ATI RN
ATI Detailed Answer Key Medical Surgical
1. While caring for a client with extensive partial and full-thickness burns of the head, neck, and chest, which risk should the nurse prioritize for assessment and intervention?
- A. Airway obstruction
- B. Infection
- C. Fluid imbalance
- D. Paralytic ileus
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When a client sustains burns to the head, neck, or chest, the risk of airway obstruction is a critical concern due to potential swelling, inflammation, or inhalation injury. Any compromise to the airway can lead to severe respiratory distress or failure. Early recognition and intervention to maintain a clear airway are essential to prevent life-threatening complications in burn patients.
2. A nurse is caring for four hospitalized clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse identify as being at risk for fluid volume deficit?
- A. The client who has been NPO since midnight for endoscopy
- B. The client who has left-sided heart failure and has a brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) level of 600 pg/mL
- C. The client who has end-stage renal failure and is scheduled for dialysis today
- D. The client who has gastroenteritis and is febrile
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Gastroenteritis can lead to fluid loss through vomiting and diarrhea, especially when accompanied by fever. Fever can increase insensible water loss through sweating as well. Both vomiting and diarrhea can significantly contribute to fluid volume deficit, making the client with gastroenteritis and fever at higher risk compared to the other clients described in the options.
3. A client has a new diagnosis of myasthenia gravis. For which of the following manifestations should the nurse monitor?
- A. Confusion
- B. Weakness
- C. Increased intracranial pressure
- D. Increased urinary output
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In myasthenia gravis, a neuromuscular disorder characterized by muscle weakness and fatigue, weakness is a common manifestation due to the immune system attacking the communication between nerves and muscles. Monitoring for weakness is crucial to assess the disease progression and determine the effectiveness of treatment. Confusion is not a typical manifestation of myasthenia gravis. Increased intracranial pressure and increased urinary output are not directly associated with this condition.
4. A healthcare professional is caring for a client who has just developed a pulmonary embolism. Which of the following medications should the healthcare professional anticipate administering?
- A. Furosemide
- B. Dexamethasone
- C. Heparin
- D. Atropine
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In the scenario of a pulmonary embolism, the priority medication to administer is Heparin. Heparin is an anticoagulant that helps prevent the formation of new blood clots and the growth of existing ones, which is crucial in managing pulmonary embolism. Furosemide is a diuretic used to treat fluid retention, Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid used for inflammation, and Atropine is an anticholinergic medication used for various purposes such as treating bradycardia.
5. When caring for a client with acute renal failure, which laboratory value is most important to monitor?
- A. Serum sodium
- B. Serum potassium
- C. Serum calcium
- D. Serum chloride
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In acute renal failure, monitoring serum potassium is crucial because impaired kidney function can lead to hyperkalemia, which can result in life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias. Elevated potassium levels need close monitoring and prompt interventions to prevent serious complications.
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