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?
- A. Blood glucose level
- B. Serum sodium level
- C. Serum calcium level
- D. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
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. When assessing a client with pneumonia, which clinical manifestation should the nurse expect to find?
- A. Fremitus
- B. Hyperresonance
- C. Dullness on percussion
- D. Decreased tactile fremitus
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In pneumonia, lung tissue consolidation occurs, leading to dullness on percussion. This is a typical finding in pneumonia. Fremitus and decreased tactile fremitus are more commonly associated with conditions like pleural effusion or pneumothorax. Hyperresonance is typically seen in conditions causing air trapping, such as emphysema.
3. A client in the emergency department is being cared for by a nurse and has cardiogenic pulmonary edema. The client's assessment findings include anxiousness, dyspnea at rest, crackles, blood pressure 110/79 mm Hg, and apical heart rate 112/min. What is the nurse's priority intervention?
- A. Provide the client with supplemental oxygen at 5 L/min via facemask.
- B. Place the client in high-Fowler's position with their legs in a dependent position
- C. Give the client sublingual nitroglycerin
- D. Administer morphine sulfate IV
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In cardiogenic pulmonary edema, the priority intervention is to improve oxygenation and reduce the workload on the heart. Providing supplemental oxygen at 5 L/min via facemask helps increase oxygen levels and alleviate respiratory distress. This intervention can help improve oxygen saturation, alleviate dyspnea, and support the client's respiratory function. Placing the client in a high-Fowler's position with legs dependent can also help with respiratory effort, but ensuring adequate oxygenation takes precedence. Sublingual nitroglycerin and IV morphine sulfate are commonly used interventions for cardiac-related conditions, but in this case, addressing oxygenation is the priority to prevent further deterioration.
4. A healthcare professional assesses a client who is experiencing an acute asthma attack. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
- A. Loud wheezing
- B. Increased respiratory rate
- C. Use of accessory muscles
- D. Silent chest
Correct answer: D
Rationale: A silent chest in a client experiencing an acute asthma attack indicates severe airway obstruction and impending respiratory failure. It is a critical finding that requires immediate intervention as it signifies a lack of airflow and ventilation. Loud wheezing, increased respiratory rate, and use of accessory muscles are common signs of an asthma attack and indicate the body's attempt to compensate. However, a silent chest suggests a dangerous lack of airflow that necessitates urgent medical attention to prevent respiratory arrest.
5. A client is interested in smoking cessation. Which statements should the nurse include in this client's teaching? (Select ONE that does not apply)
- A. Find an activity that you enjoy and will keep your hands busy.
- B. Make a list of reasons you want to stop smoking.
- C. Identify a punishment for yourself in case you backslide.
- D. Drink at least eight glasses of water each day.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: When educating a client on smoking cessation, the nurse should include several strategies. Finding an activity to keep hands busy helps distract from smoking urges. Making a list of reasons to quit smoking reinforces motivation. Identifying a consequence for backsliding can serve as a deterrent. Drinking water is beneficial for overall health but is not directly related to smoking cessation. It's crucial to support the client, encourage healthy habits, and address challenges without punitive measures.
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