ATI Proctored

Ultimate ATI Proctored Exam Study Guide Notes

Learning Objectives

  • Upon completion of study guide and videos, learners will be able to:   - Identify and master the basic principles and procedures of nursing.   - Integrate test-taking strategies to accumulate information into long-term memory.   - Analyze comprehension of material by measuring practice test percentages daily.   - Differentiate between answer choices through pattern recognition and rationalization.   - Exemplify confidence and belief in self to achieve a level 3.

Fundamentals of Nursing Principles and Procedures

  • Critical Thinking

  • Evidence-based Practice

  • Patient-centered Care

  • Clinical Application

  • Nursing Process (A.D.P.I.E.)

  • Therapeutic Communication   - When in doubt: RAISE THE LEVEL OF THE BED (e.g., 30 to 45 degrees).   - If a patient refuses medications, assess the reason why.

  • Positioning Importance   - One of the first actions after inspecting and assessing the patient is to conduct a thorough physical examination.   - Discharge Planning should start during admission to prepare for care during and after hospital stay.

Communication and Emergency Protocols

  • SBAR Model (Communication Tool):   - Situation: Briefly describe the issue.   - Background: Provide context about the patient.   - Assessment: Share your assessment of the situation.   - Recommendation: State what you expect to happen next.

Fire Response (R.A.C.E.)
  • R: Rescue and protect patients in immediate danger by moving them to safety.

  • A: Alarm – Activate the fire alarm and report the details.

  • C: Contain – Close doors and windows, turn off oxygen sources and electrical devices.

  • E: Extinguish the fire if safe to do so, using the appropriate fire extinguisher.

Fire Extinguisher Usage (P.A.S.S.)
  • P: Pull the pin.

  • A: Aim at the base of the fire.

  • S: Squeeze the handle.

  • S: Sweep the extinguisher from side to side.

Classes of Fire Extinguishers

  • Class A: For combustibles (paper, wood, upholstery).

  • Class B: For flammable liquids.

  • Class C: For electrical fires.

  • Class D: For metals.

  • Class K: For kitchen fires involving fats and oils.

  • Class ABC: Multipurpose extinguisher for various types of fires.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Guidelines

  • Donning PPE (Bottom’s Up Method):   - Order: Gown, Mask, Goggles, Gloves.

  • Doffing PPE (Alphabetical Order Method):   - Order: Gloves, Goggles, Gown, Mask.

Physical Examination Sequence

  1. Inspection – Visual observation of the patient.

  2. Palpation – Using touch to assess.

  3. Percussion – Tapping body parts to assess underlying structures.

  4. Auscultation – Listening to body sounds.

  • Physical Examination Order for Abdomen: Inspection → Auscultate → Percuss → Palpate.

Transmission Precautions

  • Airborne Precautions:   - Protect against infections smaller than 5 mcg (e.g., Measles, Tuberculosis).   - Use private rooms, N95 masks for healthcare workers, negative pressure airflow.

  • Droplet Precautions:   - Protect against larger droplets (e.g., pneumonia, meningitis).   - Place patients in private rooms, require surgical masks for healthcare workers and patients.

  • Contact Precautions:   - Protect against direct contact (e.g., MRSA, Scabies).   - Use gloves and gowns, private rooms recommended.

Nasogastric Intubation (NG Tube) Guidelines

  • Indications:   - Decompression, Feeding, Lavage, Compression.

  • Nursing Considerations:   - Position patient correctly (high Fowler’s position), assess placement, monitor output, and maintain hygiene.

Hand Hygiene Practices

  • Crucial Steps:   - Wash hands after contact with any patient or potentially contaminated materials; even after glove removal.   - Perform proper surgical handwashing techniques, ensuring hands drain correctly away from clean areas.

Safe Patient Transferring Practices

  • Position wheelchair at a 45-degree angle relative to the bed.

  • Assist the patient from their weaker side, ensuring a wide stance for balance.

Understanding Phases of Care

  • Preoperative: Begins with consent to have surgery, ends at the surgical suite.

  • Intraoperative: From transfer to surgery until admission to PACU.

  • Postoperative: From PACU admission until healing is complete.

Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) Guidelines

  • Monitor blood glucose every 4 hours, check weight daily, change IV tubing every 24 hours.

Patient Safety and Client Education

  • Cleansing Enema Procedure: Position left side, lubricate catheter, and maintain proper height for fluid entry.

  • Nursing Process: Assessment → Analysis → Planning → Implementation → Evaluation, focusing on patient outcomes.

Client Safety and Restraint Protocols

  • Use restraints only when necessary, ensuring proper fit and monitoring for circulation issues.

  • Document the use of restraints, assessing the patient's condition regularly and providing necessary care.

Vision Loss Types and Care

  • Common Types: Presbyopia, cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration.

  • Assess Visual Acuity: Use Snellen and Rosenbaum charts for screening.

Sputum Specimen Collection and Airway Management

  • Understand the indication for collection, proper techniques, and evaluation of results for patient management.

Important ABG Values

  • Normal ranges:   - pH: 7.35-7.45   - PaCO2: 35-45 mm Hg   - HCO3: 22-26 mEq/L   - PaO2: 80-100 mm Hg   - SaO2: 95-100%

Five Rights of Delegation

  1. Right Task.

  2. Right Circumstance.

  3. Right Person.

  4. Right Direction.

  5. Right Supervision.

Fall Prevention Measures

  • Use gait belts, ensure safe environment, encourage gradual position changes.

Infection Control Practices

  • Proper methods for changing linens and avoiding cross-contamination.

  • Guidelines on handling blood and body fluid spills as per facility policy.


Closing Notes for Effective Study

  • Continuous practice through sample questions, reflecting on learning outcomes, and staying updated with best practices in nursing care and client education are essential.

  • Foster a mindset of professional growth and commitment to lifelong learning in nursing to ensure excellence in providing patient care.