ATI RN
ATI Medical Surgical Proctored Exam 2023
1. While assessing a client with a tracheostomy, a nurse notes that the tracheostomy tube is pulsing with the heartbeat during a pulse check. No other abnormal findings are noted. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Notify the operating room of a potential emergency case.
- B. No action is required at this time; this pulsation can be a normal finding in some clients.
- C. Remove the tracheostomy tube and ventilate the client using a bag-valve-mask.
- D. Stay with the client and ask someone else to contact the provider immediately.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The pulsation of the tracheostomy tube with the heartbeat may indicate a tracheoinnominate artery fistula, which can lead to life-threatening hemorrhage if the artery is breached. In this scenario, as there is no active bleeding yet, the nurse should remain with the client and have another person notify the provider immediately. If the client starts to hemorrhage, the nurse should remove the tracheostomy tube and apply pressure at the bleeding site, preparing the client for urgent surgical intervention.
2. A client with heart failure has gained 2 kg (4.4 lbs) in the past 24 hours. What action should the nurse take first?
- A. Restrict the client's fluid intake.
- B. Assess the client's respiratory status.
- C. Administer diuretics as ordered.
- D. Notify the healthcare provider.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Assessing the client's respiratory status is the priority as it helps determine if the weight gain is due to fluid retention affecting breathing. This assessment is crucial in addressing the immediate concern of potential respiratory distress before implementing interventions like fluid restriction, diuretics, or notifying the healthcare provider.
3. A nurse in an urgent care center is caring for a client who is having an acute asthma exacerbation. Which of the following actions is the nurse's highest priority?
- A. Initiating oxygen therapy
- B. Providing immediate rest for the client
- C. Positioning the client in high-Fowler's
- D. Administering a nebulized beta-adrenergic
Correct answer: D
Rationale: During an acute asthma exacerbation, the priority intervention is to administer a nebulized beta-adrenergic medication, such as albuterol, to help open the airways and improve breathing. This action helps address the underlying cause of the exacerbation. Oxygen therapy may be needed but is not the priority over administering the bronchodilator. Providing rest and positioning the client in high-Fowler's are important but come after administering the medication to address the immediate breathing difficulties.
4. A healthcare professional is assessing a client with rheumatoid arthritis. Which assessment finding is most characteristic of this disease?
- A. Asymmetrical joint involvement
- B. Heberden's nodes
- C. Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes
- D. Pain that worsens with activity
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes is a hallmark symptom of rheumatoid arthritis. This prolonged morning stiffness is typically a distinguishing feature of rheumatoid arthritis compared to other types of arthritis, making it the most characteristic assessment finding for this disease.
5. A healthcare professional is assessing a client who has a new onset of confusion. Which laboratory value should the professional check first?
- A. Blood glucose level
- B. Serum sodium level
- C. Serum calcium level
- D. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In a client presenting with a new onset of confusion, checking the blood glucose level first is crucial as hypoglycemia can cause confusion and is easily correctable. Addressing hypoglycemia promptly is essential to prevent further complications.
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