ATI Priority Setting Framework Beginning Test
A nurse working on the cardiac unit hears an alarm and finds one of the heart monitor screens at the nurse's station is displaying a straight line, indicating a client is in cardiac arrest. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first? a. Check on the client b. Unlock the crash car c. Begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation d. Announce a code
a. Check on the client Answering this item requires application of the nursing process priority setting framework. The nursing process is a tool that can be used to plan client care and prioritize nursing actions. Each step of the nursing process is based on the previous step, beginning with assessment or data collection. Before you can formulate a plan of action, implement a nursing intervention, or notify a provider of a change in the client's condition, you must first collect adequate data from the client. Assessing or collecting additional data will provide the nurse with knowledge to make an appropriate decision. If the client is able to be aroused or a pulse is palpated, then the client is not in cardiac arrest, and there is a problem with the monitoring equipment. It is common for leads to become loose or fall off clients when they move around, resulting in the monitor detecting an absence or cardiac function. Therefore, checking on the client is the first action the nurse should take.
A newly hired nurse is reviewing the facility's emergency preparedness plan. Based on a review of the four triage categories, the nurse should provide priority care to clients who are in which of the following categories during a disaster? a. Immediate b. Delayed c. Minimal d Expectant
a. Immediate Answering this item requires application of the survival potential priority setting framework. Use of this framework is typically reserved for a mass casualty situation, when resources are scarce and all allocated to save the greatest number of lives. While it might seem that the client least likely to survive should receive priority care, this is the client who is the lowest priority. The highest priority is assigned to the client with injuries that are severe but has the potential to survive with treatment. Clients assigned to the immediate triage category in a mass casualty event have a life-threatening, but survivable injuries if immediate care is received. Based on the survival potential priority setting framework, the nurse should provide priority care to clients in this category.
A nurse is caring for a client who has a serum potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first? a. Obtain an ECG b. Administer oral potassium c. Encourage potassium-rich foods d. Monitor I & O
a. Obtain an ECG Answering this item requires consideration of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, which includes five levels of priority. The first level consists of physiological needs; the second level consists of safety and security needs; the third level consists of love and belonging needs; the fourth level consists of personal achievement and self-esteem needs; and the fifth level consists of achieving full potential and the ability to problem solve and cope with life situations. When applying Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs priority setting framework, physiological needs take precedence and should be reviewed first. Client needs should then be addressed by following the remaining four hierarchal levels. It is important, however, to consider all contributing client factors, as higher levels of the pyramid can compete with those at the lower levels, depending on the specific client situation. Obtaining an ECG will assist in determining the presence of dysrhythmias related to a serum potassium level below the expected reference range. According to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs priority setting framework, physiological needs, such as adequate cardiac functioning, receive highest priority. This action is further supported by the ABC priority setting framework due to the impact of cardiac function on circulation.
A nurse is reinforcing discharge teaching to a new mother regarding sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Which of the following is the highest priority to include in the instructions? a. Place the infant in a supine position when sleeping b. Place the infant on a firm mattress when sleeping c. Avoid covering the infant with loose bedding while sleeping d. Avoid leaving stuffed animals in the crib with the sleeping infant
a. Place the infant in a supine position when sleeping Answering this item requires application of the safety and risk reduction priority setting framework. This framework assigns priority to the factor or situation posing the greatest safety risk to the client. When there are several risks to client safety, the one posing the greatest threat is the highest priority. It might be necessary to use Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, the ABC priority setting framework, or nursing knowledge to identify which risk poses the greatest threat to the client. Evidence-based practice and current recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics include positioning the infant supine while sleeping. This intervention has had the greatest impact on reducing the occurrence of SIDS. Using the safety and risk reduction priority setting framework and nursing knowledge, this is the priority information to include in the discharge teaching.
A nurse is caring for a client who is diagnosed with gastroenteritis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first when evaluating for a fluid volume deficit? a. Obtain an arterial pH level b. Check the heart rate and blood pressure c. Insert an indwelling catheter d. Collect a serum BUN and creatinine
b. Check the heart rate and blood pressure Answering this item requires application of the least restrictive, least invasive priority setting framework. This framework assigns priority to nursing interventions that are least restrictive and least invasive to the client, as long as those interventions do not jeopardize client safety. Interventions that are not invasive to the client should be taken before interventions that are invasive. This reduces the number of organisms introduced into the body, decreasing the number of hospital-acquired infections. An increase in heart rate and decrease in blood pressure are consistent with a fluid volume deficit. Using the least restrictive, least invasive priority setting framework, this action is less invasive than the other actions and should be the nurse's first action.
A nurse is assisting with the admission of a client who has decreased circulation in the left leg. Which of the following is the first action the nurse should take? a. Administer an anticoagulant b. Check the leg for warmth and edema c. Apply elastic stockings d. Promote bed rest and extremity elevation
b. Check the leg for warmth and edema Answering this item requires application of the nursing process priority setting framework. The nursing process is a tool that can be used to plan client care and prioritize nursing actions. Each step of the nursing process is based on the previous step, beginning with assessment or data collection. Before you can formulate a plan of action, implement a nursing intervention, or notify a provider of a change in the client's condition, you must first collect adequate data from the client. Using the nursing process, assessment or data collection should be the first action taken by t the nurse so a plan of care can be developed. If warmth and edema is found in the leg, this indicates that the decreased circulation could be due to a deep-vein thrombosis. Based on this information, appropriate interventions can be determined and implemented as a part of the plan of care.
A nurse in a long-term care facility is assisting with the admission of several clients. To prevent falls in hospitalized clients, which of the following actions should the nurse take first? a. Provide assistance with ambulation when indicated b. Determine the mobility status of each client c. Maintain the side rails of each bed in the raised position d. Plan a fall prevention program for clients at risk
b. Determine the mobility status of each client Answering this item requires application of the nursing process priority setting framework. The nursing process is a tool that can be used to plan client care and prioritize nursing actions. Each step of the nursing process is based on the previous step, beginning with assessment or data collection. Before you can formulate a plan of action, implement a nursing intervention, or notify a provider of a change in the client's condition, you must first collect adequate data from the client. Using the nursing process, assessment or data collection should be the first action taken by the nurse so a plan of care can be developed. Determining the mobility status of each client will help to identify those patients who are at risk for falls. This knowledge will ensure the implementation of education and prevention efforts specific to the needs of each client. Based on this information, appropriate interventions can be determined and implemented as a part of the plan of care.
A nurse is conducting therapeutic medication monitoring on four clients.. Which of the following findings should be immediately reported to the provider? a. Lithium carbonate 0.8 mEq/L b. Digoxin 3.0 ng/mL c. Peak serum gentamicin 6 mcg/mL d. Magnesium sulfate 4 mEq/L
b. Digoxin 3.0 ng/mL Answering this item requires application of the unstable versus stable priority setting framework. Using this framework, unstable clients get priority because of needs that threaten their survival. Threats or problems involving the airway, breathing, or circulatory status are considered life-threatening needs that should be addressed first. Clients whose vital signs or laboratory values indicate a risk for becoming unstable are also a higher priority than clients who are stable. Nursing knowledge might also be needed to determine which option poses the greatest risk to the client. This digoxin level is above the expected reference range and indicates digoxin toxicity. Based on unstable versus stable priority setting framework and nursing knowledge, this lab value is the priority and should be immediately reported to the provider.
A nurse is caring for a client who is having difficulty breathing. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first? a. Place 02 at 2 L per nasal canula on the client b. Place the client in the orthopneic position c. Perform chest percussion d. Perform nasotracheal suctioning
b. Place the client in the orthopneic position Answering this item requires application of the least restrictive, least invasive priority setting framework. This framework assigns priority to nursing interventions that are least restrictive and least invasive to the client, as long as those interventions do not jeopardize client safety. Interventions that are not invasive to the client should be taken before interventions that are invasive. This reduces the number of organisms introduced into the body, decreasing the number of hospital-acquired infections. Placing the client in the orthopneic position allows for maximum chest expansion, which improves respiratory effort. Based on the least restrictive, least invasive priority setting framework, this should be the first action the nurse takes.
A nurse is reviewing the lab results for four clients. The client with which of the following values requires immediate intervention? a. Cholesterol 220 mg/dL b. Platelets 95,000 mm³ c. BUN 20 mg/dL d. Potassium 3.5 mEq/L
b. Platelets 95,000 mm³ Answering this item requires application of the unstable versus stable priority setting framework. Using this framework, unstable clients are the priority because of needs that threaten their survival. Threats or problems involving the airway, breathing, or circulatory status are considered life-threatening needs that should be addressed. Clients whose vital signs or laboratory values indicate a risk for becoming unstable are also a higher priority than clients who are stable. Nursing knowledge might also be needed to determine which option poses the greatest risk to the client. This platelet level is below the expected reference range and indicates the client is at risk for bleeding. Based on the stable versus unstable priority setting framework and nursing knowledge, the client with this laboratory value requires immediate intervention.
A nurse is caring for an older adult client who recently experienced the death of her partner. Which of the following is the priority need of the client? a. Establishing a sense of achievement b. Contributing to society c. Creating meaningful social relationships d. Enhancing self-confidence
c. Creating meaningful social relationships Answering this item requires consideration of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, which include five levels of priority. The first level consists of physiological needs; the second level consists of safety and security needs; the third level consists of love and belonging needs; the fourth level consists of personal achievement and self-esteem needs; and the fifth level consists of achieving full potential and the ability to problem solve and cope with life situations. When applying Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs priority setting framework, physiological needs take precedence and should be reviewed first. Client needs should then be addressed by following the remaining four hierarchal levels. It is important, however, to consider all contributing client factors, as higher levels of the pyramid can compete with those at the lower levels, depending on the specific client situation. The third level of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs includes love, affection, and social relationships in fulfilling love and belonging needs. Social relationships are a component of friendship, which would be included in the third level of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Based on Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, this is the client's priority need.
A nurse is caring for a newly admitted client. Which of the following client needs should the nurse address first? a. Homelessness b. Lack of family support c. Hypoxic d. Under nourished
c. Hypoxic Answering this item requires consideration of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, which includes five levels of priority. The first level consists of physiological needs; the second level consists of safety and security needs; the third level consists of love and belonging needs; the fourth level consists of personal achievement and self-esteem needs; and the fifth level consists of achieving full potential and the ability to problem solve and cope with life situations. When applying Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs priority setting framework, physiological needs take precedence and should be reviewed first. Client needs should then be addressed by following the remaining four hierarchal levels. It is important, however, to consider all contributing client factors, as higher levels of the pyramid can compete with those at the lower levels, depending on the specific client situation. Hypoxemia indicates reduces blood oxygen levels, which involves the physiological needs of the client and is the first level of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Because oxygen is considered the most basic physiological need, this is the need the nurse should address first. This is further supported using the AC priority setting framework.
A nurse is caring for a client who is in the immediate postoperative period following a tracheotomy. Which of the following is the nurse's priority action? a. Providing pain control b. Preventing hemorrhage c. Maintaining a patent airway d. Ensuring adequate fluid intake
c. Maintaining a patent airway Answering this item requires application of the ABC priority setting framework, which emphasizes the basic core of human functioning - having an open airway, being able to breath in adequate amounts of oxygen, and circulating that oxygen to the body's organs via the blood. An alteration in any of these can indicate a threat to life, and is therefore the nurse's priority concern. When applying the ABC priority setting framework, airway is always the highest priority because the airway must be clear and open for oxygen exchange to occur. Breathing is the second highest priority in the ABC priority setting framework because adequate ventilatory effort is essential in order for oxygen exchange to occur. Circulation is the third highest priority in the ABC priority setting framework because delivery of oxygen to critical organs only occurs if the heart and blood vessels are capable of efficiently carrying oxygen to them. Using the ABC priority setting framework, maintaining a patent airway is the nurse's priority action for a client who is in the immediate postoperative period following a tracheotomy. An airway obstruction is a potential complication for the clients following head and neck surgery secondary to production of mucus and need for suctioning. Based on this knowledge and using the ABC priority setting framework, the nurse's priority action is to maintain a patent airway.
A nurse is collecting data on four clients. Which of the following findings is the most urgent? a. Bladder distension and urgency b. Pedal edema c. Warmth and pain in the calf d. Hypoactive bowl sounds
c. Warmth and pain in the calf Answering this item requires application of the urgent versus non-urgent priority setting framework. Using this framework, urgent needs are considered the priority need because they pose more of a threat to the client. It might also be necessary to use Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, the ABC priority setting framework, or nursing knowledge to identify which finding is the most urgent. Using the urgent versus non-urgent priority setting framework, the most urgent finding is warmth and pain in the calf of a client. Warmth and pain in the calf is indicative of deep-vein thrombosis, which places the client at risk for pulmonary embolism. Using the urgent versus non-urgent priority setting framework and nursing knowledge, this is the finding that represents the most urgent need. This option is further supported by the ABC priority setting framework.
A nurse is a rehabilitation facility has received report on four clients. Which of the following should the nurse evaluate first? a. A client who has peripheral vascular disease and reports numbness in the toes b. A client who has depression and is easily distracted c. A client who has Alzheimer's disease and is unable to complete activities of daily living d. A client who had abdominal surgery 10 days ago and reports feeling his incision pop
d. A client who had abdominal surgery 10 days ago and reports feeling his incision pop Answering this item requires application of the acute versus chronic priority setting framework. Using this framework, acute needs are typically the priority need because they pose more of a threat to the client. Because chronic needs usually develop over a period of time, the client has more of an opportunity to adapt to the alteration in health. It is also important to attend to alterations when they are in the acute phase so they don't escalate into a life-threatening event or evolve into a chronic alteration in health. Wound dehiscence or evisceration most commonly occurs 3 to 11 days following surgery and can be caused by not splitting the surgical site when moving, forceful coughing, vomiting, or straining. Clients often report feeling the incision "pop", indicating either dehiscence or evisceration has occurred. Based on the acute versus chronic priority setting framework, the nurse should evaluate this client first.
A nurse in a provider's office has collected data on four clients. Which of the following clients should be the nurse's priority concern? a. A client who has a history of heart failure b. A client who has type 1 diabetes mellitus c. A client who is reporting pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knees d. A client who is having a nosebleed associated with hypertension
d. A client who is having a nosebleed associated with hypertension Answering this item requires application of the acute versus chronic priority setting framework. Using this framework, acute needs are typically the priority need because they pose more of a threat to the client. Because chronic needs usually develop over a period of time, the client has more of an opportunity to adapt to the alteration in health. It is also important to attend to alterations when they are in the acute phase - so they don't escalate into a life-threatening event or evolve into a chronic alteration in health. A nose bleed, or epistaxis, is an acute condition requiring immediate intervention to prevent further blood loss. Additionally, this finding can be associated with a blood pressure that is above the expected reference range, indicating the need for further intervention. Based on the acute versus chronic priority setting framework, this client should be the nurse's priority.
A nurse in an urgent care clinic is caring for a client who has bronchitis with thick pulmonary secretions. The client's oxygen saturation level is 90% on room air. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first? a. Initiate oxygen therapy b. Encourage an increase in oral fluids c. Provide room humidification d. Assist client to cough effectively
d. Assist client to cough effectively Answering this item requires application of the ABC priority setting framework, which emphasizes the basic core of human functioning - having an open airway, being able to breathe in adequate amounts of oxygen, and circulating oxygen to the body's organs via the blood. An alteration in any of these can indicate a threat to life, and is therefore, the nurse's priority concern. When applying the ABC priority setting framework, airway is the highest priority because the airway must be open and clear for oxygen exchange to occur. Breathing is the second highest priority in the ABC priority setting framework because adequate ventilatory effort is essential in order for oxygen exchange to occur. Circulation is the third highest priority in the ABC priority setting framework because delivery of oxygen to critical organs only occurs if the heart and blood vessels are capable of efficiently carrying oxygen to them. Assisting the client to cough effectively opens the airway by removing secretions. Based on the ABC priority setting framework, this is the first action the nurse should take because a clear airway is necessary for oxygen exchange to occur.
A nurse is collecting data on four clients. Which of the following is the highest priority finding by the nurse? a. Malaise b. Anorexia c. Headache d. Diarrhea
d. Diarrhea Answering this item requires application of the ABC priority setting framework, which emphasizes the basic core of human functioning - having an open airway, being able to breathe in adequate amounts of oxygen, and circulating oxygen to the body's organs via the blood. An alteration in any of theses can indicate a threat to life, and is therefore, the nurse's priority concern. When applying the ABC priority setting framework, airway is the highest priority because the airway must be open and clear for oxygen exchange to occur. Breathing is the second highest priority in the ABC priority setting framework because adequate ventilatory effort is essential in order for oxygen exchange to occur. Circulation is the third highest priority in the ABC priority setting framework because delivery of oxygen to critical organs only occurs if the heart and blood vessels are capable of efficiently carrying oxygen to them. Using the ABC priority setting framework maintaining circulation is the nurse's priority concern. Diarrhea can deplete the body of fluids and cause a decrease in the circulating blood volume. Based on this knowledge and using the ABC priority setting framework, this is the highest priority finding by the nurse.
A nurse is preparing to administer oral medications to a client who has unilateral weakness following a cerebrovascular accident (CVA). Which of the following should be the priority action of the nurse? a. Administer medications with meals when possible b. Ensure client understanding of medication's effects c. Determine the clients ability to self-administer medications d. Have the client position the head with the chin down while swallowing
d. Have the client position the head with the chin down while swallowing Answering this item requires application of the safety and risk reduction priority setting framework. This framework assigns priority to the factor or situation posing the greatest safety risk to the client. When there are several risks to client safety, the one posing the greatest threat is the highest priority. It might be necessary to use Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, the ABC priority setting framework, or nursing knowledge to identify which risk poses the greatest threat to the client. Clients are at risk for aspiration following a CVA, and having the client position the head with the chin down while swallowing reduces this risk. Based on the safety and risk reduction priority setting framework, this should be the nurse's priority action. Preventing aspiration is further supported as the priority by the ABC priority setting framework.
A nurse is caring for a client who has a urinary tract infection. The client is disoriented and found wandering on another unit. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first? a. Ensure all four side rails are up b. Administer a prescribed sedative c. Place the client in soft wrist restraints d. Move the client to a room near the nurses' station
d. Move the client to a room near the nurses' station Answering this item requires application of the least restrictive, least invasive priority setting framework. This framework assigns priority to nursing interventions that are least restrictive and least invasive to the client, as long as those interventions do not jeopardize client safety. Least restrictive interventions promote client safety without using physical restraints. Physical restraints should only be used when the safety of the client, staff, or others is at risk. Moving the client to a room near the nurses' station allows for more frequent observation and promotes client safety. Using the least restrictive, least invasive priority setting framework, this action is less restrictive than the other actions and should be the nurse's first action.