ATI RN
ATI Detailed Answer Key Medical Surgical
1. The healthcare provider is caring for a postoperative client who has a chest tube connected to suction and a water seal drainage system. Which of the following indicates to the healthcare provider that the chest tube is functioning properly?
- A. Fluctuation of the fluid level within the water seal chamber
- B. Absence of fluid in the drainage tubing
- C. Continuous bubbling within the water seal chamber
- D. Equal amounts of fluid drainage in each collection chamber
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Fluctuation of the fluid level within the water seal chamber indicates proper functioning of the chest tube. This fluctuation reflects the normal ebb and flow of air and fluid in the pleural space, demonstrating that the system is maintaining the appropriate pressure. Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber may indicate an air leak, absence of fluid in the drainage tubing suggests a blockage, and equal amounts of fluid drainage in each collection chamber are not expected in this system.
2. A nurse is assessing a client with a history of seizures. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
- A. The client is experiencing an aura.
- B. The client's antiseizure medication level is within the therapeutic range.
- C. The client has been seizure-free for 2 years.
- D. The client's seizure activity lasts longer than 5 minutes.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Seizure activity lasting longer than 5 minutes requires immediate intervention as it can lead to status epilepticus, a medical emergency.
3. A client has a new diagnosis of myasthenia gravis. For which of the following manifestations should the nurse monitor?
- A. Confusion
- B. Weakness
- C. Increased intracranial pressure
- D. Increased urinary output
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In myasthenia gravis, a neuromuscular disorder characterized by muscle weakness and fatigue, weakness is a common manifestation due to the immune system attacking the communication between nerves and muscles. Monitoring for weakness is crucial to assess the disease progression and determine the effectiveness of treatment. Confusion is not a typical manifestation of myasthenia gravis. Increased intracranial pressure and increased urinary output are not directly associated with this condition.
4. A client with COPD is developing a plan of care. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan?
- A. Restrict the client's fluid intake to less than 2 L/day
- B. Provide the client with a low-protein diet
- C. Have the client use the early-morning hours for exercise and activity
- D. Instruct the client to use pursed-lip breathing
Correct answer: D
Rationale: In COPD, pursed-lip breathing helps improve breathing efficiency by maintaining positive pressure in the airways, preventing airway collapse, and promoting oxygenation. This technique assists in controlling respiratory rate, reducing dyspnea, and enhancing oxygen saturation levels. Restricting fluid intake is not typically a part of COPD management. Providing a low-protein diet is not a standard intervention for COPD. Early-morning hours are generally not recommended for exercise due to cooler temperatures and higher pollution levels, which can exacerbate COPD symptoms.
5. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) appears thin and disheveled. Which question should the nurse ask first?
- A. Do you have a strong support system?
- B. What do you understand about your disease?
- C. Do you experience shortness of breath with basic activities?
- D. What medications are you prescribed to take each day?
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In clients with severe COPD, shortness of breath can significantly impact their ability to perform basic activities like bathing and eating. Therefore, the nurse's priority should be to assess if shortness of breath is interfering with the client's basic activities, which can provide crucial information for planning and managing care.
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