ATI RN
ATI Comprehensive Exit Exam 2023
1. A nurse is assessing a client who is postoperative following abdominal surgery and has an indwelling urinary catheter that is draining dark yellow urine at 25 ml/hr. What intervention should the nurse anticipate?
- A. Clamp the catheter.
- B. Administer a fluid bolus.
- C. Obtain a urine specimen for culture and sensitivity.
- D. Initiate continuous bladder irrigation.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should anticipate initiating continuous bladder irrigation. Dark yellow urine output at a rate of 25 ml/hr following abdominal surgery may indicate urinary stasis or obstruction, which could lead to complications like urinary retention. Continuous bladder irrigation helps prevent catheter obstruction and manage urinary retention by ensuring patency and promoting urine flow. Clamping the catheter (Choice A) could lead to urinary stasis and should be avoided. Administering a fluid bolus (Choice B) is not indicated solely based on the urine color and output described. Obtaining a urine specimen for culture and sensitivity (Choice C) may be necessary for assessing infection but does not directly address the issue of urinary stasis or obstruction.
2. Abrupt withdrawal or discontinuation of prednisone can cause:
- A. adrenal crisis.
- B. hypercortisolism.
- C. ACTH stimulation.
- D. thyroid crisis.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: adrenal crisis. Abrupt discontinuation of prednisone can lead to adrenal insufficiency, resulting in adrenal crisis. Prednisone is a corticosteroid that suppresses the adrenal glands' ability to produce cortisol. Abrupt withdrawal can cause a sudden drop in cortisol levels, leading to adrenal crisis with symptoms like fatigue, weakness, abdominal pain, and potentially life-threatening low blood pressure. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because hypercortisolism refers to excess cortisol levels, ACTH stimulation would not result from prednisone withdrawal, and thyroid crisis is not directly related to corticosteroid discontinuation.
3. A client with a history of seizures is admitted for monitoring. What should the nurse prioritize?
- A. Ensure the client is on seizure precautions.
- B. Educate the client about seizure triggers.
- C. Monitor for signs of an impending seizure.
- D. Initiate IV access for anti-seizure medication.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to ensure the client is on seizure precautions. This is crucial in preventing injury during a seizure episode. While educating the client about seizure triggers (choice B) is important for long-term management, it is not the priority when the client is admitted for monitoring. Monitoring for signs of an impending seizure (choice C) is essential but does not address immediate safety concerns. Initiating IV access for anti-seizure medication (choice D) is not the priority unless a seizure occurs and medical intervention is needed.
4. The client recently survived a plane crash and is assessed by the nurse. Which client statement would cause the nurse to suspect that the client may be experiencing PTSD?
- A. I believe that I was meant to survive this accident so that I can focus on the important things in life
- B. Although I have nightmares sometimes, I have started going to church to show gratitude for surviving the crash
- C. I am so afraid that I will never be able to fly again, but I know that it will take a while
- D. I keep having these thoughts about the crash that just pop into my mind at random times
Correct answer: D: "I keep having these thoughts about the crash that just pop into my mind at random times"
Rationale: Experiencing intrusive thoughts about a traumatic event, such as a plane crash, that occur unexpectedly and repeatedly is a common symptom of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). These thoughts can be distressing and are often a key indicator of PTSD. Options A, B, and C demonstrate coping mechanisms and fears related to the traumatic event but do not specifically address the hallmark symptom of intrusive thoughts. Therefore, option D is the correct choice as it aligns with a potential symptom of PTSD.
5. The nurse is educating a patient who was discharged from the hospital after having cardiac surgery one week ago. The nurse recognizes the patient understands medication management when he/she states:
- A. I need to take my Lisinopril daily to reduce my risk of heart failure
- B. I only need to take the metoprolol when I feel my heart skip a beat
- C. I should carry my nitroglycerin pills in my pocket at all times
- D. I should only take the pain pills when my pain is really bad
Correct answer: I need to take my Lisinopril daily to reduce my risk of heart failure
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Lisinopril is commonly prescribed post-cardiac surgery to manage blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart failure. It is important for the patient to take Lisinopril daily as prescribed to achieve optimal outcomes. Choice B is incorrect as metoprolol is usually prescribed on a regular schedule to manage heart conditions, not just when symptoms occur. Choice C is incorrect because nitroglycerin should be kept in a cool, dry place, not in a pocket where it could be exposed to heat or moisture. Choice D is incorrect as pain medication should be taken as prescribed for adequate pain control, not just when pain is severe.
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