ATI RN
ATI RN Comprehensive Exit Exam
1. What is the first intervention for a patient experiencing anaphylactic shock?
- A. Administer epinephrine
- B. Administer oxygen
- C. Administer corticosteroids
- D. Administer antihistamines
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to administer epinephrine. Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylactic shock as it helps reverse the severe allergic reaction by constricting blood vessels, increasing heart rate, and opening airways for improved breathing. Oxygen (Choice B) can be administered after epinephrine to support oxygenation. Corticosteroids (Choice C) may be used to prevent a biphasic reaction but are not the initial intervention. Antihistamines (Choice D) can help with itching and hives but do not address the life-threatening symptoms of anaphylaxis.
2. Which electrolyte imbalance should be closely monitored in patients on diuretics?
- A. Hypokalemia
- B. Hyponatremia
- C. Hyperkalemia
- D. Hypercalcemia
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypokalemia. Patients on diuretics are at risk of developing hypokalemia due to increased potassium excretion by the kidneys. Hypokalemia can lead to serious consequences such as cardiac arrhythmias. Hyponatremia (choice B) is an imbalance of sodium levels and is not typically associated with diuretic use. Hyperkalemia (choice C) is the opposite condition where potassium levels are elevated and is less common in patients on diuretics. Hypercalcemia (choice D) is an excess of calcium in the blood and is not directly related to diuretic use. Therefore, monitoring for hypokalemia is crucial in patients taking diuretics.
3. A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for furosemide. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following electrolyte imbalances?
- A. Hypernatremia
- B. Hypokalemia
- C. Hypercalcemia
- D. Hypomagnesemia
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hypokalemia. Furosemide, a loop diuretic, can cause potassium loss leading to hypokalemia. Monitoring potassium levels is crucial as low potassium can result in various complications like cardiac dysrhythmias. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Hypernatremia is high sodium levels, which are not typically associated with furosemide use. Hypercalcemia is elevated calcium levels and hypomagnesemia is low magnesium levels, which are not the primary electrolyte imbalances associated with furosemide.
4. A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for nitroglycerin sublingual tablets. Which of the following statements should the nurse include?
- A. "You can take this medication with a full glass of water."
- B. "You should store this medication in the refrigerator."
- C. "Take one tablet every 5 minutes until the pain is relieved, up to three doses."
- D. "You should avoid eating foods high in sodium while taking this medication."
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct statement the nurse should include is to take one nitroglycerin sublingual tablet every 5 minutes until the pain is relieved, up to three doses. This dosing regimen is important to manage angina attacks effectively. Option A is incorrect because nitroglycerin sublingual tablets should not be taken with water. Option B is incorrect as nitroglycerin tablets should be stored in their original container at room temperature. Option D is incorrect because there is no specific instruction to avoid foods high in sodium while taking nitroglycerin sublingual tablets.
5. What is the most important assessment for a patient with respiratory distress?
- A. Monitor oxygen saturation
- B. Check for abnormal breath sounds
- C. Check for pitting edema
- D. Perform a neurological exam
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Monitoring oxygen saturation is crucial in assessing a patient with respiratory distress because it helps determine if the patient is receiving adequate oxygen. Oxygen saturation levels provide immediate feedback on the efficiency of oxygen delivery to the tissues. Checking for abnormal breath sounds (Choice B) is relevant in respiratory assessments, but it is secondary to assessing oxygen saturation. Pitting edema (Choice C) and performing a neurological exam (Choice D) are not directly related to assessing respiratory distress and are not the primary focus when managing a patient with breathing difficulties.
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