ATI NCLEX-RN Practice Questions
Question 1 of 5.
A client is receiving IV morphine 2 days after colorectal surgery. Which of the following observations indicate that he may be becoming drug dependent?
A. The client requests pain medicine every 4 hours.
B. He is asleep 30 minutes after receiving the IV morphine.
C. He asks for pain medication although his blood pressure and pulse rate are normal.
D. He is euphoric for about an hour after each injection.
Explanation: Frequent requests for pain medication do not necessarily indicate drug dependence after complex surgeries such as colorectal surgery. Sleeping after receiving IV morphine is not an unexpected effect because the pain is relieved. A person may be in pain even with normal vital signs. A subtle sign of drug dependency is the tendency for the person to appear more euphoric than relieved of pain.
Question 2 of 5.
Acticoat (silver nitrate) dressings are applied to the legs of a client with deep partial thickness burns. The nurse should:
A. Change the dressings once per shift.
B. Moisten the dressing with sterile water.
C. Change the dressings only when they become soiled.
D. Moisten the dressing with normal saline.
Explanation: Acticoat dressings require moistening with normal saline to activate the silver ions for antimicrobial action and to maintain a moist healing environment.
Question 3 of 5.
A client hospitalized for treatment of congestive heart failure is to be discharged with a prescription for Digitek (digoxin) 0.25 mg daily. Which of the following statements indicates that the client needs further teaching?
A. I will need to take the medication at the same time each day.
B. I can prevent stomach upset by taking the medication with an antacid.
C. I can help prevent drug toxicity by eating foods containing fiber.
D. I will need to report visual changes to my doctor.
Explanation: Taking digoxin with an antacid can decrease its absorption, reducing effectiveness, so this statement indicates a need for further teaching.
Question 4 of 5.
A client is admitted to the emergency room with partial-thickness burns to his right arm and full-thickness burns to his trunk. According to the Rule of Nines, the nurse calculates that the total body surface area (TBSA) involved is:
A. 20%
B. 35%
C. 45%
D. 60%
Explanation: Per the Rule of Nines, the right arm is 9% and the trunk (anterior and posterior) is 36%. Partial- and full-thickness burns to the right arm and trunk approximate 35% TBSA.
Question 5 of 5.
A client with severe anemia is to receive a unit of packed red blood cells. In the event of a transfusion reaction, the first action by the nurse should be to:
A. Notify the physician and the nursing supervisor.
B. Stop the transfusion and maintain an IV of normal saline.
C. Call the lab for verification of type and cross match.
D. Prepare an injection of Benadryl (diphenhydramine).
Explanation: Stopping the transfusion and maintaining an IV of normal saline is the first action to prevent further reaction and stabilize the client.