ATI MEDICAL SURGICAL RESPIRATORY
DETAILED ANSWER KEY LATEST UPDATE
(2024/2025)
1.A nurse is admitting a client who has active tuberculosis to a room on a medical-surgical unit. Which of the following
room assignments should the nurse make for the client?
A. A room with air exhaust directly to the outdoor environment
Rationale:A room with air exhaust directly to the outside environment eliminates contamination of other
client-care areas. This type of ventilation system is referred to as an airborne infection isolation
room.
B. A room with another nonsurgical client
Rationale:A two-bed room with another nonsurgical client exposes the other client to tuberculosis. A client
who has tuberculosis should have a private room.
C. A room in the ICU
Rationale:A client who has active tuberculosis and no other comorbidities is not critically ill.
D. A room that is within view of the nurses' station
Rationale:The client's room should be well ventilated and private, but it is not necessary for it to be close to
the nurses' station.
2.A nurse is conducting a primary survey of a client who has sustained life-threatening injuries due to a motor-vehicle
crash. Identify the sequence of actions the nurse should take. (Move the actions into the box on the right, placing
them in the selected order of performance. Use all the steps.) C. Open the airway using a jaw-thrust maneuver.
D. Determine effectiveness of ventilator efforts.
B. Establish IV access.
A. Perform a Glasgow Coma Scale assessment.
E. Remove clothing for a thorough assessment.
3.A nurse is caring for a client who has emphysema. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect to
assess in this client? (Select all that apply.)
A. Dyspnea
B. Bradycardia
, C. Barrel chest
D. Clubbing of the fingers
E. Deep respirations
Rationale:
Dyspnea is correct. Emphysema is a lung disease involving damage to the alveoli in which they
become weakened and collapse. Dyspnea is seen in clients with emphysema as the lungs try to
increase the amount of oxygen available to the tissues.</br></br>Bradycardia is incorrect. With
emphysema, the heart rate will increase as the heart tries to compensate for less oxygen to the
tissues. </br></br>Barrel chest is correct. Clients with emphysema lose lung elasticity; the
diaphragm becomes permanently flattened by hyperinflation of the lungs; the muscles of the rib
cage become rigid; and the ribs flare outward. This produces the barrel chest typical of
emphysema clients.</br></br>Clubbing of the fingers is correct. Clubbing results from chronic
low arterial-oxygen levels. The tips of the fingers enlarge and the nails become extremely
curved from front to back.</br></br>Deep respirations is incorrect. Clients with emphysema lose
lung elasticity and have muscle fatigue; consequently, respirations become increasingly shallow.
4.A nurse is caring for a client who has returned from the surgical suite following surgery for a fractured mandible. The
client had intermaxillary fixation to repair and stabilize the fracture. Which of the following actions is the priority for
the nurse to take?
A. Prevent aspiration.
Rationale:When using the airway, breathing, circulation approach to client care, the nurse should
determine that the priority goal is to prevent the client from aspirating. Because the client's jaws are wired
together, aspiration of emesis is a possibility. Therefore, the client should be given medication for nausea, and
wire cutters should be kept at the bedside in case of vomiting. B. Ensure adequate nutrition.
Rationale:The client should be NPO initially after surgery until the gag reflex has returned. Once the client
is able to eat, the client may advance to a calorie-appropriate, high-protein liquid diet. However,
this is not the priority at this time.
C. Promote oral hygiene
Rationale:The client will have an incision inside the mouth. While it is important that the client receive
frequent mouth cleaning, this is not the priority at this time. D. Relieve the client's pain.
Rationale:While the client may be in pain and will need to be medicated, this is not the priority at this time.
5.A nurse is caring for a client who has a new diagnosis of myasthenia gravis. For which of the following
manifestations should the nurse monitor?
A. Confusion
Rationale:Myasthenia gravis does not affect cognition, level of consciousness, or orientation.
, B. Weakness
Rationale:Generalized weakness of the diaphragmatic and intercostal muscles may produce respiratory
distress or predispose the client to respiratory infections.
C. Increased intracranial pressure
Rationale:
Myasthenia gravis does not affect pressure within the brain.
D. Increased urinary output
Rationale:Myasthenia gravis does not cause increased urine output.
6.A nurse is assessing a client who has a long history of smoking and is suspected of having laryngeal cancer. The
nurse should anticipate that the client will report that her earliest manifestation was A. dysphagia.
Rationale:Dysphagia, difficulty swallowing, is a later manifestation of cancer of the larynx. It occurs as the
tumor grows in size and impedes the esophagus. B. hoarseness.
Rationale:Laryngeal cancer, a malignant tumor of the larynx, is most often caused by long exposure to
tobacco and alcohol. Hoarseness that does not resolve for several weeks is the earliest manifestation of cancer
of the larynx because the tumor impedes the action of the vocal cords during speech. The voice may sound
harsh and lower in pitch than normal. C. dyspnea.
Rationale:Dyspnea, shortness of breath, is a later manifestation of laryngeal cancer. It occurs as the tumor
grows in size and impedes the airway opening. D. weight loss.
Rationale:Weight loss is a later manifestation of laryngeal cancer, usually indicative of metastasis.
7.A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a client who has extensive partial and full-thickness burns of the
head, neck, and chest. While planning the client's care, the nurse should identify which of the following risks as the
priority for assessment and intervention?
A. Airway obstruction
Rationale:When using the airway, breathing, circulation approach to client care, the nurse determines that
the priority risk is airway obstruction. Burns of the head, neck, and chest often involve damage
to the pulmonary tree due to heat as well as smoke and soot inhalation. This can result in severe
respiratory difficulty. Nursing measures to maintain a patent airway should take priority in this
client's care.
B. Infection
Rationale:Prevention of infection is essential throughout hospitalization and treatment; however, another
risk is the priority.
, C. Fluid imbalance
Rationale:Adequate fluid replacement is essential throughout the acute phase of burn treatment; however,
another risk is the priority.
D. Paralytic ileus
Rationale:Paralytic ileus can develop during the acute phase of burn care and might require nasogastric
decompression; however, another risk is the priority.
8.A nurse is caring for a client who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The client tells the nurse, "I
can feel the congestion in my lungs, and I certainly cough a lot, but I can't seem to bring anything up." Which of the
following actions should the nurse take to help this client with tenacious bronchial secretions?
A. Maintaining a semi-Fowler's position as often as possible
Rationale:Although a semi-Fowler's position can help the client breathe more easily, it will not alter the
consistency of secretions.
B. Administering oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 L/min
Rationale:Administration of oxygen helps correct hypoxemia, but it will not alter the consistency of
secretions.
C. Helping the client select a low-salt diet
Rationale:Although a low-salt diet can help limit peripheral edema, it will not alter the consistency of
secretions.
D. Encouraging the client to drink 2 to 3 L of water daily
Rationale:COPD is a term for two diseases of the respiratory system: chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
Maintaining hydration through the consumption of adequate fluids will help liquefy thick
secretions and facilitate their expectoration.
9.A nurse is observing the closed chest drainage system of a client who is 24 hr post thoracotomy. The nurse notes
slow, steady bubbling in the suction control chamber. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? A.
Check the tubing connections for leaks.
Rationale:This action is used to determine why a water seal chamber has continuous bubbling, not slow,
steady bubbling.
B. Check the suction control outlet on the wall.
Rationale:This action is used to determine why a suction control chamber that is hooked to wall suction
has little or no bubbling. C. Clamp the chest tube.
Rationale:The nurse should briefly clamp the chest tube to check for air leaks or to change the drainage
system. This is not an appropriate action for the nurse to take at this time. D. Continue to monitor the client's
respiratory status.
DETAILED ANSWER KEY LATEST UPDATE
(2024/2025)
1.A nurse is admitting a client who has active tuberculosis to a room on a medical-surgical unit. Which of the following
room assignments should the nurse make for the client?
A. A room with air exhaust directly to the outdoor environment
Rationale:A room with air exhaust directly to the outside environment eliminates contamination of other
client-care areas. This type of ventilation system is referred to as an airborne infection isolation
room.
B. A room with another nonsurgical client
Rationale:A two-bed room with another nonsurgical client exposes the other client to tuberculosis. A client
who has tuberculosis should have a private room.
C. A room in the ICU
Rationale:A client who has active tuberculosis and no other comorbidities is not critically ill.
D. A room that is within view of the nurses' station
Rationale:The client's room should be well ventilated and private, but it is not necessary for it to be close to
the nurses' station.
2.A nurse is conducting a primary survey of a client who has sustained life-threatening injuries due to a motor-vehicle
crash. Identify the sequence of actions the nurse should take. (Move the actions into the box on the right, placing
them in the selected order of performance. Use all the steps.) C. Open the airway using a jaw-thrust maneuver.
D. Determine effectiveness of ventilator efforts.
B. Establish IV access.
A. Perform a Glasgow Coma Scale assessment.
E. Remove clothing for a thorough assessment.
3.A nurse is caring for a client who has emphysema. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect to
assess in this client? (Select all that apply.)
A. Dyspnea
B. Bradycardia
, C. Barrel chest
D. Clubbing of the fingers
E. Deep respirations
Rationale:
Dyspnea is correct. Emphysema is a lung disease involving damage to the alveoli in which they
become weakened and collapse. Dyspnea is seen in clients with emphysema as the lungs try to
increase the amount of oxygen available to the tissues.</br></br>Bradycardia is incorrect. With
emphysema, the heart rate will increase as the heart tries to compensate for less oxygen to the
tissues. </br></br>Barrel chest is correct. Clients with emphysema lose lung elasticity; the
diaphragm becomes permanently flattened by hyperinflation of the lungs; the muscles of the rib
cage become rigid; and the ribs flare outward. This produces the barrel chest typical of
emphysema clients.</br></br>Clubbing of the fingers is correct. Clubbing results from chronic
low arterial-oxygen levels. The tips of the fingers enlarge and the nails become extremely
curved from front to back.</br></br>Deep respirations is incorrect. Clients with emphysema lose
lung elasticity and have muscle fatigue; consequently, respirations become increasingly shallow.
4.A nurse is caring for a client who has returned from the surgical suite following surgery for a fractured mandible. The
client had intermaxillary fixation to repair and stabilize the fracture. Which of the following actions is the priority for
the nurse to take?
A. Prevent aspiration.
Rationale:When using the airway, breathing, circulation approach to client care, the nurse should
determine that the priority goal is to prevent the client from aspirating. Because the client's jaws are wired
together, aspiration of emesis is a possibility. Therefore, the client should be given medication for nausea, and
wire cutters should be kept at the bedside in case of vomiting. B. Ensure adequate nutrition.
Rationale:The client should be NPO initially after surgery until the gag reflex has returned. Once the client
is able to eat, the client may advance to a calorie-appropriate, high-protein liquid diet. However,
this is not the priority at this time.
C. Promote oral hygiene
Rationale:The client will have an incision inside the mouth. While it is important that the client receive
frequent mouth cleaning, this is not the priority at this time. D. Relieve the client's pain.
Rationale:While the client may be in pain and will need to be medicated, this is not the priority at this time.
5.A nurse is caring for a client who has a new diagnosis of myasthenia gravis. For which of the following
manifestations should the nurse monitor?
A. Confusion
Rationale:Myasthenia gravis does not affect cognition, level of consciousness, or orientation.
, B. Weakness
Rationale:Generalized weakness of the diaphragmatic and intercostal muscles may produce respiratory
distress or predispose the client to respiratory infections.
C. Increased intracranial pressure
Rationale:
Myasthenia gravis does not affect pressure within the brain.
D. Increased urinary output
Rationale:Myasthenia gravis does not cause increased urine output.
6.A nurse is assessing a client who has a long history of smoking and is suspected of having laryngeal cancer. The
nurse should anticipate that the client will report that her earliest manifestation was A. dysphagia.
Rationale:Dysphagia, difficulty swallowing, is a later manifestation of cancer of the larynx. It occurs as the
tumor grows in size and impedes the esophagus. B. hoarseness.
Rationale:Laryngeal cancer, a malignant tumor of the larynx, is most often caused by long exposure to
tobacco and alcohol. Hoarseness that does not resolve for several weeks is the earliest manifestation of cancer
of the larynx because the tumor impedes the action of the vocal cords during speech. The voice may sound
harsh and lower in pitch than normal. C. dyspnea.
Rationale:Dyspnea, shortness of breath, is a later manifestation of laryngeal cancer. It occurs as the tumor
grows in size and impedes the airway opening. D. weight loss.
Rationale:Weight loss is a later manifestation of laryngeal cancer, usually indicative of metastasis.
7.A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a client who has extensive partial and full-thickness burns of the
head, neck, and chest. While planning the client's care, the nurse should identify which of the following risks as the
priority for assessment and intervention?
A. Airway obstruction
Rationale:When using the airway, breathing, circulation approach to client care, the nurse determines that
the priority risk is airway obstruction. Burns of the head, neck, and chest often involve damage
to the pulmonary tree due to heat as well as smoke and soot inhalation. This can result in severe
respiratory difficulty. Nursing measures to maintain a patent airway should take priority in this
client's care.
B. Infection
Rationale:Prevention of infection is essential throughout hospitalization and treatment; however, another
risk is the priority.
, C. Fluid imbalance
Rationale:Adequate fluid replacement is essential throughout the acute phase of burn treatment; however,
another risk is the priority.
D. Paralytic ileus
Rationale:Paralytic ileus can develop during the acute phase of burn care and might require nasogastric
decompression; however, another risk is the priority.
8.A nurse is caring for a client who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The client tells the nurse, "I
can feel the congestion in my lungs, and I certainly cough a lot, but I can't seem to bring anything up." Which of the
following actions should the nurse take to help this client with tenacious bronchial secretions?
A. Maintaining a semi-Fowler's position as often as possible
Rationale:Although a semi-Fowler's position can help the client breathe more easily, it will not alter the
consistency of secretions.
B. Administering oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 L/min
Rationale:Administration of oxygen helps correct hypoxemia, but it will not alter the consistency of
secretions.
C. Helping the client select a low-salt diet
Rationale:Although a low-salt diet can help limit peripheral edema, it will not alter the consistency of
secretions.
D. Encouraging the client to drink 2 to 3 L of water daily
Rationale:COPD is a term for two diseases of the respiratory system: chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
Maintaining hydration through the consumption of adequate fluids will help liquefy thick
secretions and facilitate their expectoration.
9.A nurse is observing the closed chest drainage system of a client who is 24 hr post thoracotomy. The nurse notes
slow, steady bubbling in the suction control chamber. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? A.
Check the tubing connections for leaks.
Rationale:This action is used to determine why a water seal chamber has continuous bubbling, not slow,
steady bubbling.
B. Check the suction control outlet on the wall.
Rationale:This action is used to determine why a suction control chamber that is hooked to wall suction
has little or no bubbling. C. Clamp the chest tube.
Rationale:The nurse should briefly clamp the chest tube to check for air leaks or to change the drainage
system. This is not an appropriate action for the nurse to take at this time. D. Continue to monitor the client's
respiratory status.
