ATI RN Med Surg Proctored Retake 2 Exam (2026) EXAM
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT VERIFIED SOLUTIONS
LATEST UPDATE THIS YEAR GRADED A
Cardiovascular System
1. A nurse is caring for a client with heart failure who has gained 2 kg (4.4 lbs) in 24
hours. Which assessment finding is the priority?
A) Blood pressure 138/88 mmHg
B) Heart rate 92 bpm
C) Jugular venous distention
D) Crackles auscultated halfway up the lung fields
Correct Answer: D. Crackles auscultated halfway up the lung fields indicate pulmonary
edema, a life-threatening complication of heart failure that requires immediate intervention.
While JVD, tachycardia, and elevated BP are also concerning, crackles indicate fluid
accumulation in the lungs that can compromise gas exchange.
2. A client with heart failure is prescribed digoxin. Which finding indicates digoxin
toxicity?
, A) Heart rate of 68 bpm
B) Serum potassium of 3.8 mEq/L
C) Yellow-green halos around visual fields
D) Blood pressure of 120/78 mmHg
Correct Answer: C. Yellow-green halos around visual fields (xanthopsia) is a classic sign
of digoxin toxicity. Other signs include nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and cardiac
dysrhythmias (especially bradycardia and heart block). Digoxin toxicity is more likely with
hypokalemia (potassium <3.5 mEq/L).
3. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client with angina. Which statement
by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
A) "I should stop taking my nitroglycerin if I develop a headache."
B) "I will take my nitroglycerin as prescribed."
C) "I should sit down when I take my nitroglycerin."
D) "I will call 911 if my chest pain is not relieved after taking nitroglycerin."
Correct Answer: A. Headache is a common side effect of nitroglycerin and does not
indicate that the client should stop taking it. The client should be taught to expect
headaches and to manage them with over-the-counter pain relievers if needed.
, 4. A nurse is admitting a client who reports chest pain and has been placed on a
telemetry monitor. Which of the following should the nurse analyze to determine
whether the client is experiencing a myocardial infarction?
A) PR interval
B) QRS duration
C) T wave
D) ST segment
Correct Answer: D. ST segment elevation indicates myocardial infarction. ST segment
depression indicates ischemia.
5. A client with heart failure is prescribed furosemide. Which laboratory value should
the nurse monitor closely?
A) Serum sodium
B) Serum potassium
C) Serum calcium
D) Serum magnesium
Correct Answer: B. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause hypokalemia (low
potassium). The nurse should monitor serum potassium levels and encourage the client to
eat potassium-rich foods.
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT VERIFIED SOLUTIONS
LATEST UPDATE THIS YEAR GRADED A
Cardiovascular System
1. A nurse is caring for a client with heart failure who has gained 2 kg (4.4 lbs) in 24
hours. Which assessment finding is the priority?
A) Blood pressure 138/88 mmHg
B) Heart rate 92 bpm
C) Jugular venous distention
D) Crackles auscultated halfway up the lung fields
Correct Answer: D. Crackles auscultated halfway up the lung fields indicate pulmonary
edema, a life-threatening complication of heart failure that requires immediate intervention.
While JVD, tachycardia, and elevated BP are also concerning, crackles indicate fluid
accumulation in the lungs that can compromise gas exchange.
2. A client with heart failure is prescribed digoxin. Which finding indicates digoxin
toxicity?
, A) Heart rate of 68 bpm
B) Serum potassium of 3.8 mEq/L
C) Yellow-green halos around visual fields
D) Blood pressure of 120/78 mmHg
Correct Answer: C. Yellow-green halos around visual fields (xanthopsia) is a classic sign
of digoxin toxicity. Other signs include nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and cardiac
dysrhythmias (especially bradycardia and heart block). Digoxin toxicity is more likely with
hypokalemia (potassium <3.5 mEq/L).
3. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client with angina. Which statement
by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
A) "I should stop taking my nitroglycerin if I develop a headache."
B) "I will take my nitroglycerin as prescribed."
C) "I should sit down when I take my nitroglycerin."
D) "I will call 911 if my chest pain is not relieved after taking nitroglycerin."
Correct Answer: A. Headache is a common side effect of nitroglycerin and does not
indicate that the client should stop taking it. The client should be taught to expect
headaches and to manage them with over-the-counter pain relievers if needed.
, 4. A nurse is admitting a client who reports chest pain and has been placed on a
telemetry monitor. Which of the following should the nurse analyze to determine
whether the client is experiencing a myocardial infarction?
A) PR interval
B) QRS duration
C) T wave
D) ST segment
Correct Answer: D. ST segment elevation indicates myocardial infarction. ST segment
depression indicates ischemia.
5. A client with heart failure is prescribed furosemide. Which laboratory value should
the nurse monitor closely?
A) Serum sodium
B) Serum potassium
C) Serum calcium
D) Serum magnesium
Correct Answer: B. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause hypokalemia (low
potassium). The nurse should monitor serum potassium levels and encourage the client to
eat potassium-rich foods.
