ATI RN
Medical Surgical ATI Proctored Exam
1. A client with asthma has developed viral pharyngitis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
- A. Petechiae on the chest and abdomen
- B. WBC 16,000/mm3
- C. Negative throat culture
- D. Severe hyperemia of pharyngeal mucosa
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Viral pharyngitis is typically caused by a virus, not bacteria, so a negative throat culture is an expected finding. The presence of petechiae on the chest and abdomen (Choice A) is not a common manifestation of viral pharyngitis. Elevated WBC count (Choice B) is more indicative of a bacterial infection rather than a viral one. Severe hyperemia of the pharyngeal mucosa (Choice D) is a possible finding in pharyngitis but is not specific to viral pharyngitis.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. A client who is receiving mechanical ventilation and has an ideal weight of 60 kg should have the tidal volume set at which of the following?
- A. 300 mL
- B. 480 mL
- C. 800 mL
- D. 950 mL
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Tidal volume is the amount of air delivered with each breath during mechanical ventilation. A common formula used to calculate tidal volume is 6-8 mL/kg of ideal body weight. For a client with an ideal weight of 60 kg, the expected tidal volume would be 60 kg x 6-8 mL/kg = 360-480 mL. Therefore, the most appropriate choice is 480 mL (Option B), which falls within the expected range based on the client's weight.
5. A healthcare professional is reviewing the arterial blood gas results for a client in the ICU who has kidney failure and determines the client has respiratory acidosis. Which of the following findings should the healthcare professional expect?
- A. Widened QRS complexes
- B. Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes
- C. Bounding peripheral pulses
- D. Warm, flushed skin
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Respiratory acidosis is a condition characterized by increased carbon dioxide levels in the blood, resulting in acidosis. One of the potential consequences of respiratory acidosis is the development of electrolyte imbalances, particularly hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia can lead to cardiac conduction abnormalities, manifested as widened QRS complexes on an electrocardiogram (ECG). Therefore, in a client with respiratory acidosis, the healthcare professional should expect to find widened QRS complexes as a result of the associated hyperkalemia.
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