ATI RN
ATI RN Comprehensive Exit Exam 2023
1. What is the most important nursing assessment for a patient with suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
- A. Check for leg pain
- B. Perform Homan's sign test
- C. Monitor for redness
- D. Assess for warmth and swelling
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The most important nursing assessment for a patient with suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is to check for leg pain. Leg pain is a cardinal symptom of DVT and is often the initial indicator of a blood clot. While assessing for warmth, swelling, and redness are also important in DVT evaluation, leg pain is the most crucial as it can prompt further diagnostic testing and interventions. Performing Homan's sign test is no longer recommended due to its low specificity and potential to dislodge a clot, causing complications. Monitoring for redness is important but may not always be present in DVT cases. Assessing for warmth and swelling is relevant but still secondary to the assessment of leg pain in suspected DVT cases.
2. The nurse is using a bulb syringe to suction a neonate after delivery. What is an important consideration?
- A. Compress the bulb before insertion.
- B. Clear the mouth and pharynx before the nasal passages.
- C. Use two bulb syringes, one for the mouth and pharynx and one for the nasal passages.
- D. Continue using a bulb syringe until secretions are removed as mechanical suction is contraindicated.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct consideration when using a bulb syringe to suction a neonate after delivery is to clear the mouth and pharynx before the nasal passages to prevent aspiration of amniotic fluid. Compressing the bulb syringe before insertion is important to create suction. Using two bulb syringes is unnecessary, as one is sufficient for both the mouth/pharynx and nasal passages. It is not recommended to continue using a bulb syringe until all secretions are removed; instead, mechanical suction can be employed if more forceful removal of secretions is required.
3. A nurse is preparing to apply a transdermal nicotine patch for a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Shave hairy areas of skin prior to application.
- B. Wear gloves to apply the patch to the client's skin.
- C. Apply the patch within 1 hr of removing it from the protective pouch.
- D. Remove the previous patch and place it in a tissue.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to wear gloves to apply the patch to the client's skin. This action ensures that the nurse does not absorb any medication through their own skin, promoting safety. Choice A is incorrect because shaving is not necessary and could irritate the skin. Choice C is incorrect because transdermal patches should be applied immediately after removal from the protective pouch to maintain their efficacy. Choice D is incorrect because used patches should be folded and discarded safely according to facility protocols.
4. A client has a chest tube connected to a water-seal drainage system. Which of the following actions should be taken?
- A. Clamp the chest tube during ambulation
- B. Keep the collection chamber below the level of the chest
- C. Add sterile water to the water-seal chamber
- D. Empty the collection chamber every 12 hours
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when caring for a client with a chest tube connected to a water-seal drainage system is to add sterile water to the water-seal chamber. This is necessary to maintain the correct water level for proper chest tube function. Clamping the chest tube during ambulation (Choice A) is incorrect as it can lead to complications by obstructing drainage. Keeping the collection chamber below the level of the chest (Choice B) is incorrect because it should be kept below the chest to facilitate drainage. Emptying the collection chamber every 12 hours (Choice D) is incorrect as it should be emptied whenever it reaches the fill line or as per facility policy, not on a fixed time schedule.
5. A healthcare provider is reviewing laboratory results for a client who is receiving heparin therapy. Which of the following results indicates that the medication is effective?
- A. Platelets 250,000/mm³
- B. aPTT 60 seconds
- C. Hemoglobin 15 g/dL
- D. INR 1.5
Correct answer: B
Rationale: An aPTT of 60 seconds indicates that the client is receiving an effective dose of heparin. The activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) measures the time it takes for blood to clot and is used to monitor heparin therapy. A therapeutic range for aPTT during heparin therapy is usually 1.5 to 2 times the control value, which is around 25-35 seconds. Platelets, hemoglobin, and INR values are not direct indicators of the effectiveness of heparin therapy.
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