ATI RN
ATI Exit Exam 2023
1. A healthcare professional is caring for a client who has a new prescription for metformin. Which of the following laboratory results should the healthcare professional review before administering the medication?
- A. Potassium
- B. Serum creatinine
- C. Sodium
- D. Hemoglobin A1C
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Correct Answer: The healthcare professional should review serum creatinine levels before administering metformin to assess kidney function. Metformin is excreted by the kidneys, and checking serum creatinine helps prevent lactic acidosis, a potential side effect in individuals with impaired renal function. Choice A: Potassium levels are not directly related to the administration of metformin. While monitoring potassium levels is important for some medications, it is not the priority when initiating metformin. Choice C: Sodium levels are not typically assessed specifically before starting metformin. It is not a routine lab test required prior to metformin administration. Choice D: Hemoglobin A1C reflects long-term blood sugar control and is not a lab test that needs to be reviewed before initiating metformin. It is used to monitor diabetes management over time, not for immediate medication administration considerations.
2. A client who had a stroke is complaining of left-side weakness. What should the nurse prioritize?
- A. Initiate physical therapy immediately.
- B. Contact the physical therapy team.
- C. Reassess the client after administering pain medication.
- D. Start treatment immediately without consulting anyone.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to contact the physical therapy team. When a client who had a stroke presents with left-side weakness, the nurse should prioritize coordinating with the physical therapy team rather than immediately initiating physical therapy. The initial step should involve assessing the client's condition and involving the appropriate healthcare team for a comprehensive care plan. Administering pain medication or starting treatment without consulting others can delay or hinder the appropriate care needed for the client's recovery.
3. What is the main purpose of a clinical audit?
- A. To measure patient satisfaction
- B. To evaluate the effectiveness of clinical practices
- C. To identify areas for improvement
- D. To standardize patient care protocols
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The main purpose of a clinical audit is to identify areas for improvement in clinical practices. While patient satisfaction might be a component evaluated during an audit, the primary goal is to ensure that care is safe, effective, and patient-centered, rather than solely focusing on satisfaction. Evaluating the effectiveness of clinical practices is a related but more specific goal compared to the broader aim of identifying areas for improvement. Standardizing patient care protocols can be a result of a clinical audit, but it is not the main purpose, which is to pinpoint areas needing enhancement.
4. A client with a new diagnosis of hypertension is being taught about lifestyle changes by a nurse. Which of the following recommendations should the nurse include?
- A. Limit sodium intake to no more than 1,500 mg per day.
- B. Exercise for at least 150 minutes each week.
- C. Avoid all dairy products.
- D. Limit intake of all carbohydrates.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct recommendation for a client with hypertension is to limit sodium intake to no more than 1,500 mg per day. This helps manage hypertension by reducing fluid retention and lowering blood pressure. Choice B is a good recommendation as well, but the primary focus for hypertension management in this scenario is limiting sodium. Choices C and D are incorrect as dairy products and carbohydrates are not directly linked to hypertension.
5. A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has a new prescription for ferrous sulfate. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
- A. Take this medication with orange juice to increase absorption.
- B. Take this medication on an empty stomach.
- C. Take this medication with milk if it causes stomach upset.
- D. Take this medication at bedtime.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct instruction for a client prescribed ferrous sulfate is to take the medication with orange juice to enhance absorption. Orange juice is recommended because of its vitamin C content, which aids in the absorption of iron. Choice B, taking the medication on an empty stomach, is incorrect because ferrous sulfate is better absorbed with food. Choice C, taking the medication with milk if it causes stomach upset, is incorrect as calcium in milk can interfere with iron absorption. Choice D, taking the medication at bedtime, is incorrect as it is usually recommended to take iron supplements between meals or with food to enhance absorption.
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