a patient with left arm fracture reports severe pain unrelieved by medication what should the nurse assess for a patient with left arm fracture reports severe pain unrelieved by medication what should the nurse assess for
Logo

Nursing Elites

ATI RN

RN ATI Capstone Proctored Comprehensive Assessment 2019 A with NGN

1. A patient with a left arm fracture reports severe pain unrelieved by medication. What should the nurse assess for?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Correct answer: When a patient with a left arm fracture reports severe pain unrelieved by medication, the nurse should assess for compartment syndrome. Compartment syndrome is a condition where increased pressure within a muscle compartment compromises circulation and can lead to tissue damage. It is a surgical emergency that requires immediate intervention. Choice B is incorrect because simply increasing pain medication without identifying the cause of the unrelieved pain may mask symptoms of a serious issue like compartment syndrome. Choice C is incorrect as surgery would only be necessary if compartment syndrome is confirmed. Choice D is incorrect as administering a sedative does not address the underlying issue of unrelieved pain and may delay appropriate treatment.

2. What is the most sensitive indicator of altered brain function?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Altered level of consciousness. Changes in consciousness are the most sensitive indicator of altered brain function as they can signal underlying neurological issues. Option A, the ability to perform complex mathematics, though it involves brain function, is not as sensitive or direct an indicator as altered consciousness. Option C, the lack of cerebrospinal fluid production, is more related to conditions like hydrocephalus rather than a direct indicator of altered brain function. Option D, intact cranial nerve functions, indicate the normal functioning of peripheral nerves and are not as sensitive to changes in brain function as alterations in consciousness.

3. A client who is withdrawing from alcohol has been prescribed Propranolol. Which information should the nurse include in the teaching?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct information the nurse should include in the teaching is that Propranolol decreases cravings for alcohol. Propranolol is used as an adjunct medication during alcohol withdrawal to help reduce the desire for alcohol. Choice A is incorrect as Propranolol does not increase the risk for seizure activity; it can actually be used to prevent alcohol withdrawal seizures. Choice B is also incorrect as Propranolol does not provide aversion therapy. Choice D is incorrect as Propranolol is not known to result in mild hypertension.

4. Nonnutritive sweeteners are not metabolized by microorganisms and do not promote dental caries. Products made with a nonnutritive sweetener can be used as frequently as 8 to 10 times per day.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The first statement is true; nonnutritive sweeteners do not promote caries. However, the second statement is false because products with nonnutritive sweeteners should still be consumed in moderation.

5. What is the most concerning electrolyte imbalance for a patient receiving digoxin?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is Hypokalemia. Hypokalemia is the most concerning electrolyte imbalance for a patient receiving digoxin because it can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. Low potassium levels can potentiate the effects of digoxin on the heart, leading to serious cardiac arrhythmias. Hyperkalemia (Choice A) is not typically associated with digoxin use. Hyponatremia (Choice C) and Hypercalcemia (Choice D) are not directly related to digoxin therapy and do not pose the same risk of toxicity.

Similar Questions

During pregnancy, a woman is in a relationship with a male who routinely abuses her. Her unborn child may engage in high-risk behavior as a teen as a result of:
A nurse is caring for a client who has just had a central venous access line inserted. Which action should the nurse take next?
Which action represents tertiary prevention?
A client is being assessed in the PACU. Which of the following findings indicates decreased cardiac output?
A nurse is inserting a nasogastric tube in an adult client. During the procedure, the client begins to cough and has difficulty breathing. Which of the following is the most appropriate nursing action?

Access More Features

ATI Basic

  • 50,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
    • 30 days access @ $69.99

ATI Basic

  • 50,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
    • 90 days access @ $149.99