ATI RN
RN ATI Capstone Proctored Comprehensive Assessment A
1. A patient with a history of asthma is admitted with shortness of breath. What is the nurse's priority intervention?
- A. Administer a bronchodilator as prescribed.
- B. Encourage the patient to use an incentive spirometer.
- C. Place the patient in a high Fowler's position.
- D. Monitor the patient's oxygen saturation closely.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to administer a bronchodilator as prescribed. This intervention is the priority for a patient with asthma experiencing shortness of breath as it helps relax the airways, making breathing easier. Encouraging the use of an incentive spirometer (Choice B) is beneficial for lung expansion but not the priority in this acute situation. Placing the patient in a high Fowler's position (Choice C) can also help with breathing but is not as immediate as administering a bronchodilator. While monitoring the patient's oxygen saturation closely (Choice D) is important, the immediate action to address the breathing difficulty is administering a bronchodilator.
2. What is the most important action for the nurse to take before administering digoxin to a patient?
- A. Check the patient's heart rate before administration.
- B. Assess the patient's blood pressure before administration.
- C. Ensure the patient has eaten before administration.
- D. Monitor the patient's weight before administration.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to check the patient's heart rate before administering digoxin. Digoxin is a medication that primarily affects cardiac function. Monitoring the heart rate is crucial because digoxin can cause arrhythmias or worsen existing heart rhythm abnormalities. Assessing blood pressure may also be important but is secondary to evaluating the heart rate when administering digoxin. Ensuring the patient has eaten before administration is not directly related to the safe administration of digoxin. Monitoring the patient's weight is not a priority action before administering digoxin.
3. A client requires suctioning every 2 hours. To whom should the nurse delegate this task?
- A. Delegate to a licensed practical nurse (LPN)
- B. Delegate to a registered nurse (RN)
- C. Delegate to a nursing assistant (NA)
- D. Perform the task independently
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to delegate the task to a licensed practical nurse (LPN). LPNs can typically perform suctioning, but it is essential to consider the state's practice guidelines and hospital policy. Option B, delegating to a registered nurse (RN), is not necessary for this task as LPNs are usually competent to handle suctioning. Option C, delegating to a nursing assistant (NA), may not be appropriate as suctioning may require a higher level of training and expertise. Option D, performing the task independently, is not the best choice as delegation is a key aspect of nursing practice to ensure tasks are appropriately assigned based on competency levels.
4. A patient is receiving an opioid analgesic for pain management. What is the most important assessment for the nurse to perform?
- A. Monitor the patient's blood pressure.
- B. Assess the patient's respiratory rate.
- C. Monitor the patient's oxygen saturation.
- D. Assess the patient's heart rate.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to assess the patient's respiratory rate. When a patient is receiving opioids, it is crucial to monitor their respiratory rate as opioids can depress the respiratory system, leading to respiratory depression and potential respiratory failure. Monitoring blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and heart rate are important assessments as well, but the priority lies in assessing respiratory rate due to the risk of respiratory depression associated with opioid use.
5. How should a nurse respond to a client with terminal cancer who has requested a change in the level of pain medication?
- A. Increase the dosage without consulting the healthcare provider.
- B. Consult with the healthcare provider to adjust the medication.
- C. Ignore the request as the client is near the end of life.
- D. Increase the medication to reduce pain faster.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to consult with the healthcare provider to adjust the medication. It is crucial for the healthcare provider to be involved in changing pain medication for a client with terminal cancer to ensure that the new dosage is appropriate and safe. Option A is incorrect because adjusting medication without consulting the healthcare provider can be dangerous and is not within the scope of the nurse's practice. Option C is incorrect because ignoring the client's request goes against the principles of patient-centered care. Option D is incorrect as the primary goal should be to provide effective pain relief with the appropriate dosage, not to increase the medication arbitrarily.
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