ATI RN
ATI RN Adult Medical Surgical Online Practice 2023 A
1. A client had an evacuation of a subdural hematoma. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
- A. Observe for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks from the evacuation site.
- B. Assess for an increase in temperature.
- C. Check the oximeter.
- D. Monitor for manifestations of increased intracranial pressure.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: When caring for a client who had an evacuation of a subdural hematoma, the nurse's priority is to check the oximeter. Monitoring oxygen saturation is crucial to ensure adequate tissue oxygenation, especially after such a procedure. This assessment helps in early detection of hypoxemia, which can be detrimental to the client's recovery. While observing for CSF leaks, assessing for temperature changes, and monitoring for signs of increased intracranial pressure are important, checking the oximeter takes precedence to address immediate oxygenation needs.
2. In an emergency department, a healthcare provider is preparing to care for a client with multiple system trauma following a motor vehicle crash. What should be the priority focus of care?
- A. Airway protection
- B. Decreasing intracranial pressure
- C. Stabilizing cardiac arrhythmias
- D. Preventing musculoskeletal disability
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In a client with multiple system trauma, airway protection is the priority focus of care. Ensuring a patent airway is crucial for oxygenation and ventilation, which are essential for maintaining vital functions. Without a clear airway, the client's oxygenation and ventilation could be compromised, leading to severe consequences. While decreasing intracranial pressure, stabilizing cardiac arrhythmias, and preventing musculoskeletal disability are important aspects of care, ensuring airway protection takes precedence in this emergency situation.
3. Prior to performing percussion, vibration, and postural drainage on an adolescent client with pneumonia, which of the following nursing actions should the nurse complete first?
- A. Auscultate lung fields
- B. Assess pulse and respirations
- C. Assess characteristics of the sputum
- D. Instruct the client to slowly exhale with pursed lips
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Before initiating percussion, vibration, and postural drainage, the nurse should first auscultate the lung fields to assess the baseline lung sounds and identify areas of congestion or abnormality. This initial assessment helps the nurse to tailor the percussion and drainage techniques effectively. Assessing pulse and respirations, sputum characteristics, and providing instructions to the client for exhalation are important steps in the procedure but should follow the initial auscultation to ensure a comprehensive and individualized care approach.
4. A client who experienced a femur fracture 8 hr ago now reports sudden onset dyspnea and severe chest pain. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
- A. Provide high-flow oxygen.
- B. Check the client for a positive Chvostek's sign.
- C. Administer an IV vasopressor medication.
- D. Monitor the client for headache.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In this situation, the priority action is to provide high-flow oxygen to the client. Sudden onset dyspnea and severe chest pain can be indicative of a pulmonary embolism, which is a life-threatening emergency. Oxygen therapy helps improve oxygenation and stabilizes the client's condition. Checking for Chvostek's sign, administering IV vasopressors, or monitoring for a headache are not the immediate priorities in this critical situation.
5. A client has a chest tube in place connected to wall suction due to a right-sided pneumothorax. The client complains of chest burning. Which of the following actions should be taken?
- A. Increase the wall suction.
- B. Strip the chest tube.
- C. Clamp the chest tube.
- D. Reposition the client.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: When a client with a chest tube connected to wall suction complains of chest burning, it may indicate that the tube is irritating or compressing nearby tissues. Repositioning the client can help relieve this irritation by ensuring the tube is not kinked or pulling on the tissues. Increasing suction, stripping the tube, or clamping it are not appropriate actions and could potentially worsen the situation or cause harm.
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