ATI Medical-Surgical Renal/Urinary Exam
Questions with Correct Answers
(VerifiedAnswers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A
Instant Download PDF
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a client who has acute kidney injury (AKI).
Which finding should the nurse recognize as the most
concerning?
A. Blood pressure of 138/84 mm Hg
B. Urine output of 45 mL/hr
C. Serum potassium of 6.4 mEq/L
D. Mild periorbital edema
Correct answer: C. Serum potassium of 6.4 mEq/L
Severe hyperkalemia is a potentially life-threatening
complication of acute kidney injury because impaired renal
excretion causes potassium to accumulate. Potassium levels this
high can produce cardiac conduction abnormalities and
dysrhythmias and require prompt intervention. The nurse should
anticipate continuous cardiac monitoring and prescribed
measures to lower serum potassium. Urine output of 45 mL/hr
,is generally adequate for an adult, while mild edema and a
blood pressure of 138/84 mm Hg are less immediately
threatening.
Question 2
A nurse is assessing a client who has chronic kidney disease
(CKD). Which laboratory value is most directly used to evaluate
kidney filtration?
A. Serum amylase
B. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)
C. Serum bilirubin
D. Hemoglobin A1c
Correct answer: B. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)
The eGFR estimates how effectively the kidneys are filtering
blood and is a major indicator used to assess and stage chronic
kidney disease. A progressively reduced eGFR reflects declining
renal function. Serum creatinine is also important, but the eGFR
provides a more useful estimate of filtration when interpreted in
clinical context. Amylase primarily relates to pancreatic
function, bilirubin to hepatic and biliary function, and
hemoglobin A1c to long-term glucose control.
Question 3
,A nurse is reinforcing dietary teaching for a client who has
advanced CKD and hyperkalemia. Which food should the client
identify as one to limit?
A. Apples
B. White rice
C. Bananas
D. Cranberries
Correct answer: C. Bananas
Bananas contain a substantial amount of potassium and may
need to be limited when renal potassium excretion is impaired
and the client has hyperkalemia. Other high-potassium foods
can include oranges, tomatoes, potatoes, avocados, dried fruits,
and some salt substitutes containing potassium chloride.
Apples, white rice, and cranberries are generally lower-
potassium choices. Dietary restrictions should always be
individualized according to laboratory values and the prescribed
renal diet.
Question 4
A client with AKI has a urine output of 15 mL/hr for the past 4
hr. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Encourage the client to drink 3 L of water daily
B. Assess the client's fluid status and notify the provider
, C. Administer a potassium supplement
D. Restrict the client's sodium intake immediately
Correct answer: B. Assess the client's fluid status and notify
the provider
Markedly decreased urine output can indicate worsening renal
function, inadequate renal perfusion, obstruction, or another
complication of AKI. The nurse should assess the client promptly,
including vital signs, lung sounds, edema, weight, intake and
output, and relevant laboratory values, and communicate
significant findings to the provider. Automatically increasing
fluids can worsen fluid overload if the client is oliguric.
Potassium supplementation would be unsafe unless
hypokalemia is specifically documented and treatment is
prescribed.
Question 5
A nurse is caring for a client who has a hemodialysis
arteriovenous fistula. Which assessment finding indicates the
fistula is functioning?
A. Absence of a bruit
B. Presence of a thrill
C. Coolness distal to the fistula
D. Severe pain over the access site
Questions with Correct Answers
(VerifiedAnswers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A
Instant Download PDF
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a client who has acute kidney injury (AKI).
Which finding should the nurse recognize as the most
concerning?
A. Blood pressure of 138/84 mm Hg
B. Urine output of 45 mL/hr
C. Serum potassium of 6.4 mEq/L
D. Mild periorbital edema
Correct answer: C. Serum potassium of 6.4 mEq/L
Severe hyperkalemia is a potentially life-threatening
complication of acute kidney injury because impaired renal
excretion causes potassium to accumulate. Potassium levels this
high can produce cardiac conduction abnormalities and
dysrhythmias and require prompt intervention. The nurse should
anticipate continuous cardiac monitoring and prescribed
measures to lower serum potassium. Urine output of 45 mL/hr
,is generally adequate for an adult, while mild edema and a
blood pressure of 138/84 mm Hg are less immediately
threatening.
Question 2
A nurse is assessing a client who has chronic kidney disease
(CKD). Which laboratory value is most directly used to evaluate
kidney filtration?
A. Serum amylase
B. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)
C. Serum bilirubin
D. Hemoglobin A1c
Correct answer: B. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)
The eGFR estimates how effectively the kidneys are filtering
blood and is a major indicator used to assess and stage chronic
kidney disease. A progressively reduced eGFR reflects declining
renal function. Serum creatinine is also important, but the eGFR
provides a more useful estimate of filtration when interpreted in
clinical context. Amylase primarily relates to pancreatic
function, bilirubin to hepatic and biliary function, and
hemoglobin A1c to long-term glucose control.
Question 3
,A nurse is reinforcing dietary teaching for a client who has
advanced CKD and hyperkalemia. Which food should the client
identify as one to limit?
A. Apples
B. White rice
C. Bananas
D. Cranberries
Correct answer: C. Bananas
Bananas contain a substantial amount of potassium and may
need to be limited when renal potassium excretion is impaired
and the client has hyperkalemia. Other high-potassium foods
can include oranges, tomatoes, potatoes, avocados, dried fruits,
and some salt substitutes containing potassium chloride.
Apples, white rice, and cranberries are generally lower-
potassium choices. Dietary restrictions should always be
individualized according to laboratory values and the prescribed
renal diet.
Question 4
A client with AKI has a urine output of 15 mL/hr for the past 4
hr. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Encourage the client to drink 3 L of water daily
B. Assess the client's fluid status and notify the provider
, C. Administer a potassium supplement
D. Restrict the client's sodium intake immediately
Correct answer: B. Assess the client's fluid status and notify
the provider
Markedly decreased urine output can indicate worsening renal
function, inadequate renal perfusion, obstruction, or another
complication of AKI. The nurse should assess the client promptly,
including vital signs, lung sounds, edema, weight, intake and
output, and relevant laboratory values, and communicate
significant findings to the provider. Automatically increasing
fluids can worsen fluid overload if the client is oliguric.
Potassium supplementation would be unsafe unless
hypokalemia is specifically documented and treatment is
prescribed.
Question 5
A nurse is caring for a client who has a hemodialysis
arteriovenous fistula. Which assessment finding indicates the
fistula is functioning?
A. Absence of a bruit
B. Presence of a thrill
C. Coolness distal to the fistula
D. Severe pain over the access site
