ATI RN
ATI Exit Exam 2024
1. A nurse is assessing a client who is postoperative following a thyroidectomy. The nurse should identify which of the following findings as an indication of hypocalcemia?
- A. Tingling in the fingers.
- B. Elevated blood pressure.
- C. Positive Chvostek's sign.
- D. Positive Kernig's sign.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Tingling in the fingers. Tingling in the fingers is a common sign of hypocalcemia, often seen after a thyroidectomy. Hypocalcemia can occur post-thyroidectomy due to inadvertent damage or removal of the parathyroid glands which regulate calcium levels. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Elevated blood pressure is not typically associated with hypocalcemia. Positive Chvostek's sign is a clinical sign of hypocalcemia but is usually assessed as facial muscle twitching, not tingling in the fingers. Positive Kernig's sign is a test for meningitis, not related to hypocalcemia.
2. Which test uses sound waves to create images of the heart, allowing doctors to assess its structure and function?
- A. Echocardiogram
- B. MRI
- C. CT scan
- D. X-ray
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Echocardiogram. An echocardiogram is a test that uses sound waves to create images of the heart, enabling doctors to assess its structure and function. This imaging technique is particularly useful in detecting abnormalities such as valve disease. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because MRI, CT scans, and X-rays use different imaging technologies that do not rely on sound waves to visualize the heart.
3. In the US, low iron intake is often associated with?
- A. low intake of fruits and vegetables
- B. pregnancy
- C. high sugar and fat intakes
- D. high protein intake
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Diets high in sugar and fat often lack essential nutrients like iron, leading to a risk of iron deficiency anemia, especially when iron-rich foods are not consumed adequately.
4. A post-op patient has an epidural infusion of morphine sulfate. The patient�s respiratory rate declines to 8 breaths/minute. Which medication would the nurse anticipate administering?
- A. Naloxone (Narcan)
- B. Acetylcysteine (Mucomyst)
- C. Methyprednisolone (Solu-Medrol)
- D. Protamine Sulfate
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Naloxone is a narcotic antagonist that can reverse the effects, both adverse and therapeutic, of opioid narcotic analgesics.
5. At what point should the nurse determine that a client is at risk for developing a mental disorder?
- A. When thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are not reflective of the DSM-5 criteria
- B. When maladaptive responses to stress are coupled with interference in daily functioning
- C. When the client communicates significant distress
- D. When the client uses defense mechanisms as ego protection
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The nurse should determine that the client is at risk for mental disorder when responses to stress are maladaptive and interfere with daily functioning. The DSM-5 indicates that in order to be diagnosed with a mental disorder, there must be significant disturbance in cognition, emotion, regulation, or behavior that reflects a dysfunction in the psychological, biological or developmental processes underlying mental functioning. These disorders are usually associated with significant distress or disability in social, occupational, or other important activities. The client's ability to communicate distress would be considered a positive attribute.
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