how should a nurse care for a patient with a tracheostomy

ATI RN

ATI RN Exit Exam

1. How should a healthcare provider care for a patient with a tracheostomy?

A. Clean the tracheostomy site daily
B. Change the tracheostomy ties daily
C. Suction the tracheostomy regularly
D. Provide humidified oxygen

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Suctioning the tracheostomy regularly is crucial in caring for a patient with a tracheostomy as it helps keep the airway clear of secretions, preventing blockages and potential complications. Cleaning the tracheostomy site daily is important for hygiene but not as critical as regular suctioning. Changing the tracheostomy ties daily may not be necessary unless soiled or loose. Providing humidified oxygen may be part of the care plan but is not as directly related to maintaining the tracheostomy patency as suctioning.

2. A nurse is caring for a client who has heart failure and a prescription for digoxin. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

A. Heart rate of 60/min
B. Respiratory rate of 16/min
C. Sodium level of 138 mEq/L
D. Weight gain of 1.5 kg (3.3 lb) in 24 hours

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. A weight gain of 1.5 kg (3.3 lb) in 24 hours can indicate fluid retention and worsening heart failure in clients taking digoxin. This rapid weight gain could be due to fluid accumulation, a common sign of heart failure exacerbation. Reporting this finding to the provider is crucial for prompt intervention. Choices A, B, and C are within normal ranges and not directly indicative of worsening heart failure in this context, making them less urgent to report compared to the significant weight gain.

3. What is the best method to assess pain in a non-verbal patient?

A. Observe for facial expressions
B. Observe for restlessness
C. Observe for sweating
D. Check for non-verbal cues

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to observe for facial expressions when assessing pain in a non-verbal patient. Facial expressions can provide vital clues about the patient's pain level and discomfort. Choices B and C, observing for restlessness and sweating, can be less specific and may indicate other issues besides pain. Choice D, checking for non-verbal cues, is too broad and does not specify the crucial aspect of focusing on facial expressions.

4. A client has a new prescription for furosemide. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

A. Take this medication with a full glass of water in the morning.
B. Monitor your blood pressure daily while taking this medication.
C. Take this medication at bedtime to prevent nocturia.
D. Avoid taking this medication with food.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to instruct the client to take furosemide with a full glass of water in the morning. Furosemide is a diuretic that can cause increased urination, so it is best taken earlier in the day to avoid disrupting sleep with nocturia. Choice B is not the priority instruction for furosemide. Choice C is incorrect as taking furosemide at bedtime can lead to nocturia, which is undesirable. Choice D is incorrect because furosemide can be taken with or without food.

5. A nurse is teaching a prenatal class about infection prevention. Which of the following statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?

A. I can visit someone with chickenpox 5 days after the sores crust.
B. I should avoid cleaning my cat's litter box during pregnancy.
C. I should wash my hands with hot water for 10 seconds after gardening.
D. I can take antibiotics for viral infections.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because avoiding cleaning the cat's litter box during pregnancy reduces the risk of toxoplasmosis, which can be harmful to the developing fetus. Choice A is incorrect because visiting someone with chickenpox should be avoided as it is highly contagious. Choice C is incorrect as handwashing after gardening should involve soap and water, not just hot water, for effective infection prevention. Choice D is incorrect because antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections.