what is the priority nursing intervention for a patient experiencing an acute asthma attack
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

ATI Exit Exam RN

1. What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient experiencing an acute asthma attack?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer bronchodilators. In an acute asthma attack, the priority is to open the airways and improve airflow. Bronchodilators like albuterol are crucial in providing immediate relief to the patient. Monitoring oxygen saturation (choice B) is important but administering bronchodilators takes precedence in managing the acute attack. Providing supplemental oxygen (choice C) may be necessary but addressing the airway obstruction with bronchodilators is the priority. Starting IV fluids (choice D) is not the priority in an acute asthma attack unless specifically indicated for other reasons such as dehydration.

2. A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for clozapine. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor the WBC count. Clozapine can cause agranulocytosis, a severe decrease in WBC count, which can increase the risk of infection. Monitoring the WBC count is essential to detect this potentially life-threatening condition early. Monitoring blood glucose levels (Choice A) is not directly related to clozapine use. Platelet count (Choice C) and hemoglobin levels (Choice D) are not typically affected by clozapine and are not the priority for monitoring in this case.

3. A nurse is assessing a client who has hypothyroidism. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Decreased deep tendon reflexes are a common finding in clients with hypothyroidism due to slowed metabolic processes. The other choices, such as bradycardia (slow heart rate), weight gain, and hypertension (high blood pressure) are not typically associated with hypothyroidism. Bradycardia can occur due to the decreased metabolic rate, but it is not a consistent finding. Weight gain is common but not universal, and hypertension is more commonly associated with hyperthyroidism.

4. When should healthcare professionals perform hand hygiene?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Healthcare professionals should perform hand hygiene before and after patient contact to prevent the spread of infections. While choices B, C, and D are also important times to practice hand hygiene, they are not as crucial as before and after patient contact because patient contact poses a higher risk of transmitting infections.

5. What is the most important intervention for a patient with suspected DVT?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer anticoagulants. Administering anticoagulants is crucial in the management of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) as it helps prevent the clot from growing larger or dislodging, potentially causing a life-threatening pulmonary embolism. While monitoring oxygen levels, applying compression stockings, and encouraging ambulation are important aspects of DVT management, administering anticoagulants is the most critical intervention to prevent further complications.

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