ATI RN
Medical Surgical ATI Proctored Exam
1. A client reports a headache and vertigo after turning on his furnace for the first time this season. The nurse should suspect which of the following conditions?
- A. Carbon monoxide poisoning
- B. Heat stroke
- C. Hypersensitivity reaction
- D. Oxygen toxicity
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When a client reports headache and vertigo after turning on the furnace for the first time, it suggests carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can be released by malfunctioning heating systems. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, and confusion. It is crucial for the nurse to suspect this condition promptly to ensure the client's safety and well-being.
2. A client develops a pulmonary embolism. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement first?
- A. Give morphine IV.
- B. Administer oxygen therapy.
- C. Start an IV infusion of lactated Ringer's.
- D. Initiate cardiac monitoring.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Administering oxygen therapy is the priority intervention for a client with a pulmonary embolism. Oxygen helps improve oxygenation levels and decrease the workload on the heart. It is crucial to ensure adequate oxygenation before other interventions are initiated. Morphine IV, starting an IV infusion of lactated Ringer's, and initiating cardiac monitoring are important interventions but come after ensuring adequate oxygenation.
3. When preparing a client for transfer to the ICU for placement of a pulmonary artery catheter, the nurse should explain that this catheter is used to monitor which of the following conditions?
- A. Intracranial pressure
- B. Spinal cord perfusion
- C. Renal function
- D. Hemodynamic status
Correct answer: D
Rationale: A pulmonary artery catheter is primarily used to monitor hemodynamic status. It provides essential information on cardiac output, preload, afterload, and overall cardiovascular function. This data helps healthcare providers manage the client's fluid status, cardiac function, and guide treatment interventions in critically ill patients. Monitoring intracranial pressure, spinal cord perfusion, or renal function would require different monitoring devices and techniques, not a pulmonary artery catheter.
4. A nurse is assessing a client who has COPD. The nurse should expect the client's chest to be which of the following shapes?
- A. Pigeon
- B. Funnel
- C. Kyphotic
- D. Barrel
Correct answer: D
Rationale:
5. While dining at a restaurant, a person begins to choke. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Instruct the person to call 911.
- B. Ask the person if he/she can speak.
- C. Use the jaw-thrust maneuver.
- D. Perform abdominal thrusts.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When encountering a choking individual, the nurse should first assess the person's ability to speak. If the person can speak, it indicates that their airway is partially obstructed, allowing some air to pass. In this case, encouraging the person to continue coughing and monitoring them closely may be appropriate. If the person cannot speak, it may suggest a complete airway obstruction and immediate intervention is required. Instructing the person to call 911 (Choice A) may be necessary if the situation worsens. Using the jaw-thrust maneuver (Choice C) is not appropriate for a choking victim. Performing abdominal thrusts (Choice D) is typically recommended for conscious choking victims, not chest compressions.
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