ATI Med-Surg Final Exam — Exam Questions
with Correct Answers (VerifiedAnswers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A Instant Download PDF
1. A nurse is caring for a client who has heart failure and is
receiving IV fluids. Which finding requires immediate
intervention?
A. Blood pressure of 138/84 mm Hg
B. Heart rate of 88/min
C. New crackles in both lung bases
D. Urine output of 45 mL/hr
Correct answer: C. New crackles in both lung bases
Crackles indicate fluid accumulation in the alveoli and can signal
worsening pulmonary edema in a client with heart failure. The
nurse should assess respiratory status promptly, elevate the
head of the bed, administer prescribed oxygen, and notify the
provider as indicated. The other findings are not as immediately
concerning.
,2. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
is receiving oxygen therapy. Which oxygen-delivery approach
is generally most appropriate?
A. High-flow oxygen at 15 L/min
B. Controlled low-flow oxygen as prescribed
C. Nonrebreather mask continuously
D. Oxygen administered only when the client becomes cyanotic
Correct answer: B. Controlled low-flow oxygen as prescribed
Clients with COPD may require carefully titrated oxygen therapy
to improve oxygenation while avoiding excessive oxygen
administration. The nurse should follow the prescribed oxygen
target and monitor respiratory status, oxygen saturation,
mental status, and arterial blood gases when indicated. Oxygen
should never be withheld until cyanosis develops.
3. A nurse is assessing a client who has pneumonia. Which
finding is most concerning?
A. Productive cough
B. Temperature of 38.2°C (100.8°F)
C. Respiratory rate of 30/min with increasing confusion
D. Decreased appetite
Correct answer: C. Respiratory rate of 30/min with increasing
confusion
,Rapid respirations accompanied by new confusion can indicate
significant hypoxemia and worsening respiratory compromise.
This combination requires prompt assessment and intervention.
A productive cough, fever, and decreased appetite can occur
with pneumonia but are not as immediately threatening as
signs of impaired oxygenation.
4. A client suddenly develops dyspnea, pleuritic chest pain,
tachycardia, and anxiety after surgery. Which complication
should the nurse suspect?
A. Atelectasis
B. Pulmonary embolism
C. Pneumothorax caused by chronic COPD
D. Gastroesophageal reflux
Correct answer: B. Pulmonary embolism
Sudden dyspnea, pleuritic chest pain, tachycardia, and anxiety
are classic warning findings associated with pulmonary
embolism. The nurse should treat this as an emergency,
immediately assess oxygenation and hemodynamic status,
administer oxygen as prescribed, and notify the appropriate
provider or emergency response team.
, 5. A client with asthma develops severe wheezing and
increasing respiratory distress. Which medication should the
nurse expect to administer for rapid bronchodilation?
A. Albuterol
B. Montelukast
C. Fluticasone
D. Salmeterol as the sole rescue medication
Correct answer: A. Albuterol
Albuterol is a short-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist used as a
rescue bronchodilator for acute bronchospasm. Inhaled
corticosteroids such as fluticasone are controller medications
rather than immediate rescue therapy. Montelukast is also a
controller medication, while long-acting bronchodilators should
not be used alone for acute rescue.
6. A client with acute myocardial infarction reports severe
chest pressure that persists despite initial treatment. What is
the nurse's priority?
A. Encourage ambulation
B. Obtain a routine dietary history
C. Reassess the client and promptly initiate prescribed
emergency interventions
D. Place the client flat in bed
with Correct Answers (VerifiedAnswers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A Instant Download PDF
1. A nurse is caring for a client who has heart failure and is
receiving IV fluids. Which finding requires immediate
intervention?
A. Blood pressure of 138/84 mm Hg
B. Heart rate of 88/min
C. New crackles in both lung bases
D. Urine output of 45 mL/hr
Correct answer: C. New crackles in both lung bases
Crackles indicate fluid accumulation in the alveoli and can signal
worsening pulmonary edema in a client with heart failure. The
nurse should assess respiratory status promptly, elevate the
head of the bed, administer prescribed oxygen, and notify the
provider as indicated. The other findings are not as immediately
concerning.
,2. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
is receiving oxygen therapy. Which oxygen-delivery approach
is generally most appropriate?
A. High-flow oxygen at 15 L/min
B. Controlled low-flow oxygen as prescribed
C. Nonrebreather mask continuously
D. Oxygen administered only when the client becomes cyanotic
Correct answer: B. Controlled low-flow oxygen as prescribed
Clients with COPD may require carefully titrated oxygen therapy
to improve oxygenation while avoiding excessive oxygen
administration. The nurse should follow the prescribed oxygen
target and monitor respiratory status, oxygen saturation,
mental status, and arterial blood gases when indicated. Oxygen
should never be withheld until cyanosis develops.
3. A nurse is assessing a client who has pneumonia. Which
finding is most concerning?
A. Productive cough
B. Temperature of 38.2°C (100.8°F)
C. Respiratory rate of 30/min with increasing confusion
D. Decreased appetite
Correct answer: C. Respiratory rate of 30/min with increasing
confusion
,Rapid respirations accompanied by new confusion can indicate
significant hypoxemia and worsening respiratory compromise.
This combination requires prompt assessment and intervention.
A productive cough, fever, and decreased appetite can occur
with pneumonia but are not as immediately threatening as
signs of impaired oxygenation.
4. A client suddenly develops dyspnea, pleuritic chest pain,
tachycardia, and anxiety after surgery. Which complication
should the nurse suspect?
A. Atelectasis
B. Pulmonary embolism
C. Pneumothorax caused by chronic COPD
D. Gastroesophageal reflux
Correct answer: B. Pulmonary embolism
Sudden dyspnea, pleuritic chest pain, tachycardia, and anxiety
are classic warning findings associated with pulmonary
embolism. The nurse should treat this as an emergency,
immediately assess oxygenation and hemodynamic status,
administer oxygen as prescribed, and notify the appropriate
provider or emergency response team.
, 5. A client with asthma develops severe wheezing and
increasing respiratory distress. Which medication should the
nurse expect to administer for rapid bronchodilation?
A. Albuterol
B. Montelukast
C. Fluticasone
D. Salmeterol as the sole rescue medication
Correct answer: A. Albuterol
Albuterol is a short-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist used as a
rescue bronchodilator for acute bronchospasm. Inhaled
corticosteroids such as fluticasone are controller medications
rather than immediate rescue therapy. Montelukast is also a
controller medication, while long-acting bronchodilators should
not be used alone for acute rescue.
6. A client with acute myocardial infarction reports severe
chest pressure that persists despite initial treatment. What is
the nurse's priority?
A. Encourage ambulation
B. Obtain a routine dietary history
C. Reassess the client and promptly initiate prescribed
emergency interventions
D. Place the client flat in bed
