ATI RN
ATI Medical Surgical Proctored Exam
1. After an open lung biopsy, a nurse assesses a client. Which assessment finding is matched with the correct intervention?
- A. Client states he is dizzy. Nurse applies oxygen and pulse oximetry.
- B. Client's HR is 55 beats/min. Nurse withholds pain medication.
- C. Client has reduced breath sounds. Nurse calls the physician immediately.
- D. Client's RR is 18 breaths/min. Nurse decreases the oxygen flow rate.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: After an open lung biopsy, a potential complication is pneumothorax, often indicated by reduced or absent breath sounds. The nurse should promptly notify the physician to address this serious issue and ensure timely intervention.
2. A client is in the immediate postoperative period following a partial laryngectomy. Which of the following parameters should the nurse assess first?
- A. Pain severity
- B. Wound drainage
- C. Tissue integrity
- D. Airway patency
Correct answer: D
Rationale: In a client following a partial laryngectomy, the priority assessment is always airway patency. This is crucial to ensure that the client can breathe adequately and prevent any complications related to airway obstruction. Monitoring airway patency takes precedence over other assessments such as pain severity, wound drainage, and tissue integrity. Any compromise in airway patency requires immediate intervention to maintain the client's respiratory function and safety.
3. A client with a spinal cord injury at T6 suddenly reports a pounding headache and blurred vision. What action should the nurse take first?
- A. Administer pain medication as ordered.
- B. Check the client's blood pressure.
- C. Place the client in a supine position.
- D. Increase the client's fluid intake.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The client's symptoms of a pounding headache and blurred vision are indicative of autonomic dysreflexia, a potentially life-threatening condition in clients with spinal cord injuries at T6 or above. The nurse's priority action should be to check the client's blood pressure as autonomic dysreflexia can lead to severe hypertension. Identifying and addressing this elevated blood pressure promptly is crucial to prevent serious complications such as seizures, stroke, or even death. Once the blood pressure is assessed and managed, further interventions can be implemented to address the underlying cause of autonomic dysreflexia.
4. A client has a three-chamber closed chest tube system, and the water seal chamber rises with client inspiration. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Continue to monitor the client.
- B. Immediately notify the healthcare provider.
- C. Reposition the client to the left side.
- D. Clamp the chest tube near the water seal.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In a client with a three-chamber closed chest tube system, a rise in the water seal chamber with client inspiration is an expected finding. The nurse should continue to monitor the client as this indicates that the system is functioning correctly. There is no need to notify the healthcare provider, reposition the client, or clamp the chest tube as these actions are not indicated in response to a rise in the water seal chamber.
5. When caring for an older adult client with a pulmonary infection, what action should the nurse take first?
- A. Encourage the client to increase fluid intake.
- B. Assess the client's level of consciousness.
- C. Raise the head of the bed to at least 45 degrees.
- D. Provide the client with humidified oxygen.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Assessing the client's level of consciousness is the priority because it provides crucial information on the client's neurological status and response to the infection. Changes in consciousness can indicate deterioration or improvement in the client's condition, guiding further interventions and treatment.
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