ATI RN
ATI Medical Surgical Proctored Exam 2023
1. A client has a mediastinal chest tube. Which symptom requires the nurse's immediate intervention?
- A. Production of pink sputum
- B. Tracheal deviation
- C. Drainage greater than 70 mL/hr
- D. Sudden onset of shortness of breath
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Immediate intervention is required if the client exhibits tracheal deviation as it could indicate a tension pneumothorax, a life-threatening condition that requires prompt attention to prevent respiratory compromise. Production of pink sputum may indicate bleeding but would not be as immediately life-threatening as tracheal deviation. Drainage greater than 70 mL/hr could indicate hemorrhage, which also requires attention but is not as urgent as tracheal deviation. Sudden onset of shortness of breath could indicate various issues, including dislodgment of the tube or pneumothorax, which require intervention but are not as critical as tracheal deviation in this context.
2. A healthcare provider assesses a client with pneumonia. Which clinical manifestation should the provider expect to find?
- A. Fremitus
- B. Hyperresonance
- C. Dullness on percussion
- D. Decreased tactile fremitus
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Pneumonia often leads to the consolidation of lung tissue, resulting in dullness on percussion. This occurs due to the presence of fluid or inflammatory material in the alveoli. Fremitus and decreased tactile fremitus are more indicative of conditions like pleural effusion or pneumothorax, where there is an increase in the density of the pleural space or air in the pleural cavity. Hyperresonance, on the other hand, is typically associated with conditions causing air trapping, such as emphysema, where there is increased air in the alveoli.
3. 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.
4. During an assessment, a client with a long history of smoking and suspected laryngeal cancer will most likely report which early manifestation?
- A. Dysphagia
- B. Hoarseness
- C. Dyspnea
- D. Weight loss
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In clients with laryngeal cancer, hoarseness is often one of the earliest manifestations due to vocal cord involvement. The irritation and inflammation caused by the tumor affect the vocal cords, leading to changes in voice quality. Dysphagia (choice A) typically occurs later as the tumor grows and interferes with swallowing. Dyspnea (choice C) and weight loss (choice D) may occur as the cancer progresses, but hoarseness is usually among the first signs to manifest in laryngeal cancer.
5. A client who experienced a femur fracture 8 hr ago now reports sudden onset dyspnea and severe chest pain. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
- A. Provide high-flow oxygen.
- B. Check the client for a positive Chvostek's sign.
- C. Administer an IV vasopressor medication.
- D. Monitor the client for headache.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In this situation, the priority action is to provide high-flow oxygen to the client. Sudden onset dyspnea and severe chest pain can be indicative of a pulmonary embolism, which is a life-threatening emergency. Oxygen therapy helps improve oxygenation and stabilizes the client's condition. Checking for Chvostek's sign, administering IV vasopressors, or monitoring for a headache are not the immediate priorities in this critical situation.
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