ATI LEARNING SYSTEM RN 3.0 MED SURG
CARDIOVASCULAR AND HEMATOLOGY DYNAMIC
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES Q&A 2026 |INSTANT
DOWNLOAD
1. A patient with heart failure reports increasing shortness
of breath and swelling in the lower extremities. Which
findings should the nurse prioritize?
A. Blood pressure 130/80 mmHg
B. Weight gain of 3 lbs in 2 days
C. Heart rate 72 bpm
D. Oxygen saturation 98%
Answer: B
Rationale: Rapid weight gain indicates fluid retention,
which can signify worsening heart failure and needs
prompt intervention.
2. A patient is prescribed warfarin for atrial fibrillation.
Which lab value should the nurse monitor to assess
therapeutic effect?
A. PT/INR
B. aPTT
C. Platelet count
D. Hemoglobin
Answer: A
Rationale: Warfarin affects the extrinsic pathway; PT/INR
, monitoring ensures anticoagulation is within therapeutic
range.
3. Which dietary instruction should the nurse provide to a
patient taking ferrous sulfate for iron-deficiency anemia?
A. Take with milk to reduce stomach upset
B. Take on an empty stomach with vitamin C-rich juice
C. Take at bedtime only
D. Avoid vitamin C during therapy
Answer: B
Rationale: Vitamin C enhances iron absorption; milk and
calcium can reduce absorption.
4. A patient presents with a DVT in the left leg. Which
interventions are appropriate?
A. Encourage ambulation immediately
B. Apply warm compresses to affected area
C. Massage the leg to improve circulation
D. Elevate the leg above heart level
Answer: B, D
Rationale: Warmth reduces pain, and elevation reduces
swelling. Massage is contraindicated due to risk of
dislodging clot.
5. Which assessment finding indicates worsening right-
sided heart failure?
A. Pulmonary crackles
B. Jugular vein distention
C. Dyspnea at rest
, D. Decreased urine output
Answer: B
Rationale: Right-sided heart failure causes systemic
venous congestion, leading to JVD and peripheral edema.
6. A patient with sickle cell disease reports pain in the
extremities. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Encourage oral fluids
B. Administer prescribed opioids
C. Apply warm packs to affected areas
D. Monitor oxygen saturation
Answer: B
Rationale: Pain management is the priority during a sickle
cell crisis to prevent further complications.
7. Which electrolyte imbalance is commonly associated
with digoxin toxicity?
A. Hypernatremia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hypokalemia
D. Hypocalcemia
Answer: C
Rationale: Hypokalemia increases risk for digoxin toxicity,
as potassium competes with digoxin at myocardial binding
sites.
8. A patient presents with a hemoglobin of 7 g/dL and
fatigue. Which intervention is most appropriate?
A. Administer PRBC transfusion
, B. Encourage high-protein diet
C. Schedule for iron supplementation
D. Monitor for fluid overload
Answer: A
Rationale: Hemoglobin <8 g/dL with symptoms typically
requires transfusion for immediate oxygen-carrying
support.
9. Which symptom is most indicative of a pulmonary
embolism in a postoperative patient?
A. Fever and chills
B. Sudden shortness of breath and chest pain
C. Swelling of a single leg
D. Mild cough with sputum
Answer: B
Rationale: PE typically presents with acute dyspnea, chest
pain, and sometimes hemoptysis; prompt intervention is
critical.
10. Which lab result confirms iron-deficiency anemia?
A. High MCV, low ferritin
B. Low MCV, low ferritin
C. High MCH, normal ferritin
D. Low MCH, high ferritin
Answer: B
Rationale: Iron-deficiency anemia shows microcytic (low
MCV), hypochromic red cells, and low ferritin.
CARDIOVASCULAR AND HEMATOLOGY DYNAMIC
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES Q&A 2026 |INSTANT
DOWNLOAD
1. A patient with heart failure reports increasing shortness
of breath and swelling in the lower extremities. Which
findings should the nurse prioritize?
A. Blood pressure 130/80 mmHg
B. Weight gain of 3 lbs in 2 days
C. Heart rate 72 bpm
D. Oxygen saturation 98%
Answer: B
Rationale: Rapid weight gain indicates fluid retention,
which can signify worsening heart failure and needs
prompt intervention.
2. A patient is prescribed warfarin for atrial fibrillation.
Which lab value should the nurse monitor to assess
therapeutic effect?
A. PT/INR
B. aPTT
C. Platelet count
D. Hemoglobin
Answer: A
Rationale: Warfarin affects the extrinsic pathway; PT/INR
, monitoring ensures anticoagulation is within therapeutic
range.
3. Which dietary instruction should the nurse provide to a
patient taking ferrous sulfate for iron-deficiency anemia?
A. Take with milk to reduce stomach upset
B. Take on an empty stomach with vitamin C-rich juice
C. Take at bedtime only
D. Avoid vitamin C during therapy
Answer: B
Rationale: Vitamin C enhances iron absorption; milk and
calcium can reduce absorption.
4. A patient presents with a DVT in the left leg. Which
interventions are appropriate?
A. Encourage ambulation immediately
B. Apply warm compresses to affected area
C. Massage the leg to improve circulation
D. Elevate the leg above heart level
Answer: B, D
Rationale: Warmth reduces pain, and elevation reduces
swelling. Massage is contraindicated due to risk of
dislodging clot.
5. Which assessment finding indicates worsening right-
sided heart failure?
A. Pulmonary crackles
B. Jugular vein distention
C. Dyspnea at rest
, D. Decreased urine output
Answer: B
Rationale: Right-sided heart failure causes systemic
venous congestion, leading to JVD and peripheral edema.
6. A patient with sickle cell disease reports pain in the
extremities. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Encourage oral fluids
B. Administer prescribed opioids
C. Apply warm packs to affected areas
D. Monitor oxygen saturation
Answer: B
Rationale: Pain management is the priority during a sickle
cell crisis to prevent further complications.
7. Which electrolyte imbalance is commonly associated
with digoxin toxicity?
A. Hypernatremia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hypokalemia
D. Hypocalcemia
Answer: C
Rationale: Hypokalemia increases risk for digoxin toxicity,
as potassium competes with digoxin at myocardial binding
sites.
8. A patient presents with a hemoglobin of 7 g/dL and
fatigue. Which intervention is most appropriate?
A. Administer PRBC transfusion
, B. Encourage high-protein diet
C. Schedule for iron supplementation
D. Monitor for fluid overload
Answer: A
Rationale: Hemoglobin <8 g/dL with symptoms typically
requires transfusion for immediate oxygen-carrying
support.
9. Which symptom is most indicative of a pulmonary
embolism in a postoperative patient?
A. Fever and chills
B. Sudden shortness of breath and chest pain
C. Swelling of a single leg
D. Mild cough with sputum
Answer: B
Rationale: PE typically presents with acute dyspnea, chest
pain, and sometimes hemoptysis; prompt intervention is
critical.
10. Which lab result confirms iron-deficiency anemia?
A. High MCV, low ferritin
B. Low MCV, low ferritin
C. High MCH, normal ferritin
D. Low MCH, high ferritin
Answer: B
Rationale: Iron-deficiency anemia shows microcytic (low
MCV), hypochromic red cells, and low ferritin.
