ATI RN
ATI Medical Surgical Proctored Exam
1. Prior to a thoracentesis, what intervention should the nurse complete?
- A. Measure oxygen saturation before and after the procedure.
- B. Verify that the client has given informed consent.
- C. Explain the procedure briefly to the client and their family.
- D. Ensure informed consent has been obtained from the client.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Before a thoracentesis procedure, it is crucial to ensure that the client has given informed consent. This process involves explaining the procedure, its risks, benefits, and alternatives to the client, and obtaining their signature on the consent form. Verifying informed consent is a vital legal and ethical step to protect the client's autonomy and ensure they have made an informed decision about the procedure.
2. A client is on intravenous heparin to treat a pulmonary embolism. The client's most recent partial thromboplastin time (PTT) was 25 seconds. What action should the nurse anticipate?
- A. Decrease the heparin rate.
- B. Increase the heparin rate.
- C. No change to the heparin rate.
- D. Stop the heparin; start warfarin (Coumadin).
Correct answer: B
Rationale: For clients on heparin therapy, a PTT value of 1.5 to 2.5 times the normal range is required to ensure therapeutic anticoagulation. The normal PTT range is 25 to 35 seconds. In this case, the client's PTT of 25 seconds falls below the therapeutic range, indicating that the heparin dose is insufficient. Therefore, the nurse should anticipate increasing the heparin rate to achieve the desired therapeutic effect.
3. A patient is assessing a client who has just been admitted to the emergency department. The client is having difficulty breathing and is using accessory muscles. What action by the nurse is best?
- A. Administer oxygen at 2 liters per minute via nasal cannula.
- B. Assess the client's vital signs including oxygen saturation.
- C. Notify the Rapid Response Team immediately.
- D. Place the client in a high Fowler's position.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Placing the client in a high Fowler's position is the best action in this situation as it helps to maximize lung expansion, improve breathing, and decrease the work of breathing. This position allows for better chest expansion, improving oxygenation and ventilation for the client in respiratory distress.
4. 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.
5. A nurse assesses a client who has a history of heart failure. Which question should the nurse ask to assess the extent of the client's heart failure?
- A. Do you have trouble breathing or chest pain?
- B. Are you able to walk upstairs without fatigue?
- C. Do you awake with breathlessness during the night?
- D. Do you have new-onset heaviness in your legs?
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Clients with a history of heart failure generally have negative findings, such as shortness of breath. The nurse needs to determine whether the client's activity is the same or worse, or whether the client identifies a decrease in activity level. Trouble breathing, chest pain, breathlessness at night & peripheral edema are symptoms of heart failure, but do not provide data that can determine the extent of the client's heart failure.
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