ATI RN
Nutrition ATI Proctored Exam
1. Which cells in the islet of the pancreas are responsible for synthesizing insulin?
- A. Alpha cells
- B. Beta cells
- C. Gamma cells
- D. Delta cells
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Beta cells in the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas are responsible for the production and secretion of insulin, which is crucial for regulating blood glucose levels. Alpha cells, on the other hand, produce glucagon, a hormone that raises blood glucose levels. Gamma cells and Delta cells do not exist in the islets of Langerhans; therefore, they are incorrect choices.
2. During a discussion about the nursing profession at a middle school, which of the following statements is true?
- A. Nurses need to graduate from nursing school to earn a degree.
- B. Nursing is a profession that values continuous education.
- C. Nurses function autonomously within their scope of practice.
- D. Nurses must adhere to professional behaviors in all aspects of their lives.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Nurses are healthcare professionals who can independently make decisions within their defined scope of practice, providing care to patients. This autonomy allows nurses to assess, diagnose, plan, intervene, and evaluate patient care without direct supervision from physicians. Choice A is incorrect because nurses need to graduate from nursing school to earn a degree, not necessarily to obtain a license. Choice B is incorrect because while continuous education is important in nursing, it is not a defining characteristic of the profession. Choice D is incorrect because while nurses are expected to adhere to professional behaviors, it is not limited to their professional lives but extends to their personal lives as well.
3. The nurse is selecting a site to begin an intravenous infusion on a 2-year-old child. The superficial veins on his hand and arm are not readily visible. What intervention should increase the visibility of these veins?
- A. Gently tap over the site.
- B. Apply a cold compress to the site.
- C. Raise the extremity above the level of the body
- D. Use a rubber band as a tourniquet for 5 minutes.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Gently tapping over the site helps dilate the veins and increase visibility. Applying a cold compress or raising the extremity above the body level constricts the veins, making them harder to access. Prolonged tourniquet use can cause discomfort and venous congestion.
4. How should a healthcare professional assess a patient for dehydration?
- A. Check for skin turgor
- B. Monitor blood pressure
- C. Check for dry mucous membranes
- D. Monitor urine output
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Checking for skin turgor is a reliable method to assess dehydration in patients. Skin turgor refers to the skin's elasticity and hydration status. When a healthcare professional gently pinches the skin on the back of the patient's hand or forearm, dehydration is indicated by the skin not snapping back immediately. Monitoring blood pressure (choice B) is important but is more indicative of cardiovascular status rather than dehydration specifically. Checking for dry mucous membranes (choice C) can be a sign of dehydration, but skin turgor is a more direct assessment. Monitoring urine output (choice D) is also essential but may not provide immediate feedback on hydration status as skin turgor does.
5. The principal cation in plasma and interstitial fluid is:
- A. Sodium
- B. Potassium
- C. Calcium
- D. Magnesium
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The principal cation in plasma and interstitial fluid is sodium. Sodium plays a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance and is the primary cation in extracellular fluids like plasma and interstitial fluid. Potassium is the primary cation within cells, not in extracellular fluids, making it an incorrect choice. Calcium and magnesium are essential minerals but are not the principal cations in plasma and interstitial fluid, so they are also incorrect choices.