ATI RN
ATI Medical Surgical Proctored Exam
1. A client is scheduled for a colonoscopy and receiving education from a healthcare provider. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. I can have clear liquids up to 2 hours before the procedure.
- B. I need to take a laxative the night before the procedure.
- C. I will be sedated during the procedure.
- D. I should avoid eating solid foods for 24 hours before the procedure.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because clients are typically instructed to avoid solid foods for 12-24 hours before a colonoscopy, not a full 24 hours. This statement indicates a need for further teaching to ensure the client follows the correct dietary instructions for the procedure.
2. A client with a spinal cord injury at T6 suddenly reports a pounding headache and blurred vision. What action should the nurse take first?
- A. Administer pain medication as ordered.
- B. Check the client's blood pressure.
- C. Place the client in a supine position.
- D. Increase the client's fluid intake.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The client's symptoms of a pounding headache and blurred vision are indicative of autonomic dysreflexia, a potentially life-threatening condition in clients with spinal cord injuries at T6 or above. The nurse's priority action should be to check the client's blood pressure as autonomic dysreflexia can lead to severe hypertension. Identifying and addressing this elevated blood pressure promptly is crucial to prevent serious complications such as seizures, stroke, or even death. Once the blood pressure is assessed and managed, further interventions can be implemented to address the underlying cause of autonomic dysreflexia.
3. When caring for a client with acute renal failure, which laboratory value is most important to monitor?
- A. Serum sodium
- B. Serum potassium
- C. Serum calcium
- D. Serum chloride
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In acute renal failure, monitoring serum potassium is crucial because impaired kidney function can lead to hyperkalemia, which can result in life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias. Elevated potassium levels need close monitoring and prompt interventions to prevent serious complications.
4. A student learns about modifiable risk factors for coronary artery disease. Which factors does this include? (Select one that does not apply)
- A. Age
- B. Hypertension
- C. Obesity
- D. Smoking
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Hypertension, obesity, smoking, and excessive stress are all modifiable risk factors for coronary artery disease, as they can be changed or controlled through interventions. Age, on the other hand, is a nonmodifiable risk factor, meaning it cannot be altered. Understanding the difference between modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors is essential in preventive healthcare strategies.
5. A client has a pulmonary embolism & is started on oxygen. The student nurse asks why the client's oxygen saturation has not significantly improved. What response by the nurse is best?
- A. Breathing so rapidly interferes with oxygenation.
- B. Maybe the client has respiratory distress syndrome.
- C. The blood clot interferes with perfusion in the lungs.
- D. The client needs immediate intubation & mechanical ventilation.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A large blood clot in the lungs will significantly impair gas exchange & oxygenation. Unless the clot is dissolved, this process will continue unabated.
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