ATI PN Med-Surg 2023 Test Bank

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Sample questions from ATI PN Med-Surg 2023 Test Bank

This material has 70 questions with answers and rationales. Here are the first 5.

1. 1.During a home visit, a client with heart failure reports sleeping in a recliner for the past two nights. Which additional finding should the practical nurse report promptly to the registered nurse?

   • A.Urine output of 500 mL over 8 hours
   • B.Trace ankle edema that is unchanged from the prior visit
   • C.Weight gain of 1.8 kg (4 lb) in 2 days
   • D.Heart rate of 78/min after taking the prescribed morning medication

   Rationale: A rapid weight gain with new orthopnea suggests worsening fluid retention and possible pulmonary congestion, so it should be reported promptly. Unchanged trace edema is a chronic finding rather than evidence of acute deterioration. The heart rate and urine output described do not independently suggest an immediate change, although they should continue to be monitored.

2. 2.A client states, "My chest feels tight, but the pain is mostly in my jaw." The client has diabetes and is sitting quietly in the clinic. Which action should the practical nurse take first?

   • A.Report the symptoms immediately to the registered nurse and remain with the client
   • B.Reinforce that cardiac pain usually radiates to the left arm
   • C.Offer an antacid and reassess the discomfort in 30 minutes
   • D.Ask the client to walk briefly to determine whether exertion worsens the pain

   Rationale: Jaw discomfort and chest tightness can be atypical manifestations of acute coronary syndrome, particularly in a client with diabetes, and require immediate escalation. Walking the client could increase myocardial oxygen demand and delay care. An antacid trial is inappropriate when cardiac ischemia is possible, and the teaching statement is inaccurate because cardiac pain can radiate to several locations or present atypically.

3. 3.Refer to the client's chart. Which findings should the practical nurse report promptly to the registered nurse as possible evidence of worsening cardiac ischemia? Select all that apply.

   • A.The client has a new 1-mm ST-segment depression on the repeat ECG
   • B.The client has new diaphoresis with nausea
   • C.The client reports that the prescribed nitroglycerin relieved the first episode
   • D.Chest pressure now occurs at rest and lasts longer than the earlier episode
   • E.The troponin I increased from 0.02 ng/mL to 0.18 ng/mL

   Rationale: The chart shows chest pressure progressing from exertional to resting pain, new diaphoresis and nausea, a rising troponin above the stated reference range, and new ST depression; each finding supports possible worsening ischemia and requires prompt reporting. Relief after the first prescribed nitroglycerin dose is useful information but does not negate the subsequent deterioration. The practical nurse should communicate the changes promptly rather than independently diagnosing or changing the treatment plan.

4. 4.At a long-term care facility, a resident taking furosemide reports new leg cramps and weakness. The latest potassium is 2.9 mEq/L (reference range 3.5-5.0 mEq/L). Which action is most appropriate for the practical nurse?

   • A.Encourage the resident to restrict fluids until the cramps resolve
   • B.Report the symptoms and potassium result promptly to the registered nurse
   • C.Document the result and wait for the next scheduled laboratory draw
   • D.Give the next furosemide dose with food to prevent further potassium loss

   Answer and rationale are in the full material.

5. 5.During a community visit, a client with hypertension is learning how to reduce cardiovascular risk. Which statements by the client show understanding of the teaching? Select all that apply.

   • A.I will report new fainting or persistent dizziness to my health care team
   • B.I can stop my beta blocker abruptly if my blood pressure readings improve
   • C.I will check food labels for sodium and choose lower-sodium options
   • D.I will keep a record of my home blood pressure readings and bring it to appointments
   • E.I will take my blood pressure medicine regularly, even when I feel well

   Answer and rationale are in the full material.