what is the priority nursing action for a patient with shortness of breath
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

ATI RN Exit Exam 2023

1. What is the priority nursing action for a patient with shortness of breath?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering oxygen is the priority nursing action for a patient experiencing shortness of breath. Oxygen therapy aims to improve oxygenation levels quickly, addressing the underlying cause of the symptom. Repositioning the patient, checking oxygen saturation, and elevating the head of the bed are important interventions but administering oxygen takes precedence in this scenario to ensure adequate oxygen supply to the body.

2. Which electrolyte imbalance should be closely monitored in a patient receiving digoxin?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Potassium levels should be monitored closely in a patient receiving digoxin to avoid hypokalemia. Digoxin can increase the risk of developing life-threatening arrhythmias in the presence of low potassium levels. Monitoring sodium, calcium, or glucose levels is not specifically necessary for patients on digoxin, making choices B, C, and D incorrect.

3. A nurse is preparing to insert an indwelling urinary catheter for a male client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When inserting an indwelling urinary catheter for a male client, it is crucial to advance the catheter 17 to 22.5 cm after urine begins to flow. This helps ensure proper placement in the male urethra, which is longer compared to females. Choice A is incorrect as advancing only 2.5 to 5 cm would not reach the correct placement in male clients. Choice B is incorrect as advancing 7.5 to 10 cm is insufficient to reach the appropriate location in male clients. Choice D is also incorrect as advancing 5 to 7.5 cm would likely not reach the desired placement in male clients.

4. A client is receiving furosemide for heart failure. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. A heart rate of 68/min is lower than expected and should be reported as it may indicate digoxin toxicity. Choices A, C, and D are within normal limits for a client receiving furosemide for heart failure and do not require immediate reporting. Weight loss may be expected due to diuretic therapy, a potassium level of 3.8 mEq/L is within the normal range, and a urine output of 60 mL/hr indicates adequate renal perfusion.

5. What is the initial step in managing a suspected pulmonary embolism in a patient?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering oxygen is the initial step in managing a suspected pulmonary embolism. Oxygen therapy is crucial to improve oxygenation levels in the blood when there is a suspected blockage in the pulmonary artery. Administering anticoagulants, although important in the treatment of pulmonary embolism, is not the first step as ensuring adequate oxygen supply takes precedence. Repositioning the patient or administering IV fluids are not the primary interventions for a suspected pulmonary embolism and are not as essential as providing oxygen support.

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