ATI RN
ATI Exit Exam RN
1. A nurse is caring for an infant who has a prescription for continuous pulse oximetry. Which of the following is an appropriate action for the nurse to take?
- A. Place the infant under a radiant warmer
- B. Move the probe site every 3 hours
- C. Heat the skin one minute prior to placing the probe
- D. Place a sensor on the index finger
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to move the probe site every 3 hours. This action helps prevent skin breakdown and ensures accurate readings. Placing the infant under a radiant warmer (Choice A) is not necessary for pulse oximetry monitoring. Heating the skin before placing the probe (Choice C) can potentially cause burns in infants. Placing a sensor on the index finger (Choice D) is not the standard practice for continuous pulse oximetry in infants.
2. A nurse is assessing a client who has a sodium level of 125 mEq/L. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
- A. Increased appetite
- B. Dry mucous membranes
- C. Hypotension
- D. Hyperreflexia
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A sodium level of 125 mEq/L indicates hyponatremia, which can lead to hypotension. Hyponatremia is associated with signs such as confusion and weakness, rather than increased appetite, dry mucous membranes, or hyperreflexia. Therefore, the nurse should expect hypotension as a finding in a client with a sodium level of 125 mEq/L.
3. What is the most important nursing action for a patient presenting with confusion after surgery?
- A. Administer oxygen
- B. Reposition the patient
- C. Administer IV fluids
- D. Perform a neurological assessment
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Administering oxygen is crucial for a patient presenting with confusion after surgery because it helps alleviate potential hypoxia, which can be a common cause of confusion in the postoperative period. While repositioning the patient, administering IV fluids, and performing a neurological assessment are important nursing interventions in certain situations, addressing hypoxia by administering oxygen takes priority in this case to ensure an adequate oxygen supply to the brain and other vital organs.
4. A nurse is caring for a client who is 3 days postoperative following a colostomy. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
- A. Stoma that is red and moist
- B. Purulent drainage from the stoma
- C. Stoma that is dry and purple
- D. Mild swelling around the stoma
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A dry, purple stoma is abnormal and may indicate compromised blood flow, which should be reported to the provider. A red and moist stoma is a normal finding postoperatively. Purulent drainage from the stoma indicates infection and should also be reported. Mild swelling around the stoma is common in the early postoperative period and does not typically require immediate reporting.
5. What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient experiencing an acute asthma attack?
- A. Administer bronchodilators
- B. Monitor oxygen saturation
- C. Provide supplemental oxygen
- D. Start IV fluids
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to administer bronchodilators. In an acute asthma attack, the priority is to open the airways and improve airflow. Bronchodilators like albuterol are crucial in providing immediate relief to the patient. Monitoring oxygen saturation (choice B) is important but administering bronchodilators takes precedence in managing the acute attack. Providing supplemental oxygen (choice C) may be necessary but addressing the airway obstruction with bronchodilators is the priority. Starting IV fluids (choice D) is not the priority in an acute asthma attack unless specifically indicated for other reasons such as dehydration.
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