ATI RN
ATI Medical Surgical Proctored Exam
1. A client tests positive for alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency and asks the nurse, What does this mean? How should the nurse respond?
- A. Your children may be at high risk for developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
- B. I will arrange for a genetic counselor to discuss your condition.
- C. Your risk for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is higher, particularly if you smoke.
- D. This is a recessive gene that should not affect your health.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency is associated with a higher risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), especially if the individual smokes. This condition is caused by a recessive gene. Individuals with one allele typically produce enough AAT to prevent COPD unless they smoke. However, those with two alleles are at high risk for COPD even without exposure to smoke or other irritants. Being a carrier of AAT deficiency does not guarantee that one's children will develop the disease; it depends on the AAT levels of the partner. While involving a genetic counselor may be beneficial in the long run, the immediate concern of the client's question should be addressed first.
2. 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.
3. After auscultating a client's breath sounds, the nurse is providing care. Which finding is correctly matched to the nurse's primary intervention?
- A. Hollow sounds are heard over the trachea. The nurse increases the oxygen flow rate.
- B. Crackles are heard in bases. The nurse encourages the client to cough forcefully.
- C. Wheezes are heard in central areas. The nurse administers an inhaled bronchodilator.
- D. Vesicular sounds are heard over the periphery. The nurse has the client breathe deeply.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Wheezes are indicative of narrowed airways, and bronchodilators help to open the air passages, making option C the correct match. Wheezes are typically heard in the central or peripheral lung areas and are associated with conditions like asthma or COPD. Inhaled bronchodilators work by dilating the bronchioles, which helps alleviate wheezing and improve airflow. Therefore, administering an inhaled bronchodilator is the appropriate intervention in response to wheezes.
4. When caring for an older adult client with a pulmonary infection, what action should the nurse take first?
- A. Encourage the client to increase fluid intake.
- B. Assess the client's level of consciousness.
- C. Raise the head of the bed to at least 45 degrees.
- D. Provide the client with humidified oxygen.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Assessing the client's level of consciousness is the priority because it provides crucial information on the client's neurological status and response to the infection. Changes in consciousness can indicate deterioration or improvement in the client's condition, guiding further interventions and treatment.
5. When planning care, what factors should the nurse consider when utilizing evidence-based practice (EBP)? (Select ONE that does not apply)
- A. Cost-saving measures
- B. Nurse's expertise
- C. Client preferences
- D. Research findings
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In evidence-based practice (EBP), nurses should consider the current evidence (research findings), client preferences, and the nurse's expertise when planning care. By integrating these factors, nurses can provide individualized, effective, and patient-centered care that aligns with the best available evidence, the patient's values, and the nurse's clinical knowledge and experience.
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