VATI PN Medical Surgical Nursing | 55 Question Bank
Exam | NGN-Style Questions | ATI Nursing Questions |
Updated 2026/2027
Section 1: Cardiovascular & Respiratory Systems
1. A nurse is caring for a client with heart failure who is receiving
furosemide. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse
monitor closely for potential complications?
A) Sodium
B) Potassium
C) Calcium
D) Magnesium
Answer: B
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes the kidneys to
excrete potassium. Hypokalemia can lead to life-threatening cardiac
dysrhythmias, making it the priority value to monitor.
2. A client is admitted with a suspected myocardial infarction (MI). The
client reports chest pain rated 8/10. Which of the following actions
should the nurse take first?
A) Administer prescribed morphine IV.
B) Obtain a 12-lead ECG.
C) Administer sublingual nitroglycerin.
D) Auscultate heart sounds.
,Answer: B
Rationale: While pain relief is important, obtaining a 12-lead ECG is the
priority to confirm the presence and location of the MI before
administering medications that could alter hemodynamics (like
nitroglycerin, which is contraindicated if hypotensive).
3. A nurse is reinforcing teaching to a client with peripheral arterial
disease (PAD). Which of the following client statements indicates a need
for further teaching?
A) "I will wear warm socks in the winter."
B) "I will cross my legs at the knees when sitting."
C) "I will inspect my feet daily for any cuts or sores."
D) "I will avoid walking if my legs start to hurt."
Answer: B
Rationale: Clients with PAD should avoid crossing their legs, as this
restricts blood flow to the extremities, worsening ischemia.
4. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is
receiving oxygen via nasal cannula at 4 L/min. The client becomes
lethargic and their respirations drop to 8/min. What is the nurse's
priority action?
A) Increase the oxygen flow to 6 L/min.
B) Prepare to intubate the client.
,C) Lower the oxygen flow rate.
D) Administer a bronchodilator.
Answer: C
Rationale: Clients with COPD rely on a hypoxic drive to breathe. High
oxygen levels can suppress their respiratory drive, leading to apnea. The
priority is to reduce the oxygen flow rate to maintain SpO2 between 88-
92%.
5. A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who has a chest tube
connected to a water-seal chamber. The nurse notes continuous
bubbling in the water-seal chamber. What is the nurse's priority action?
A) Clamp the chest tube.
B) Check for air leaks in the system.
C) Add water to the suction control chamber.
D) Strip the chest tube.
Answer: B
Rationale: Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber indicates an
air leak in the system or from the client's lung. The nurse should assess
the tubing connections first. Intermittent bubbling is expected;
continuous bubbling requires investigation.
6. A client is prescribed warfarin for atrial fibrillation. Which of the
following foods should the nurse instruct the client to consume in
, consistent amounts, rather than abruptly increasing or decreasing
intake?
A) Citrus fruits
B) Green, leafy vegetables
C) Dairy products
D) Whole grains
Answer: B
Rationale: Green, leafy vegetables are high in Vitamin K, which
promotes clotting and antagonizes warfarin. The client does not need to
avoid them but should maintain a consistent daily intake.
Section 2: Gastrointestinal & Renal Systems
7. A client is admitted with acute pancreatitis. Which of the following
positions should the nurse place the client in to relieve abdominal pain?
A) Supine with legs straight
B) Left side-lying (Sims' position)
C) High Fowler's with knees flexed
D) Prone with arms above the head
Answer: C
Rationale: Sitting up and leaning forward (High Fowler's with knees
flexed) takes pressure off the inflamed pancreas by allowing the
abdominal organs to drop away from the area, providing pain relief.
Exam | NGN-Style Questions | ATI Nursing Questions |
Updated 2026/2027
Section 1: Cardiovascular & Respiratory Systems
1. A nurse is caring for a client with heart failure who is receiving
furosemide. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse
monitor closely for potential complications?
A) Sodium
B) Potassium
C) Calcium
D) Magnesium
Answer: B
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes the kidneys to
excrete potassium. Hypokalemia can lead to life-threatening cardiac
dysrhythmias, making it the priority value to monitor.
2. A client is admitted with a suspected myocardial infarction (MI). The
client reports chest pain rated 8/10. Which of the following actions
should the nurse take first?
A) Administer prescribed morphine IV.
B) Obtain a 12-lead ECG.
C) Administer sublingual nitroglycerin.
D) Auscultate heart sounds.
,Answer: B
Rationale: While pain relief is important, obtaining a 12-lead ECG is the
priority to confirm the presence and location of the MI before
administering medications that could alter hemodynamics (like
nitroglycerin, which is contraindicated if hypotensive).
3. A nurse is reinforcing teaching to a client with peripheral arterial
disease (PAD). Which of the following client statements indicates a need
for further teaching?
A) "I will wear warm socks in the winter."
B) "I will cross my legs at the knees when sitting."
C) "I will inspect my feet daily for any cuts or sores."
D) "I will avoid walking if my legs start to hurt."
Answer: B
Rationale: Clients with PAD should avoid crossing their legs, as this
restricts blood flow to the extremities, worsening ischemia.
4. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is
receiving oxygen via nasal cannula at 4 L/min. The client becomes
lethargic and their respirations drop to 8/min. What is the nurse's
priority action?
A) Increase the oxygen flow to 6 L/min.
B) Prepare to intubate the client.
,C) Lower the oxygen flow rate.
D) Administer a bronchodilator.
Answer: C
Rationale: Clients with COPD rely on a hypoxic drive to breathe. High
oxygen levels can suppress their respiratory drive, leading to apnea. The
priority is to reduce the oxygen flow rate to maintain SpO2 between 88-
92%.
5. A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who has a chest tube
connected to a water-seal chamber. The nurse notes continuous
bubbling in the water-seal chamber. What is the nurse's priority action?
A) Clamp the chest tube.
B) Check for air leaks in the system.
C) Add water to the suction control chamber.
D) Strip the chest tube.
Answer: B
Rationale: Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber indicates an
air leak in the system or from the client's lung. The nurse should assess
the tubing connections first. Intermittent bubbling is expected;
continuous bubbling requires investigation.
6. A client is prescribed warfarin for atrial fibrillation. Which of the
following foods should the nurse instruct the client to consume in
, consistent amounts, rather than abruptly increasing or decreasing
intake?
A) Citrus fruits
B) Green, leafy vegetables
C) Dairy products
D) Whole grains
Answer: B
Rationale: Green, leafy vegetables are high in Vitamin K, which
promotes clotting and antagonizes warfarin. The client does not need to
avoid them but should maintain a consistent daily intake.
Section 2: Gastrointestinal & Renal Systems
7. A client is admitted with acute pancreatitis. Which of the following
positions should the nurse place the client in to relieve abdominal pain?
A) Supine with legs straight
B) Left side-lying (Sims' position)
C) High Fowler's with knees flexed
D) Prone with arms above the head
Answer: C
Rationale: Sitting up and leaning forward (High Fowler's with knees
flexed) takes pressure off the inflamed pancreas by allowing the
abdominal organs to drop away from the area, providing pain relief.
