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 assessing a client who is postoperative following a thyroidectomy. The nurse should identify which of the following findings as an indication of hypocalcemia?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Tingling in the fingers. Tingling in the fingers is a common sign of hypocalcemia, often seen after a thyroidectomy. Hypocalcemia can occur post-thyroidectomy due to inadvertent damage or removal of the parathyroid glands which regulate calcium levels. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Elevated blood pressure is not typically associated with hypocalcemia. Positive Chvostek's sign is a clinical sign of hypocalcemia but is usually assessed as facial muscle twitching, not tingling in the fingers. Positive Kernig's sign is a test for meningitis, not related to hypocalcemia.

3. While caring for a newborn under phototherapy lights, which of the following is an appropriate nursing action?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to ensure the eye shield is covering the eyes. Protecting the newborn's eyes from exposure to direct light is crucial during phototherapy to prevent potential eye damage. Applying lotion to the exposed skin (choice B) is not recommended as it can interfere with the effectiveness of the phototherapy. Offering glucose water between feedings (choice C) is not necessary and may not be suitable for a newborn undergoing treatment. Discontinuing breastfeeding during treatment (choice D) is not recommended as breast milk provides essential nutrients and hydration for the newborn, and breastfeeding should continue unless contraindicated by a specific medical condition.

4. What is the appropriate nursing intervention for a patient with suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer anticoagulants. Anticoagulants help prevent further clot formation in patients with suspected DVT. Encouraging ambulation can be beneficial in preventing DVT but is not the immediate intervention for a suspected case. Compression stockings are more for DVT prevention rather than treatment. Monitoring oxygen saturation is important in assessing respiratory function but is not the primary intervention for suspected DVT.

5. A nurse is assessing a client who has increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Tachycardia. In a client with increased intracranial pressure (ICP), tachycardia is a common finding. This is due to the body's compensatory mechanisms in response to the increased pressure. Bradycardia (choice A) is not typically associated with increased ICP and may indicate a different issue. Increased level of consciousness (choice B) is unlikely with increased ICP, as it often leads to altered mental status. Hyperactive bowel sounds (choice D) are not directly related to increased ICP and are more indicative of gastrointestinal issues.

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