ATI RN
ATI Medical Surgical Proctored Exam
1. A healthcare professional is assessing a client with left-sided heart failure. Which finding is most commonly associated with this condition?
- A. Peripheral edema
- B. Jugular vein distention
- C. Hepatomegaly
- D. Crackles in the lungs
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Crackles in the lungs are commonly associated with left-sided heart failure due to pulmonary congestion. Left-sided heart failure leads to the backup of blood into the lungs, causing fluid leakage into the alveoli, which results in the characteristic crackling sound upon auscultation.
2. A nurse is assessing a client who is postoperative following a thyroidectomy. Which of the following findings is the priority for the nurse to report to the provider?
- A. Increased hoarseness
- B. Serum calcium level of 8.0 mg/dL
- C. Respiratory rate of 18/min
- D. Urinary output of 60 mL in 2 hours
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Serum calcium level of 8.0 mg/dL.' A low serum calcium level indicates hypocalcemia, which is a potential complication of thyroidectomy that can lead to life-threatening consequences, such as tetany or laryngospasm. Therefore, it is crucial for the nurse to report this finding promptly to the provider for timely intervention. Choices A, C, and D are important assessments following a thyroidectomy but are not as critical as detecting and addressing hypocalcemia, which can have serious implications for the client's health.
3. What is considered an acceptable LDL cholesterol level for children and adolescents?
- A. Less than 70 mg/dL
- B. Less than 110 mg/dL
- C. Less than 129 mg/dL
- D. Less than 170 mg/dL
Correct answer: B
Rationale: An LDL cholesterol level of less than 110 mg/dL is considered acceptable and healthy for children and adolescents. This level helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because an LDL cholesterol level below 110 mg/dL is the recommended target for children and adolescents to maintain good heart health.
4. A client has a prescription for long-term use of oral prednisone for the treatment of chronic asthma. The nurse should instruct the client to monitor for which of the following adverse effects of this medication?
- A. Weight gain
- B. Nervousness
- C. Bradycardia
- D. Constipation
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is weight gain. Oral prednisone can lead to weight gain and fluid retention due to its sodium and water retention effects. Monitoring weight changes is crucial to identify and manage this adverse effect. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because oral prednisone is not typically associated with nervousness, bradycardia, or constipation as common adverse effects. Therefore, the nurse should primarily focus on monitoring weight gain in clients prescribed long-term oral prednisone therapy.
5. Which neurotransmitter is released by the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to increase heart rate and the force of contraction of the heart?
- A. Norepinephrine
- B. Epinephrine
- C. Dopamine
- D. Acetylcholine
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is Norepinephrine. Norepinephrine is the neurotransmitter released by the sympathetic nervous system that increases heart rate and the force of contraction. Epinephrine, though similar, is more involved in the fight-or-flight response and has a broader range of effects on various organs. Dopamine is not primarily responsible for increasing heart rate and contractility. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that predominantly acts on the parasympathetic nervous system to decrease heart rate and contractility.
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