what is the most important nursing action when a patient experiences a fall

ATI RN

ATI RN Exit Exam

1. What is the most important nursing action when a patient experiences a fall?

A. Assess the patient for injuries
B. Call for help
C. Document the fall
D. Notify the healthcare provider

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most important nursing action when a patient experiences a fall is to assess the patient for injuries. This is critical to identify any potential harm or underlying issues that may require immediate attention. Calling for help and notifying the healthcare provider are important steps, but assessing the patient's condition takes precedence to ensure prompt and appropriate care. Documenting the fall is also necessary but should follow the initial assessment and care provided to the patient.

2. Which lab value is critical for patients on warfarin therapy?

A. Monitor INR
B. Monitor potassium levels
C. Monitor sodium levels
D. Monitor platelet count

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor INR levels for patients on warfarin therapy. INR monitoring is essential because it helps assess the clotting tendency of the blood and ensures that patients are within the therapeutic range to prevent both blood clots and excessive bleeding. Monitoring potassium levels (Choice B), sodium levels (Choice C), or platelet count (Choice D) is not specifically required for patients on warfarin therapy and does not directly impact the effectiveness or safety of the medication.

3. A nurse is assessing a client who is in active labor. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

A. Contractions lasting 80 seconds.
B. FHR baseline 170/min.
C. Early decelerations in the FHR.
D. Temperature 37.4°C (99.3°F).

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. An FHR baseline of 170/min is considered tachycardia, which is above the normal range during labor and requires immediate attention. High FHR can indicate fetal distress or maternal fever. Choice A, contractions lasting 80 seconds, are within normal range for active labor. Choice C, early decelerations in the FHR, are usually benign and do not typically require immediate intervention. Choice D, a temperature of 37.4°C (99.3°F), is within normal limits.

4. A nurse is preparing to administer enoxaparin to a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Massage the injection site after administration.
B. Administer the medication intramuscularly.
C. Inject the medication into the client's abdomen.
D. Inject the medication into the deltoid muscle.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to inject the medication into the client's abdomen. Enoxaparin is a medication that should be administered subcutaneously, not intramuscularly. Massaging the injection site after administration is not recommended as it can cause bruising or discomfort. Injecting the medication into the deltoid muscle is also incorrect because enoxaparin should be given in areas of adipose tissue, such as the abdomen, to ensure proper absorption and effectiveness.

5. What is the best method to monitor fluid balance in a patient receiving diuretics?

A. Monitor daily weight
B. Monitor intake and output
C. Monitor blood pressure
D. Monitor edema

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The best method to monitor fluid balance in a patient receiving diuretics is to monitor daily weight. Daily weighing is a precise way to assess changes in fluid status as it reflects variations in total body water. Monitoring intake and output (choice B) is also important but may not provide as accurate a measurement as daily weight. Monitoring blood pressure (choice C) is essential but does not directly measure fluid balance. Monitoring edema (choice D) is helpful to assess fluid status visually but may not be as sensitive as daily weight measurements in detecting subtle changes in fluid balance.