ATI RN
ATI Detailed Answer Key Medical Surgical
1. A client with emphysema is being cared for by a nurse. Which of the following findings should the nurse not expect to assess in this client?
- A. Dyspnea
- B. Bradycardia
- C. Barrel chest
- D. Clubbing of the fingers
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Emphysema is a chronic lung condition characterized by shortness of breath (dyspnea), a barrel-shaped chest due to hyperinflation of the lungs (barrel chest), and clubbing of the fingers (enlargement of fingertips). Bradycardia (slow heart rate) is not typically associated with emphysema. In emphysema, the primary focus is on respiratory complications rather than cardiac issues.
2. A healthcare professional is caring for four clients on intravenous heparin therapy. Which lab value possibly indicates a serious side effect has occurred?
- A. Hemoglobin: 14.2 g/dL
- B. Platelet count: 82,000/µL
- C. RBC count: 4.8 x 10^6/µL
- D. WBC count: 8.7 x 10^3/µL
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A low platelet count, as seen in choice B, is concerning as it could indicate heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, a serious side effect of heparin therapy. Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia can lead to an increased risk of blood clotting, potentially causing severe complications. Monitoring platelet counts is crucial during heparin therapy to promptly identify and manage this adverse effect.
3. A client who is receiving mechanical ventilation and has an ideal weight of 60 kg should have the tidal volume set at which of the following?
- A. 300 mL
- B. 480 mL
- C. 800 mL
- D. 950 mL
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Tidal volume is the amount of air delivered with each breath during mechanical ventilation. A common formula used to calculate tidal volume is 6-8 mL/kg of ideal body weight. For a client with an ideal weight of 60 kg, the expected tidal volume would be 60 kg x 6-8 mL/kg = 360-480 mL. Therefore, the most appropriate choice is 480 mL (Option B), which falls within the expected range based on the client's weight.
4. A client with a chest tube connected to a closed drainage system needs to be transported to the x-ray department. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Clamp the chest tube prior to transferring the client to a wheelchair.
- B. Disconnect the chest tube from the drainage system during transport.
- C. Keep the drainage system below the level of the client's chest at all times.
- D. Empty the collection chamber prior to transport.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: When transporting a client with a chest tube connected to a closed drainage system, it is crucial to keep the drainage system below the level of the client's chest at all times. This positioning prevents the backflow of drainage into the client's chest, reducing the risk of complications. Clamping the chest tube, disconnecting it from the drainage system, or emptying the collection chamber are incorrect actions and can potentially harm the client or lead to complications.
5. A client is postoperative, and a nurse is developing a plan of care. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan to prevent pulmonary complications?
- A. Perform range-of-motion exercises
- B. Place suction equipment at the bedside
- C. Encourage the use of an incentive spirometer
- D. Administer an expectorant
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Encouraging the use of an incentive spirometer is vital in preventing pulmonary complications postoperatively. The incentive spirometer helps the client perform deep breathing exercises, promoting lung expansion, and preventing atelectasis. Range-of-motion exercises help prevent musculoskeletal complications, while placing suction equipment at the bedside is important but not directly related to preventing pulmonary complications. Administering an expectorant may help with clearing secretions but is not as effective in preventing postoperative pulmonary complications as using an incentive spirometer.
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