ATI RN
Medical Surgical Nursing Concepts and Practice Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient with newly diagnosed hypothyroidism. What should the nurse expect when assessing this patient�s skin?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Patients with hypothyroidism often exhibit rough, dry skin as a result of decreased thyroid hormone levels impacting the skin's ability to retain moisture. This condition, known as myxedema, can lead to skin changes such as dryness, scaling, and thickening. The skin may also appear pale or yellowish due to reduced blood flow. Therefore, the nurse should expect the patient with newly diagnosed hypothyroidism to present with rough, dry skin during assessment.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is providing care to several clients on a medical-surgical unit. Which client is at highest risk for a nonthrombotic pulmonary embolism (PE)?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The client who is postoperative from a major surgery, such as femur fracture repair, is at the highest risk for a nonthrombotic pulmonary embolism (PE). Postoperative clients are at an increased risk due to factors such as immobility, surgical trauma, and possible venous stasis. Additionally, major orthopedic surgeries involving the lower extremities carry a higher risk of developing a PE because of the potential for blood clots to form in the veins of the legs (deep vein thrombosis) and then travel to the lungs, leading to a pulmonary embolism. Close monitoring and preventative measures, such as early ambulation, compression devices, and anticoagulant therapy, are crucial in preventing this serious complication in postoperative clients.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is reviewing objective data obtained during the assessment of a pregnant woman in her 34th week of gestation. Which finding would be cause for concern?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In a pregnant woman, a hematocrit level of 24% is cause for concern as it is lower than the normal range during pregnancy. A lower than normal hematocrit level may indicate anemia in the pregnant woman, which can lead to complications for both the mother and the baby. Anemia during pregnancy can result in inadequate oxygen reaching the tissues, fatigue, increased risk of preterm birth, and low birth weight for the baby. Therefore, this finding should be further evaluated and managed promptly to ensure the well-being of the pregnant woman and her baby.
Question 4 of 5
While completing a health history with an older adult client, the nurse learns that the client experienced a transient ischemic attack (TIA) several months ago. The nurse should recognize that:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is often considered a warning sign that the individual is at an increased risk for a future ischemic stroke. TIAs are brief episodes of neurological dysfunction caused by a temporary disruption in blood supply to the brain. While the symptoms of a TIA typically resolve within 24 hours, they should not be ignored as they indicate an underlying vascular issue that needs to be addressed to prevent a more severe stroke in the future. Therefore, the client is at risk for an ischemic thrombotic stroke and should receive appropriate interventions and follow-up care to manage this risk.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is evaluating care provided to a client with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Which finding indicates care has been successful for this client?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a serious condition characterized by both excessive clotting and bleeding throughout the body. The primary goal of care for a client with DIC is to manage and balance the clotting and bleeding tendencies. A key indicator of successful care for a client with DIC is the absence of bleeding, as this suggests that the coagulation process has been stabilized and there is no ongoing clot breakdown leading to bleeding. Monitoring for signs of bleeding, such as petechiae, purpura, ecchymosis, hematuria, and gastrointestinal bleeding, is essential in evaluating the effectiveness of care in a client with DIC. Therefore, the absence of bleeding is the most significant finding that indicates successful care in a client with DIC.
Similar Questions
Join Our Community Today!
Join Over 10,000+ nursing students using Nurselytic. Access Comprehensive study Guides curriculum for ATI -RN and 3000+ practice questions to help you pass your ATI -RN exam.
Subscribe for Unlimited Access