ATI RN
ATI Detailed Answer Key Medical Surgical
1. A nurse in an emergency room is caring for a client who sustained partial-thickness burns to both lower legs, chest, face, and both forearms. Which of the following is the priority action the nurse should take?
- A. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter.
- B. Inspect the mouth for signs of inhalation injuries.
- C. Administer intravenous pain medication.
- D. Draw blood for a complete blood cell (CBC) count.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When caring for a client with burns, especially burns to the face and chest, the priority action for the nurse is to inspect the mouth for signs of inhalation injuries. Inhalation injuries can be life-threatening and may not be immediately apparent. Identifying these injuries early allows for prompt intervention and can significantly impact the client's outcomes. While other actions such as pain management and blood tests are important, assessing for inhalation injuries takes precedence due to its critical nature.
2. The trauma unit nurse has received a report on a client who has multiple injuries following a motor vehicle crash. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take first?
- A. Evaluate chest expansion.
- B. Check pupillary response to light.
- C. Assess the capillary refill.
- D. Check the client's response to questions about place and time.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In a client with multiple injuries following a motor vehicle crash, the priority is to assess for any compromised airway or breathing. Evaluating chest expansion helps the nurse determine if the client is having any difficulty breathing, which is essential for immediate intervention to maintain adequate oxygenation. Checking pupillary response, assessing capillary refill, and checking the client's orientation to place and time are important assessments but are of lower priority compared to ensuring the client's airway and breathing are intact.
3. A student asks the faculty to explain best practices when communicating with a person from the LGBTQ community. What answer by the faculty is most accurate?
- A. Avoid embarrassing the individual by asking questions.
- B. Don't make assumptions about their health needs.
- C. Most LGBTQ individuals do not want to share information.
- D. No differences exist in communicating with this group.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: It is essential not to make assumptions about the health needs of individuals from the LGBTQ community. Each person is unique, and assuming their needs based on their sexual orientation or gender identity can lead to incorrect care and communication. By being open-minded and avoiding assumptions, healthcare providers can create a safe and supportive environment for LGBTQ individuals to discuss their health needs openly and honestly.
4. A nurse is observing the closed chest drainage system of a client who is 24 hr post thoracotomy. The nurse notes slow, steady bubbling in the suction control chamber. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Check the tubing connections for leaks.
- B. Check the suction control outlet on the wall.
- C. Clamp the chest tube.
- D. Continue to monitor the client's respiratory status.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In a closed chest drainage system, slow, steady bubbling in the suction control chamber is an expected finding, indicating proper functioning of the system. There is no immediate need for intervention as this indicates the system is working as intended. The nurse should continue to monitor the client's respiratory status for any signs of distress or changes. Checking tubing connections for leaks or clamping the chest tube are unnecessary actions based on the information provided. Checking the suction control outlet on the wall is also not indicated in this scenario.
5. The provider requests the nurse to start an infusion of an inotropic agent on a client. How should the nurse explain the action of these drugs to the client and spouse?
- A. It constricts vessels, improving blood flow.
- B. It dilates vessels, which lessens the work of the heart.
- C. It increases the force of the heart's contractions.
- D. It slows the heart rate down for better filling.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: An inotropic agent is a medication that increases the force of the heart's contractions, which helps improve cardiac output. Choice A and B are incorrect as inotropic agents do not constrict or dilate vessels. Choice D is also incorrect as inotropic agents do not slow down the heart rate but rather enhance the heart's contractility.
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