ATI RN
ATI RN Comprehensive Exit Exam 2023
1. What is the primary nursing intervention for a patient experiencing hypoglycemia?
- A. Administer IV fluids
- B. Check blood sugar levels
- C. Provide oral glucose
- D. Recheck blood sugar levels in 15 minutes
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is to recheck blood sugar levels in 15 minutes. This intervention is crucial to ensure that the hypoglycemia has been effectively corrected after the initial treatment. Administering IV fluids may be necessary in cases of severe dehydration but is not the primary intervention for hypoglycemia. Checking blood sugar levels is important, but the primary intervention should focus on treating the low blood sugar levels first, which is done by providing oral glucose. However, the most critical step after providing initial treatment is to recheck blood sugar levels to confirm that they have improved to safe levels.
2. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving enteral nutrition via a nasogastric tube. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to reduce the risk of aspiration?
- A. Position the client supine during feedings.
- B. Administer the feedings over 10 minutes.
- C. Elevate the head of the bed during feedings.
- D. Place the client in a lateral position after feedings.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct action to reduce the risk of aspiration in clients receiving enteral feedings is to elevate the head of the bed during feedings. This position helps prevent regurgitation and aspiration of the feeding. Positioning the client supine (Choice A) increases the risk of aspiration as it promotes reflux. Administering feedings over 10 minutes (Choice B) does not directly reduce the risk of aspiration. Placing the client in a lateral position after feedings (Choice D) does not address the risk of aspiration during the feeding process.
3. A client is postoperative following a thyroidectomy. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication of hypocalcemia?
- A. Constipation
- B. Numbness and tingling of the fingers
- C. Increased thirst
- D. Frequent urination
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Numbness and tingling of the fingers are classic signs of hypocalcemia, a condition that may result from inadvertent damage to the parathyroid glands during a thyroidectomy. These symptoms occur due to decreased levels of calcium in the bloodstream affecting nerve function. Choices A, C, and D are not typical manifestations of hypocalcemia. Constipation is more associated with hypercalcemia, increased thirst can be seen in diabetes or dehydration, and frequent urination is a symptom more commonly linked to conditions like diabetes or urinary tract issues.
4. A client is 2 hours postoperative following a cholecystectomy. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement?
- A. Place the client in a supine position
- B. Administer morphine for pain relief
- C. Apply a warm compress to the incision site
- D. Place a pillow under the client's knees
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Administering morphine for pain relief is crucial for postoperative clients following a cholecystectomy to manage pain effectively. Placing the client in a supine position may not be ideal as it can cause discomfort and hinder breathing. Applying a warm compress to the incision site can increase the risk of infection. Placing a pillow under the client's knees is not a priority intervention compared to pain management.
5. What is the most appropriate method to assess a patient's level of consciousness?
- A. Use the Glasgow Coma Scale
- B. Assess the patient's orientation
- C. Check pupillary response
- D. Monitor vital signs
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Using the Glasgow Coma Scale. The Glasgow Coma Scale is a standardized tool used to assess a patient's level of consciousness by evaluating their eye response, verbal response, and motor response. This scale provides a numeric value that helps in determining the severity of brain injury or altered mental status. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because while assessing the patient's orientation, checking pupillary response, and monitoring vital signs are important components of a comprehensive patient assessment, they do not specifically target the assessment of consciousness level, which is best done using the Glasgow Coma Scale.
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