ATI RN
ATI Comprehensive Exit Exam 2023
1. A nurse is assessing a client who is receiving enteral nutrition via a nasogastric tube. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
- A. Gastric pH of 2.5.
- B. Bowel sounds every 4 hours.
- C. Diarrhea of 250 mL in 24 hours.
- D. Gastric residual of 150 mL.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: A gastric residual of 150 mL may indicate delayed gastric emptying and should be reported to the provider.
2. What is the initial action a healthcare provider should take for a patient with chest pain?
- A. Administer oxygen
- B. Administer nitroglycerin
- C. Administer morphine
- D. Prepare for surgery
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct initial action for a patient with chest pain is to administer oxygen. Chest pain can be caused by insufficient oxygenation, and providing oxygen helps alleviate the pain by increasing oxygen levels in the blood. Administering nitroglycerin or morphine may be appropriate based on the underlying cause of the chest pain, but oxygen should be given first to ensure the patient's oxygen supply is adequate. Surgery is not typically the initial intervention for chest pain.
3. A client with hypertension is receiving discharge teaching from a nurse on managing blood pressure at home. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
- A. Take medication at bedtime.
- B. Check blood pressure once a week.
- C. Use a blood pressure cuff that fits snugly around the arm.
- D. Stop taking medication once blood pressure is within the normal range.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Use a blood pressure cuff that fits snugly around the arm.' Using a properly fitting cuff is essential for accurate blood pressure measurements. Choice A is incorrect because the timing of medication administration should be individualized and not specified in the question. Choice B is incorrect as checking blood pressure once a week may not provide sufficient monitoring for a client with hypertension. Choice D is incorrect because stopping medication abruptly once blood pressure is normal can lead to rebound hypertension and complications.
4. What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient with a stage 3 pressure ulcer?
- A. Apply hydrocolloid dressing
- B. Provide wound debridement
- C. Change the dressing daily
- D. Elevate the affected area
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to apply a hydrocolloid dressing. Stage 3 pressure ulcers are characterized by full-thickness skin loss involving damage to or necrosis of subcutaneous tissue, which requires a moist environment for healing. Hydrocolloid dressings help maintain a moist wound environment, promote healing, and provide protection. Providing wound debridement may be necessary but is not the priority intervention at this stage. Changing the dressing daily is important for wound care but not the priority over creating an optimal healing environment. Elevating the affected area can help with circulation and reduce swelling, but it is not the priority intervention for a stage 3 pressure ulcer.
5. A nurse is developing a care plan for a client who is receiving nitroprusside for severe hypertension. Which action should the nurse include?
- A. Administer calcium gluconate at the bedside.
- B. Monitor blood pressure every 2 hours.
- C. Limit light exposure to the infusion.
- D. Keep the client on NPO status.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct action the nurse should include in the care plan for a client receiving nitroprusside for severe hypertension is to limit light exposure to the infusion. Nitroprusside is light-sensitive, so it should be protected from light exposure to prevent degradation. Administering calcium gluconate at the bedside is not directly related to nitroprusside administration. Monitoring blood pressure every 2 hours is a good practice but is not specifically related to the administration of nitroprusside. Keeping the client on NPO status is not necessary solely based on receiving nitroprusside.
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