ATI PN NGN ADULT MEDICAL-
SURGICAL QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS)
PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A |
INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF.
Core Domains
1. Cardiovascular and Hematologic Disorders
2. Respiratory and Pulmonary Conditions
3. Gastrointestinal and Hepatic Disorders
4. Renal and Genitourinary Disorders
5. Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders
6. Neurological and Sensory Disorders
7. Musculoskeletal and Integumentary Disorders
8. Perioperative Nursing and Patient Safety
9. Medication Administration and Pharmacological Principles
10. Clinical Judgment and NGN Case Studies
Introduction
This comprehensive examination assesses practical nursing
knowledge and clinical judgment required for adult medical-
surgical practice. The questions evaluate understanding of adult
health disorders, nursing assessment, evidence-based
interventions, patient safety, and medication administration. The
multiple-choice and scenario-based structure emphasizes real-
world application, prioritization, and critical decision-making,
ensuring candidates can deliver safe and effective care across
diverse clinical settings. Each question includes verified answers
with detailed clinical rationales to reinforce understanding and
promote exam readiness.
,SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
1. A nurse is assessing a client with heart failure who
reports sudden onset of dyspnea and is coughing up pink,
frothy sputum. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Place the client in high-Fowler's position
B. Administer furosemide IV push
C. Apply oxygen via non-rebreather mask
D. Notify the healthcare provider immediately
A. Place the client in high-Fowler's position
RATIONALE: The client is experiencing acute pulmonary
edema. The priority intervention is to position the client upright
(high-Fowler's) to reduce venous return (preload) and facilitate
breathing. Oxygen and furosemide are then given, but positioning
is the immediate first step.
2. A nurse is assessing a client with heart failure. Which
finding is an early indication of fluid volume overload?
A. Jugular vein distention
B. Weight gain of 2 lbs (1 kg) in 24 hours
C. Crackles in the lung bases
D. Peripheral edema (2+)
B. Weight gain of 2 lbs (1 kg) in 24 hours
RATIONALE: Weight gain is an early indicator of fluid retention
because 1 kg (2.2 lbs) of weight gain equals approximately 1 liter
of fluid. Jugular vein distention, crackles, and peripheral edema
are later signs of fluid overload.
,3. A client with angina pectoris is prescribed nitroglycerin
sublingual. Which instruction should the nurse include?
A. Swallow the tablet with water
B. Take one tablet every 5 minutes for up to three doses for chest
pain
C. Store the tablets in the refrigerator
D. Take the medication with food to prevent nausea
B. Take one tablet every 5 minutes for up to three doses for
chest pain
RATIONALE: Standard instruction for nitroglycerin sublingual:
take one tablet at the onset of chest pain, then every 5 minutes
for up to three doses. If pain is not relieved after the first tablet,
call 911 immediately.
4. A client with hypertension is prescribed
hydrochlorothiazide. Which electrolyte imbalance should
the nurse monitor for?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hypocalcemia
B. Hypokalemia
RATIONALE: Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic that
causes potassium wasting, leading to hypokalemia. Signs include
muscle weakness, fatigue, and cardiac arrhythmias.
, 5. A nurse is caring for a client following a cardiac
catheterization via the right femoral artery. Which finding
should the nurse report immediately?
A. Mild discomfort at the insertion site
B. Blood pressure of 110/70 mm Hg
C. Bleeding at the insertion site with a expanding hematoma
D. Heart rate of 88/min
C. Bleeding at the insertion site with a expanding hematoma
RATIONALE: Bleeding with an expanding hematoma at the
catheter insertion site indicates possible hemorrhage or
hematoma formation, which requires immediate intervention.
This can compromise circulation and lead to hypovolemic shock.
6. A client is prescribed metoprolol. Which finding
indicates a therapeutic response to the medication?
A. Increased blood pressure
B. Decreased heart rate
C. Increased respiratory rate
D. Decreased blood glucose
B. Decreased heart rate
RATIONALE: Metoprolol blocks beta-1 adrenergic receptors,
decreasing heart rate and cardiac output. A decrease in heart rate
indicates the medication is producing its intended therapeutic
effect.
7. A nurse is teaching a client about a low-sodium diet.
Which food should the client avoid?
SURGICAL QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS)
PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A |
INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF.
Core Domains
1. Cardiovascular and Hematologic Disorders
2. Respiratory and Pulmonary Conditions
3. Gastrointestinal and Hepatic Disorders
4. Renal and Genitourinary Disorders
5. Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders
6. Neurological and Sensory Disorders
7. Musculoskeletal and Integumentary Disorders
8. Perioperative Nursing and Patient Safety
9. Medication Administration and Pharmacological Principles
10. Clinical Judgment and NGN Case Studies
Introduction
This comprehensive examination assesses practical nursing
knowledge and clinical judgment required for adult medical-
surgical practice. The questions evaluate understanding of adult
health disorders, nursing assessment, evidence-based
interventions, patient safety, and medication administration. The
multiple-choice and scenario-based structure emphasizes real-
world application, prioritization, and critical decision-making,
ensuring candidates can deliver safe and effective care across
diverse clinical settings. Each question includes verified answers
with detailed clinical rationales to reinforce understanding and
promote exam readiness.
,SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
1. A nurse is assessing a client with heart failure who
reports sudden onset of dyspnea and is coughing up pink,
frothy sputum. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Place the client in high-Fowler's position
B. Administer furosemide IV push
C. Apply oxygen via non-rebreather mask
D. Notify the healthcare provider immediately
A. Place the client in high-Fowler's position
RATIONALE: The client is experiencing acute pulmonary
edema. The priority intervention is to position the client upright
(high-Fowler's) to reduce venous return (preload) and facilitate
breathing. Oxygen and furosemide are then given, but positioning
is the immediate first step.
2. A nurse is assessing a client with heart failure. Which
finding is an early indication of fluid volume overload?
A. Jugular vein distention
B. Weight gain of 2 lbs (1 kg) in 24 hours
C. Crackles in the lung bases
D. Peripheral edema (2+)
B. Weight gain of 2 lbs (1 kg) in 24 hours
RATIONALE: Weight gain is an early indicator of fluid retention
because 1 kg (2.2 lbs) of weight gain equals approximately 1 liter
of fluid. Jugular vein distention, crackles, and peripheral edema
are later signs of fluid overload.
,3. A client with angina pectoris is prescribed nitroglycerin
sublingual. Which instruction should the nurse include?
A. Swallow the tablet with water
B. Take one tablet every 5 minutes for up to three doses for chest
pain
C. Store the tablets in the refrigerator
D. Take the medication with food to prevent nausea
B. Take one tablet every 5 minutes for up to three doses for
chest pain
RATIONALE: Standard instruction for nitroglycerin sublingual:
take one tablet at the onset of chest pain, then every 5 minutes
for up to three doses. If pain is not relieved after the first tablet,
call 911 immediately.
4. A client with hypertension is prescribed
hydrochlorothiazide. Which electrolyte imbalance should
the nurse monitor for?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hypocalcemia
B. Hypokalemia
RATIONALE: Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic that
causes potassium wasting, leading to hypokalemia. Signs include
muscle weakness, fatigue, and cardiac arrhythmias.
, 5. A nurse is caring for a client following a cardiac
catheterization via the right femoral artery. Which finding
should the nurse report immediately?
A. Mild discomfort at the insertion site
B. Blood pressure of 110/70 mm Hg
C. Bleeding at the insertion site with a expanding hematoma
D. Heart rate of 88/min
C. Bleeding at the insertion site with a expanding hematoma
RATIONALE: Bleeding with an expanding hematoma at the
catheter insertion site indicates possible hemorrhage or
hematoma formation, which requires immediate intervention.
This can compromise circulation and lead to hypovolemic shock.
6. A client is prescribed metoprolol. Which finding
indicates a therapeutic response to the medication?
A. Increased blood pressure
B. Decreased heart rate
C. Increased respiratory rate
D. Decreased blood glucose
B. Decreased heart rate
RATIONALE: Metoprolol blocks beta-1 adrenergic receptors,
decreasing heart rate and cardiac output. A decrease in heart rate
indicates the medication is producing its intended therapeutic
effect.
7. A nurse is teaching a client about a low-sodium diet.
Which food should the client avoid?
