ATI RN
ATI Medical Surgical Proctored Exam
1. A client is 4 hours postoperative following abdominal surgery. The client's blood pressure has dropped from 120/80 mm Hg to 90/60 mm Hg. What action should the nurse take first?
- A. Administer an IV fluid bolus.
- B. Check the surgical site for bleeding.
- C. Place the client in a Trendelenburg position.
- D. Notify the healthcare provider.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Checking the surgical site for bleeding is crucial in this situation as it helps determine if the drop in blood pressure is due to hemorrhage, a potential postoperative complication. Identifying and addressing bleeding promptly is essential to prevent further complications and stabilize the client's condition.
2. A newly graduated nurse in the hospital states that, since she is so new, she cannot participate in quality improvement (QI) projects. What response by the precepting nurse is best?
- A. All staff nurses are required to participate in quality improvement projects.
- B. Even as a new nurse, you can implement activities designed to improve care.
- C. It's easy to identify which indicators should be used to measure quality improvement.
- D. You should ask to be assigned to the research and quality committee.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The best response is to encourage the newly graduated nurse to actively participate in quality improvement initiatives. Being new does not preclude one from contributing to improving care processes and outcomes. By engaging in small activities focused on quality improvement, the new nurse can start making a positive impact and learn valuable skills early in their career.
3. A client is going to be admitted for a scheduled surgical procedure. Which action does the nurse explain is the most important thing the client can do to protect against errors?
- A. Bring a list of all medications and their purposes.
- B. Keep the doctor's phone number close by.
- C. Ensure all providers wash their hands before entering the room.
- D. Document the name of each caregiver who enters the room.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The most important action a client can take to protect against errors is to bring a list of all medications and their purposes. This helps ensure that the healthcare team has accurate information about the client's medications, reducing the risk of medication errors, which are the most common type of healthcare mistake. Knowing the medications and their purposes can also aid in preventing drug interactions and adverse effects during the surgical procedure.
4. A client with diabetes is experiencing symptoms of hypoglycemia. What should the nurse administer first?
- A. 10 units of regular insulin subcutaneously
- B. 50 mL of 50% dextrose solution intravenously
- C. 1 mg of glucagon intramuscularly
- D. 15-20 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate orally
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct first intervention for a client experiencing hypoglycemia is administering 15-20 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate orally. If the client is conscious and able to swallow, providing quick-acting carbohydrates helps raise blood glucose levels rapidly and effectively. This approach is preferred over other options like administering insulin, dextrose solution intravenously, or glucagon, which are not the initial interventions for hypoglycemia.
5. A client is moving to a new state and needs to find a new doctor and hospital there. What advice by the nurse is best?
- A. Ask the hospitals there about standard nurse-client ratios.
- B. Choose the hospital that has the newest technology.
- C. Find a hospital that is accredited by The Joint Commission.
- D. Use a facility affiliated with a medical or nursing school.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Choosing a hospital accredited by The Joint Commission (TJC) or another accrediting body is the best advice as it ensures a focus on safety and quality standards.
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