ATI RN
RN ATI Capstone Proctored Comprehensive Assessment A
1. A patient on mechanical ventilation experiences a sudden drop in oxygen saturation. What should the nurse check first?
- A. Check the ventilator tubing for disconnection.
- B. Increase the patient's oxygen flow.
- C. Perform a full physical assessment.
- D. Reassess the patient's oxygen levels after 5 minutes.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to check the ventilator tubing for disconnection first when a patient on mechanical ventilation experiences a sudden drop in oxygen saturation. This is crucial because equipment malfunction, such as tubing disconnection, can lead to decreased oxygen delivery, resulting in a drop in oxygen saturation. Checking the tubing ensures that the ventilation system is functioning properly and that the patient is receiving the necessary oxygen. Option B is incorrect because increasing oxygen flow without checking for equipment issues may not address the root cause of the drop in saturation. Option C is not the priority in this situation as the immediate focus should be on assessing and ensuring the functioning of the ventilation equipment. Option D delays addressing the potential equipment malfunction, which could worsen the patient's condition if not promptly resolved.
2. A client undergoing chemotherapy expresses concern about hair loss. What should the nurse suggest?
- A. Encourage the client to cut their hair short before chemotherapy.
- B. Provide resources for wigs or hairpieces.
- C. Assure the client that hair loss will be minimal.
- D. Offer the client medication to reduce the chances of hair loss.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Providing wigs and other coping resources helps clients manage the emotional effects of chemotherapy-related hair loss. Encouraging the client to cut their hair short before chemotherapy (Choice A) is not necessary as hair loss may still occur. Assuring the client that hair loss will be minimal (Choice C) may provide false hope as hair loss is a common side effect of chemotherapy. Offering medication to reduce hair loss (Choice D) is not a typical approach as chemotherapy-related hair loss is often an expected side effect that cannot be entirely prevented with medication.
3. Which factor places a patient at the highest risk for infection?
- A. A healthy immune system
- B. Presence of chronic illness
- C. Being well-nourished
- D. Age over 65 years
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The presence of chronic illness is the factor that places a patient at the highest risk for infection. Chronic illness can compromise the immune system's ability to fight off infections effectively, making individuals more susceptible to getting sick. Option A, a healthy immune system, actually reduces the risk of infection. Option C, being well-nourished, can support overall health but does not directly correlate with infection risk. While age over 65 years is a risk factor for certain infections due to age-related immune system changes, chronic illness has a more significant impact on infection risk.
4. What is the most important nursing action when caring for a patient with a central venous catheter (CVC)?
- A. Monitor the patient's blood pressure regularly.
- B. Change the CVC dressing every 72 hours.
- C. Flush the CVC with normal saline every shift.
- D. Avoid using the CVC for blood draws.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The most important nursing action when caring for a patient with a central venous catheter (CVC) is to change the CVC dressing every 72 hours. This practice reduces the risk of infection and ensures the catheter remains secure. Monitoring the patient's blood pressure regularly is important but not the most crucial action when managing a CVC. Flushing the CVC with normal saline is essential but not the most important action. Avoiding using the CVC for blood draws is a good practice, but it is not the most critical nursing action in this scenario.
5. A healthcare professional is teaching a patient how to prevent falls at home. Which instruction is most appropriate?
- A. Keep your living space well-lit.
- B. Remove loose rugs and install grab bars in the bathroom.
- C. Use furniture to provide support when walking.
- D. Wear socks without shoes to prevent slipping.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The most appropriate instruction to prevent falls at home is to remove loose rugs and install grab bars in high-risk areas like the bathroom. This helps eliminate tripping hazards and provides stability for the patient. Keeping the living space well-lit (Choice A) is important but may not directly address fall prevention. Using furniture for support (Choice C) can lead to accidents if the furniture is not stable. Wearing socks without shoes (Choice D) increases the risk of slipping rather than preventing falls.
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