ATI RN
ATI RN Comprehensive Exit Exam 2023
1. A client has a new prescription for levothyroxine. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
- A. Take this medication in the evening before bed.
- B. Take this medication on an empty stomach.
- C. Take this medication with a full glass of milk.
- D. Take this medication with an antacid if you experience indigestion.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct instruction when taking levothyroxine is to take it on an empty stomach. This enhances absorption and ensures the medication's effectiveness. Taking it with food or other substances, such as milk or antacids, can interfere with its absorption. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect.
2. A nurse is planning care for a client who has osteoarthritis. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?
- A. Administer opioids routinely for chronic pain.
- B. Instruct the client to avoid weight-bearing exercises.
- C. Apply heat to affected joints to reduce stiffness.
- D. Avoid physical activity to prevent joint damage.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with osteoarthritis is to apply heat to affected joints to reduce stiffness. Heat application helps improve circulation, relax muscles, and reduce discomfort in joints affected by osteoarthritis. Administering opioids routinely (Choice A) is not the first-line treatment for osteoarthritis and carries risks of dependency and side effects. Instructing the client to avoid weight-bearing exercises (Choice B) may lead to muscle weakness and reduced joint flexibility. Avoiding physical activity altogether (Choice D) can lead to further joint stiffness and compromised overall health.
3. A nurse is planning care for a client who has a stage 2 pressure injury. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?
- A. Cleanse the wound with povidone-iodine.
- B. Apply a hydrocolloid dressing.
- C. Perform debridement as needed.
- D. Keep the wound open to air.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Apply a hydrocolloid dressing. Applying a hydrocolloid dressing helps create a moist environment that promotes healing in clients with stage 2 pressure injuries. Choice A, cleansing the wound with povidone-iodine, is not recommended for stage 2 pressure injuries as it can be too harsh on the skin. Performing debridement as needed, as mentioned in choice C, is not typically indicated for stage 2 pressure injuries, which involve partial-thickness skin loss. Keeping the wound open to air, as stated in choice D, is also not the preferred approach for managing stage 2 pressure injuries, as maintaining a moist environment is key to promoting healing.
4. How should signs of dehydration in an elderly patient be assessed?
- A. Monitor skin turgor
- B. Check for dry mucous membranes
- C. Monitor for sunken eyes
- D. Check capillary refill
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Monitoring skin turgor is a reliable method to assess dehydration in elderly patients. Skin turgor refers to the skin's elasticity or the skin's ability to return to its normal position after being pinched. In dehydration, the skin loses its elasticity, becoming less flexible and slower to return to its original state. Checking for dry mucous membranes (Choice B), monitoring for sunken eyes (Choice C), and checking capillary refill (Choice D) are all relevant assessments in dehydration but are not as specific or sensitive as monitoring skin turgor. Dry mucous membranes and sunken eyes are indicators of dehydration, while capillary refill is more related to circulatory status and less specific to dehydration.
5. What is the most appropriate method to assess a patient's level of consciousness?
- A. Use the Glasgow Coma Scale
- B. Assess the patient's orientation
- C. Check pupillary response
- D. Monitor vital signs
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Using the Glasgow Coma Scale. The Glasgow Coma Scale is a standardized tool used to assess a patient's level of consciousness by evaluating their eye response, verbal response, and motor response. This scale provides a numeric value that helps in determining the severity of brain injury or altered mental status. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because while assessing the patient's orientation, checking pupillary response, and monitoring vital signs are important components of a comprehensive patient assessment, they do not specifically target the assessment of consciousness level, which is best done using the Glasgow Coma Scale.
Similar Questions

Access More Features
ATI RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days
- 50,000 Questions with answers
- All ATI courses Coverage
- 30 days access @ $69.99
ATI RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days
- 50,000 Questions with answers
- All ATI courses Coverage
- 30 days access @ $149.99