ATI RN
ATI Medical Surgical Proctored Exam
1. How does the pain of a myocardial infarction (MI) differ from stable angina?
- A. Accompanied by shortness of breath
- B. Feelings of fear or anxiety
- C. Lasts about 3-5 minutes
- D. Relieved by taking nitroglycerin
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The pain of an MI is often accompanied by shortness of breath and feelings of fear or anxiety. It typically lasts longer than 15 minutes and is not relieved by nitroglycerin. Unlike stable angina, the pain of an MI occurs without a known cause such as exertion.
2. A nursing student learns about modifiable risk factors for coronary artery disease. Which factors does this include? (SATA)
- A. Age
- B. Hypertension
- C. Obesity
- D. Smoking
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Hypertension, obesity, smoking, and excessive stress are all modifiable risk factors for coronary artery disease. Age is a nonmodifiable risk factor as it is a natural process of life.
3. A client had an inferior wall myocardial infarction (MI). The nurse notes the client's cardiac rhythm as shown below. What action by the nurse is most important?
- A. Assess the client's blood pressure and level of consciousness.
- B. Call the health care provider or the Rapid Response Team.
- C. Obtain a permit for an emergency temporary pacemaker insertion.
- D. Prepare to administer antidysrhythmic medication.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The ECG strip shows sinus bradycardia, which is common in clients with an inferior wall MI. This rhythm can lead to decreased perfusion due to bradycardia and blocks. The most crucial initial action for the nurse is to assess the client's hemodynamic status, including blood pressure and level of consciousness. This assessment will help determine the immediate needs of the client. Calling the health care provider or the Rapid Response Team, obtaining a permit for a pacemaker insertion, or preparing to administer antidysrhythmic medication may be necessary based on the assessment findings, but the priority is to evaluate the client's current condition first.
4. The client with a chest tube after a coronary artery bypass graft has significantly slowed drainage. What action is most important for the nurse to take?
- A. Increase the setting on the suction.
- B. Notify the provider immediately.
- C. Re-position the chest tube.
- D. Take the tubing apart to assess for clots.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: If the drainage from the chest tube decreases significantly, it may indicate a blockage by a clot, potentially leading to cardiac tamponade. The nurse's priority action should be to notify the healthcare provider immediately for further evaluation and intervention. Increasing suction, re-positioning the chest tube, or disassembling the tubing independently are not appropriate actions without healthcare provider guidance in this situation.
5. A healthcare provider is assessing a client who had a myocardial infarction. Upon auscultating heart sounds, the provider hears the following sound. What action by the provider is most appropriate?
- A. Assess the client's lung sounds.
- B. Call the Rapid Response Team.
- C. Have the client sit upright.
- D. Listen to the client's lung sounds.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The sound described is an S3 heart sound, which can indicate heart failure. The next appropriate action for the provider is to listen to the client's lung sounds. Lung sounds can provide additional information about the client's condition, especially when abnormal heart sounds are present. Calling the Rapid Response Team is not warranted based solely on the heart sound assessment. Having the client sit upright is not directly related to addressing the abnormal heart sound.
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