ATI RN
ATI Capstone Medical Surgical Assessment 2 Quizlet
1. What is the purpose of an escharotomy?
- A. To relieve pressure and improve circulation in burn injuries
- B. To reduce pain in the affected area
- C. To remove necrotic tissue from a wound
- D. To prevent infection from spreading
Correct answer: A
Rationale: An escharotomy is performed to relieve pressure and improve circulation in areas affected by deep burns. This procedure helps prevent complications such as compartment syndrome by releasing the constricting eschar. Choice B is incorrect because while pain relief may be a secondary outcome of the procedure, the primary purpose is to address pressure and circulation issues. Choice C is incorrect as an escharotomy specifically focuses on releasing pressure, not removing necrotic tissue. Choice D is incorrect as the primary goal of an escharotomy is not to prevent infection but rather to address the immediate issues related to deep burn injuries.
2. What are the signs and symptoms of compartment syndrome?
- A. Unrelieved pain, pallor, and pulselessness
- B. Localized redness and swelling
- C. Fever and infection
- D. Loss of sensation in the affected area
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The signs and symptoms of compartment syndrome include unrelieved pain, pallor, and pulselessness. Unrelieved pain is a key characteristic, indicating tissue ischemia due to increased pressure within a closed anatomic space. Pallor results from compromised blood flow, and pulselessness indicates severe ischemia requiring immediate intervention. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because localized redness and swelling, fever and infection, and loss of sensation are not specific signs of compartment syndrome. Therefore, the correct answer is A.
3. What are the common manifestations of compartment syndrome?
- A. Unrelieved pain, pallor, pulselessness
- B. Redness and swelling
- C. Fever and infection
- D. Swelling and redness
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct manifestations of compartment syndrome are unrelieved pain, pallor, and pulselessness. These symptoms indicate compromised blood flow and neurovascular compromise, necessitating immediate medical intervention. Redness and swelling (Choice B) are more commonly associated with inflammation or infection rather than compartment syndrome. Fever and infection (Choice C) are not typical manifestations of compartment syndrome. Swelling and redness (Choice D) are general signs that can be seen in various conditions and are not specific to compartment syndrome.
4. How does hyponatremia place the patient at risk?
- A. Seizures
- B. Fatigue
- C. Cardiac dysrhythmias
- D. Muscle weakness
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Hyponatremia places the patient at risk for cardiac dysrhythmias. While hyponatremia can lead to seizures due to cerebral edema caused by fluid imbalance, the most immediate and life-threatening risk is cardiac dysrhythmias. Low sodium levels can disrupt the heart's electrical activity, potentially leading to fatal arrhythmias. Although fatigue and muscle weakness are symptoms of hyponatremia, cardiac dysrhythmias pose the most critical concern as they can have severe consequences.
5. What action should a healthcare provider take if a patient reports cramping during enema administration?
- A. Lower the height of the solution container
- B. Increase the flow of the enema solution
- C. Stop the procedure and remove the tubing
- D. Continue the enema at a slower rate
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When a patient reports cramping during enema administration, the best action is to lower the height of the enema solution container. This adjustment helps relieve abdominal cramping by slowing down the flow of the enema, making it more comfortable for the patient. Increasing the flow of the solution (choice B) would exacerbate the cramping. Stopping the procedure and removing the tubing (choice C) may be necessary in some cases but should not be the first response to cramping. Continuing the enema at a slower rate (choice D) might not be as effective as lowering the height of the solution container in addressing the cramping.
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