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. A nurse is preparing to reposition a client who had a stroke. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to evaluate the client's ability to help with repositioning. When caring for a client who had a stroke, assessing their ability to participate in repositioning is crucial for promoting safety and encouraging their involvement in their care. This evaluation helps determine the level of assistance needed and supports the client's autonomy. Option A is incorrect because raising the side rails alone does not address the client's active involvement in repositioning. Option B is incorrect as using assistive devices may be necessary for safe repositioning. Option C is incorrect as discussing preferences is important but does not directly address the client's ability to assist in repositioning.

3. A nurse is planning care for a client who is postoperative following abdominal surgery. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement to prevent respiratory complications?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Encouraging the client to use an incentive spirometer every hour is crucial to prevent respiratory complications postoperatively. Incentive spirometry helps in lung expansion and prevents atelectasis, which is common after abdominal surgery. Choice A, encouraging ambulation, is important for preventing complications but does not directly address respiratory issues. Choice B, deep breathing and coughing every hour, is also beneficial but not as effective in preventing atelectasis as using an incentive spirometer. Choice D, instructing the client to avoid coughing, is incorrect as coughing helps clear secretions and prevent respiratory complications.

4. A nurse is assessing a client with a history of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Loss of interest in usual activities. Clients with PTSD often exhibit symptoms such as numbing, which can manifest as a loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed. Choice A, dependence on family and friends, is more indicative of seeking support rather than a direct symptom of PTSD. Choice C, ritualistic behavior, is more commonly associated with conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder. Choice D, passive-aggressive behavior, is not a typical finding in clients with PTSD.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who is 36 weeks gestation and has preeclampsia. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Nonpitting ankle edema is a concerning sign of worsening preeclampsia due to fluid retention and should be reported immediately. Proteinuria of 1+ is a common finding in preeclampsia. A blood pressure of 120/80 mm Hg is within normal limits. A respiratory rate of 18/min is also within normal range. Therefore, choices A, B, and C are not as urgent as nonpitting ankle edema in this scenario.

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