ATI RN
ATI Exit Exam 2024
1. A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for spironolactone. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor?
- A. Sodium 140 mEq/L
- B. Calcium 9.5 mg/dL
- C. Potassium 5.2 mEq/L
- D. Magnesium 2.0 mEq/L
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Potassium 5.2 mEq/L. A potassium level of 5.2 mEq/L is elevated and should be monitored in clients taking spironolactone, which is a potassium-sparing medication. Monitoring potassium levels is crucial as spironolactone can cause hyperkalemia. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because sodium, calcium, and magnesium levels are not typically affected by spironolactone. Therefore, the nurse should primarily focus on monitoring the potassium levels in this scenario.
2. Which best describes a key principle of public health?
- A. Focusing on individual health behaviors
- B. Addressing the social determinants of health
- C. Reducing health care costs
- D. Increasing access to health services
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A key principle of public health is addressing the social determinants of health, which include factors like socioeconomic status, education, and environment. By focusing on these determinants, public health initiatives aim to improve overall health outcomes for entire populations, rather than just individual health behaviors. This approach helps in creating a healthier society and preventing diseases at a broader level.
3. What is the best way to monitor for infection in a patient with a central line?
- A. Check the central line site daily
- B. Monitor the patient's vital signs
- C. Check the central line dressing every other day
- D. Check for signs of sepsis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Check the central line site daily. Monitoring the central line site daily is crucial in detecting early signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, tenderness, or drainage. By checking the site regularly, healthcare providers can take prompt action to prevent complications. Choice B, monitoring the patient's vital signs, while important in assessing overall health, may not specifically indicate an infection related to the central line. Choice C, checking the central line dressing every other day, may not be frequent enough to catch early signs of infection. Choice D, checking for signs of sepsis, is important but represents a more severe stage of infection and may occur after local signs at the central line site have already manifested.
4. Which of the following best describes the concept of evidence-based practice (EBP)?
- A. Clinical expertise as the primary basis for decision making
- B. Research findings as the sole basis for decision making
- C. Combining clinical expertise with the best available research evidence
- D. Following institutional guidelines for patient care
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Combining clinical expertise with the best available research evidence.' Evidence-based practice (EBP) emphasizes integrating clinical expertise with the most current and relevant research evidence when making decisions about patient care. Choice A is incorrect because EBP does not rely solely on clinical expertise. Choice B is incorrect as EBP considers research evidence alongside clinical expertise, not as the sole basis. Choice D is incorrect because EBP is not about blindly following institutional guidelines, but rather about integrating research evidence with clinical judgment to provide the best possible care.
5. Which of the following describes a process of heat loss involving the transfer of heat from one surface to another?
- A. Radiation
- B. Conduction
- C. Convection
- D. Evaporation
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Conduction is the process of heat transfer that occurs between objects or substances that are in direct contact with each other. In this process, heat is transferred from a hotter surface to a cooler surface through direct contact. This type of heat transfer does not involve the movement of the substances themselves, only the transfer of thermal energy. Choice A, Radiation, is the transfer of heat in the form of electromagnetic waves and does not require a medium. Choice C, Convection, involves the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids (liquids or gases) due to density differences. Choice D, Evaporation, is a cooling process that involves the transformation of a liquid into a gas, absorbing heat in the process.
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