ATI RN
ATI Comprehensive Exit Exam 2023
1. A healthcare provider is reviewing the laboratory report of a client with a prescription for digoxin. Which result requires withholding the medication?
- A. Digoxin 0.8 ng/mL
- B. Sodium 145 mEq/L
- C. BUN 20 mg/dL
- D. Potassium 3.1 mEq/L
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. A low potassium level (3.1 mEq/L) can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. Hypokalemia can potentiate the effects of digoxin on the heart, leading to serious dysrhythmias. Choices A, B, and C are within normal ranges and do not indicate a need to withhold digoxin.
2. A nurse is caring for a client who has chronic kidney disease and is experiencing fluid volume overload. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
- A. Decreased blood pressure
- B. Increased urine output
- C. Decreased heart rate
- D. Increased heart rate
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In a client with chronic kidney disease experiencing fluid volume overload, the nurse should expect a decreased blood pressure. Fluid volume overload can lead to poor cardiac output, which in turn can cause a decrease in blood pressure. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Increased urine output is not expected in fluid volume overload; decreased heart rate is not typically associated with fluid volume overload; and an increased heart rate is more commonly seen in response to fluid overload to compensate for the decreased cardiac output.
3. A nurse is preparing a sterile field for a client with a surgical wound. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to maintain the sterile field?
- A. Open sterile packages using the flap closest to your body first.
- B. Don sterile gloves before opening the sterile package.
- C. Avoid reaching over the sterile field.
- D. Place sterile items at least 2.5 cm (1 in) from the edge of the sterile field.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct action to maintain a sterile field is to avoid reaching over it. This prevents contamination of the sterile environment by reducing the risk of unintentionally dropping microorganisms from non-sterile areas onto the sterile field. Opening sterile packages using the flap closest to your body first (choice A) is a good practice but not directly related to maintaining the sterile field. Donning sterile gloves before opening the sterile package (choice B) is crucial for maintaining sterility but not specific to maintaining the sterile field. Placing sterile items at least 2.5 cm (1 in) from the edge of the sterile field (choice D) is important to prevent accidental contamination, but it is not the primary action to maintain the sterile field.
4. A client who is 2 hours postoperative following a kidney biopsy is being assessed by a nurse. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
- A. Urinary output of 30 mL/hr.
- B. Hemoglobin 10 g/dL.
- C. Respiratory rate of 16/min.
- D. Blood pressure 110/70 mm Hg.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. A hemoglobin level of 10 g/dL is below the normal range and should be reported following a kidney biopsy to check for bleeding. Decreased hemoglobin levels could indicate internal bleeding, which is a significant concern postoperatively. Choices A, C, and D are within normal limits and do not require immediate reporting. Urinary output of 30 mL/hr is also within the acceptable range for a postoperative client. A respiratory rate of 16/min and blood pressure of 110/70 mm Hg are both normal findings postoperatively.
5. A client has a new prescription for ferrous sulfate. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
- A. Take this medication on an empty stomach.
- B. Take this medication with milk if it causes stomach upset.
- C. Take this medication with orange juice to increase absorption.
- D. Take an antacid 1 hour after this medication.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct instruction is to take ferrous sulfate with orange juice to increase absorption because the vitamin C content in orange juice enhances iron absorption. Choice A is incorrect because ferrous sulfate should be taken with food to reduce gastrointestinal side effects. Choice B is incorrect because milk can decrease iron absorption. Choice D is incorrect because antacids can reduce the absorption of ferrous sulfate.
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