a nurse is caring for a client who is to receive a transfusion of packed rbcs which of the following actions should the nurse take

ATI RN

ATI Fundamentals Proctored Exam

1. A client is to receive a transfusion of packed RBCs. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Prime IV tubing with 0.9% sodium chloride
B. Use a 24-gauge IV catheter
C. Obtain filterless IV tubing
D. Place blood in the warmer for 1 hr

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Prior to administering a blood transfusion, it is essential to prime the IV tubing with 0.9% sodium chloride to prevent hemolysis of the blood cells. Using a smaller gauge IV catheter (e.g., 20 or 22 gauge) is recommended for blood transfusions to prevent hemolysis. Filterless IV tubing is contraindicated for blood transfusions as it does not have a filter to trap potential blood clots or debris. Warming blood is unnecessary and could lead to the development of bacteria in the blood product. Therefore, the correct action for the nurse to take is to prime the IV tubing with 0.9% sodium chloride.

2. What is the most important legal responsibility for the healthcare team after a patient's death in a hospital?

A. Obtaining consent for an autopsy
B. Notifying the coroner or medical examiner
C. Labeling the body appropriately
D. Ensuring the attending physician issues the death certificate

Correct answer: D

Rationale: After a patient's death in a hospital, the most crucial legal responsibility for the healthcare team is ensuring that the attending physician issues the death certificate. The death certificate is a vital legal document that confirms the cause of death and is required for legal and administrative purposes, including the completion of the patient's medical records and facilitating the family's ability to proceed with funeral arrangements and insurance claims. While other actions such as obtaining consent for an autopsy, notifying the coroner or medical examiner, and labeling the body appropriately are important, ensuring the timely and accurate issuance of the death certificate takes precedence in this scenario.

3. What is a nurse's role in health promotion?

A. Conducting health risk appraisals
B. Educating clients to be effective health consumers
C. Implementing worksite wellness programs
D. None of the above

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A nurse plays a crucial role in health promotion by educating clients to be effective health consumers. This involves empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health, access appropriate healthcare services, and engage in healthy behaviors to prevent illness and promote well-being. The other choices are not entirely accurate in describing the primary role of a nurse in health promotion. While nurses may conduct health risk appraisals and implement worksite wellness programs as part of their responsibilities, their central focus is on educating and empowering individuals to take control of their health.

4. Which of the following is not a cause of tachycardia?

A. Fever
B. Exercise
C. Sympathetic nervous system stimulation
D. Parasympathetic nervous system stimulation

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Tachycardia is an increased heart rate, and it can be caused by various factors such as fever, exercise, and sympathetic nervous system stimulation, all of which tend to increase heart rate. However, parasympathetic nervous system stimulation typically slows the heart rate, making it the exception among the choices provided. Thus, parasympathetic nervous system stimulation is not a cause of tachycardia.

5. During a client's first hospitalization, which of the following actions ensures the safety of the client?

A. Keep unnecessary furniture out of the way
B. Keep the lights on at all times
C. Keep side rails up at all times
D. Keep all equipment out of view

Correct answer: A

Rationale: During a client's first hospitalization, it is essential to keep unnecessary furniture out of the way to prevent obstacles and ensure a safe environment. This action helps reduce the risk of accidents or falls, promoting the client's safety and well-being. Keeping the lights on at all times may not be necessary and can disrupt the client's rest. Keeping side rails up at all times can restrict the client's movement and independence unnecessarily. Keeping all equipment out of view may hinder the healthcare team's ability to monitor and access necessary tools for providing care.