a nurse in the emergency department is caring for a client who was injured in a motor vehicle crash the client reports dyspnea and severe pain the nur
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

Medical Surgical ATI Proctored Exam

1. While caring for a client who was injured in a motor-vehicle crash and reports dyspnea and severe pain, a nurse in the emergency department notes that the client's chest moves inward during inspiration and bulges out during expiration. The nurse should identify this finding as which of the following?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Flail chest is characterized by paradoxical chest movement, where the chest moves inward during inspiration and bulges out during expiration. This occurs due to multiple rib fractures causing a segment of the chest wall to move independently from the rest of the thorax. Atelectasis refers to collapsed lung tissue, hemothorax is blood in the pleural space, and pneumothorax is air in the pleural space. In this scenario, the client's presentation aligns with the characteristic findings of flail chest.

2. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following surgical repair of a mandibular fracture with fixed occlusion of the jaws in a closed position. Which of the following statements is the priority for the nurse to make?

Correct answer: B

Rationale:

3. A client is interested in smoking cessation. Which statements should the nurse include in this client's teaching? (Select ONE that does not apply)

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When educating a client on smoking cessation, the nurse should include several strategies. Finding an activity to keep hands busy helps distract from smoking urges. Making a list of reasons to quit smoking reinforces motivation. Identifying a consequence for backsliding can serve as a deterrent. Drinking water is beneficial for overall health but is not directly related to smoking cessation. It's crucial to support the client, encourage healthy habits, and address challenges without punitive measures.

4. A client is experiencing an acute exacerbation of asthma. Which medication should the nurse administer first?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: During an acute exacerbation of asthma, the priority is to administer a short-acting beta2-agonist like Albuterol (Proventil) first. Albuterol acts quickly to dilate the airways and provide immediate relief of bronchospasm. Ipratropium (Atrovent) is an anticholinergic that can be used as an adjunct therapy. Salmeterol (Serevent) is a long-acting beta2-agonist intended for maintenance therapy, not for acute exacerbations. Fluticasone (Flovent) is a corticosteroid used for long-term asthma control and should not be the initial medication given during an acute exacerbation.

5. A client has a mediastinal chest tube. Which symptom requires the nurse's immediate intervention?

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.

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