ATI RN
ATI Comprehensive Exit Exam 2023
1. A nurse is preparing to perform tracheostomy care for a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
- A. Apply a sterile dressing.
- B. Suction the tracheostomy.
- C. Remove the inner cannula.
- D. Clean the stoma with sterile saline.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Suctioning the tracheostomy should be performed first to clear the airway of secretions and ensure proper oxygenation before proceeding with other care. This helps maintain a patent airway and prevent complications such as aspiration. Applying a sterile dressing, removing the inner cannula, or cleaning the stoma can follow after ensuring adequate airway clearance through suctioning.
2. A nurse is assessing a client who is 30 minutes postoperative following an arterial thrombectomy. What should the nurse report?
- A. Chest pain.
- B. Muscle spasms.
- C. Cool, moist skin.
- D. Incisional pain.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, postoperative chest pain is a critical finding that must be reported promptly. Chest pain after an arterial thrombectomy could indicate serious complications such as myocardial infarction or pulmonary embolism. Muscle spasms and cool, moist skin are not the priority assessments in this situation. Incisional pain is common after surgery and is not typically a cause for immediate concern unless it is severe and accompanied by other symptoms.
3. A nurse is caring for a client who has cirrhosis and a new prescription for lactulose. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following therapeutic effects of this medication?
- A. Improved mental status.
- B. Increased urine output.
- C. Decreased serum ammonia.
- D. Decreased bilirubin levels.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Decreased serum ammonia. Lactulose is prescribed to decrease serum ammonia levels in clients with cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy. By reducing serum ammonia, lactulose helps improve the mental status of these clients. Therefore, monitoring for decreased serum ammonia is crucial to assess the effectiveness of lactulose therapy. Choice A (Improved mental status) is indirectly related as it is the desired outcome of decreasing ammonia levels. Choices B (Increased urine output) and D (Decreased bilirubin levels) are not directly associated with the therapeutic effects of lactulose in cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy.
4. A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has GERD. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
- A. Lie flat for 30 minutes after meals.
- B. Avoid lying down after meals.
- C. Drink hot liquids with meals.
- D. Consume a high-carbohydrate snack at bedtime.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Avoid lying down after meals.' This instruction is important for clients with GERD to prevent acid reflux. Lying down after meals can worsen GERD symptoms by allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Choice A is incorrect because lying flat after meals can increase the risk of acid reflux. Choice C is incorrect because hot liquids may aggravate GERD symptoms. Choice D is incorrect because consuming a high-carbohydrate snack at bedtime can also trigger acid reflux in individuals with GERD.
5. A client with Parkinson's disease is receiving physical therapy. Which statement by the client indicates the need for a referral to physical therapy?
- A. I have been experiencing more tremors in my left arm than before
- B. I noticed that I am having a harder time holding onto my toothbrush
- C. Lately, I feel like my feet are freezing up, as they are stuck to the ground
- D. Sometimes, I feel I am making a chewing motion when I'm not eating
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because freezing of feet while walking is a sign of impaired mobility, indicating the need for physical therapy in clients with Parkinson's disease. Choices A, B, and D are symptoms commonly associated with Parkinson's disease but do not specifically indicate the need for immediate referral to physical therapy.
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