expect secretions to be mobilized with the client in this position?
A client with a history of gastrointestinal bleeding is taking warfarin (Coumadin). Which instruction should the nurse include in the teaching plan?
A client with heart failure has gained 2 kg (4.4 lbs) in the past 24 hours. What action should the nurse take first?
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