ATI RN Medical-Surgical Retake Exam (NGN Format)
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A nurse is assessing a client who is 12 hours postoperative following a colon resection. Which of the
following findings should the nurse report to the surgeon?
a. Heart rate 90/min
b. Absent bowel sounds
c. Hgb 8.2 g/dL
d. Gastric pH of 3.0
✔️ Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
A hemoglobin level of 8.2 g/dL should be reported to the surgeon (Option C). Normal hemoglobin
levels are 13-18 g/dL for males and 12-16 g/dL for females. A hemoglobin of 8.2 g/dL is significantly
below normal and may indicate postoperative hemorrhage, which is a serious complication requiring
immediate intervention. The nurse should also assess for other signs of bleeding such as tachycardia,
hypotension, and decreased urine output.
Option A is incorrect because a heart rate of 90/min is within normal limits (60-100/min). Option B is
incorrect because absent bowel sounds are expected in the immediate postoperative period
following abdominal surgery due to ileus. Option D is incorrect because a gastric pH of 3.0 is normal
(1.5-3.5).
,A nurse is caring for a client who has diabetes insipidus. Which of the following medications should
the nurse plan to administer?
a. Desmopressin
b. Regular insulin
c. Furosemide
d. Lithium carbonate
✔️ Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Desmopressin should be administered to a client with diabetes insipidus (Option A). Diabetes
insipidus is characterized by a deficiency of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), resulting in excessive
urination and thirst. Desmopressin is a synthetic analog of ADH that promotes water reabsorption in
the kidneys, reducing urine output and increasing urine concentration. It is available in intranasal,
oral, and injectable forms.
Option B is incorrect because regular insulin is used for diabetes mellitus, not diabetes insipidus.
Option C is incorrect because furosemide is a diuretic that would worsen fluid loss. Option D is
incorrect because lithium carbonate can cause diabetes insipidus as a side effect, not treat it.
A nurse is admitting a client who has arthritic pain and reports taking ibuprofen several times daily
for 3 years. Which of the following tests should the nurse monitor?
a. Fasting blood glucose
b. Stool for occult blood
c. Urine for white blood cells
d. Serum calcium
✔️ Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
The nurse should monitor the client's stool for occult blood (Option B). Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can cause gastrointestinal bleeding as a serious adverse effect.
Chronic use of NSAIDs increases the risk of gastric ulceration and bleeding due to inhibition of
prostaglandin synthesis, which reduces the protective mucosal barrier of the stomach. The nurse
should assess for signs of GI bleeding, including black, tarry stools, abdominal pain, and anemia.
,Option A is incorrect because ibuprofen does not directly affect blood glucose. Option C is incorrect
because urine WBCs are not associated with ibuprofen use. Option D is incorrect because serum
calcium is not affected by ibuprofen.
A nurse is contacting the provider for a client who has cancer and is experiencing breakthrough pain.
Which of the following prescriptions should the nurse anticipate?
a. Transmucosal fentanyl
b. Intramuscular meperidine
c. Oral acetaminophen
d. Intravenous dexamethasone
✔️ Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Transmucosal fentanyl should be anticipated for breakthrough pain in a client with cancer (Option A).
Fentanyl is a potent opioid analgesic that is available in transmucosal (lozenge, buccal tablet,
sublingual spray) formulations for rapid onset of action. Breakthrough pain requires a short-acting,
rapid-onset medication to provide quick relief. Fentanyl has a rapid onset (5-15 minutes) and is ideal
for breakthrough pain management.
Option B is incorrect because intramuscular meperidine is not recommended for cancer pain due to
its short duration and CNS toxicity. Option C is incorrect because oral acetaminophen is not sufficient
for cancer-related breakthrough pain. Option D is incorrect because dexamethasone is a
corticosteroid used for inflammation and nausea, not acute pain.
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
Rationale:
The nurse should analyze the ST segment to determine whether the client is experiencing a
myocardial infarction (Option D). ST-segment elevation (STEMI) indicates a myocardial infarction,
while ST-segment depression indicates myocardial ischemia. ST-segment elevation occurs when there
is transmural ischemia and injury to the myocardium. Immediate intervention is required for STEMI to
restore coronary blood flow and limit myocardial damage.
Option A is incorrect because PR interval prolongation indicates first-degree heart block, not MI.
Option B is incorrect because QRS duration widening indicates bundle branch block or ventricular
dysrhythmia. Option C is incorrect because T wave changes (inversion or flattening) may indicate
ischemia but are not diagnostic of MI.
A nurse is teaching a client who has ovarian cancer about skin care following radiation treatment.
Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
a. Pat the skin on the radiation site to dry it
b. Apply OTC moisturizer to the radiation site
c. Cover the radiation site loosely with a gauze wrap before dressing
d. Use a soft washcloth to clean the area around the radiation site
✔️ Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
The nurse should instruct the client to pat the skin on the radiation site to dry it (Option A). Radiation
therapy can cause skin reactions (radiation dermatitis), including erythema, dryness, peeling, and
irritation. Patting the skin dry (rather than rubbing) minimizes trauma and irritation. The skin should
be cleansed with mild soap and water and patted dry with a soft towel.
Option B is incorrect because OTC moisturizers should be used only if approved by the radiation
oncologist; some may contain ingredients that increase skin reaction. Option C is incorrect because
the radiation site should be covered with loose, non-occlusive clothing, not gauze. Option D is
incorrect because the radiation site itself should be cleaned gently, not just the area around it.
| Updated Version | Exam-Style Questions with Verified
Answers & Detailed Rationales | A+ Study Guide
2026/2027 Frequently Most Tested Questions
and 100% Accurate From Past papers | Graded
A+ , Reviewed and Updated | 100% Guarantee
Pass | Latest Exam and Newest Version!!!
A nurse is assessing a client who is 12 hours postoperative following a colon resection. Which of the
following findings should the nurse report to the surgeon?
a. Heart rate 90/min
b. Absent bowel sounds
c. Hgb 8.2 g/dL
d. Gastric pH of 3.0
✔️ Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
A hemoglobin level of 8.2 g/dL should be reported to the surgeon (Option C). Normal hemoglobin
levels are 13-18 g/dL for males and 12-16 g/dL for females. A hemoglobin of 8.2 g/dL is significantly
below normal and may indicate postoperative hemorrhage, which is a serious complication requiring
immediate intervention. The nurse should also assess for other signs of bleeding such as tachycardia,
hypotension, and decreased urine output.
Option A is incorrect because a heart rate of 90/min is within normal limits (60-100/min). Option B is
incorrect because absent bowel sounds are expected in the immediate postoperative period
following abdominal surgery due to ileus. Option D is incorrect because a gastric pH of 3.0 is normal
(1.5-3.5).
,A nurse is caring for a client who has diabetes insipidus. Which of the following medications should
the nurse plan to administer?
a. Desmopressin
b. Regular insulin
c. Furosemide
d. Lithium carbonate
✔️ Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Desmopressin should be administered to a client with diabetes insipidus (Option A). Diabetes
insipidus is characterized by a deficiency of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), resulting in excessive
urination and thirst. Desmopressin is a synthetic analog of ADH that promotes water reabsorption in
the kidneys, reducing urine output and increasing urine concentration. It is available in intranasal,
oral, and injectable forms.
Option B is incorrect because regular insulin is used for diabetes mellitus, not diabetes insipidus.
Option C is incorrect because furosemide is a diuretic that would worsen fluid loss. Option D is
incorrect because lithium carbonate can cause diabetes insipidus as a side effect, not treat it.
A nurse is admitting a client who has arthritic pain and reports taking ibuprofen several times daily
for 3 years. Which of the following tests should the nurse monitor?
a. Fasting blood glucose
b. Stool for occult blood
c. Urine for white blood cells
d. Serum calcium
✔️ Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
The nurse should monitor the client's stool for occult blood (Option B). Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can cause gastrointestinal bleeding as a serious adverse effect.
Chronic use of NSAIDs increases the risk of gastric ulceration and bleeding due to inhibition of
prostaglandin synthesis, which reduces the protective mucosal barrier of the stomach. The nurse
should assess for signs of GI bleeding, including black, tarry stools, abdominal pain, and anemia.
,Option A is incorrect because ibuprofen does not directly affect blood glucose. Option C is incorrect
because urine WBCs are not associated with ibuprofen use. Option D is incorrect because serum
calcium is not affected by ibuprofen.
A nurse is contacting the provider for a client who has cancer and is experiencing breakthrough pain.
Which of the following prescriptions should the nurse anticipate?
a. Transmucosal fentanyl
b. Intramuscular meperidine
c. Oral acetaminophen
d. Intravenous dexamethasone
✔️ Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Transmucosal fentanyl should be anticipated for breakthrough pain in a client with cancer (Option A).
Fentanyl is a potent opioid analgesic that is available in transmucosal (lozenge, buccal tablet,
sublingual spray) formulations for rapid onset of action. Breakthrough pain requires a short-acting,
rapid-onset medication to provide quick relief. Fentanyl has a rapid onset (5-15 minutes) and is ideal
for breakthrough pain management.
Option B is incorrect because intramuscular meperidine is not recommended for cancer pain due to
its short duration and CNS toxicity. Option C is incorrect because oral acetaminophen is not sufficient
for cancer-related breakthrough pain. Option D is incorrect because dexamethasone is a
corticosteroid used for inflammation and nausea, not acute pain.
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
Rationale:
The nurse should analyze the ST segment to determine whether the client is experiencing a
myocardial infarction (Option D). ST-segment elevation (STEMI) indicates a myocardial infarction,
while ST-segment depression indicates myocardial ischemia. ST-segment elevation occurs when there
is transmural ischemia and injury to the myocardium. Immediate intervention is required for STEMI to
restore coronary blood flow and limit myocardial damage.
Option A is incorrect because PR interval prolongation indicates first-degree heart block, not MI.
Option B is incorrect because QRS duration widening indicates bundle branch block or ventricular
dysrhythmia. Option C is incorrect because T wave changes (inversion or flattening) may indicate
ischemia but are not diagnostic of MI.
A nurse is teaching a client who has ovarian cancer about skin care following radiation treatment.
Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
a. Pat the skin on the radiation site to dry it
b. Apply OTC moisturizer to the radiation site
c. Cover the radiation site loosely with a gauze wrap before dressing
d. Use a soft washcloth to clean the area around the radiation site
✔️ Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
The nurse should instruct the client to pat the skin on the radiation site to dry it (Option A). Radiation
therapy can cause skin reactions (radiation dermatitis), including erythema, dryness, peeling, and
irritation. Patting the skin dry (rather than rubbing) minimizes trauma and irritation. The skin should
be cleansed with mild soap and water and patted dry with a soft towel.
Option B is incorrect because OTC moisturizers should be used only if approved by the radiation
oncologist; some may contain ingredients that increase skin reaction. Option C is incorrect because
the radiation site should be covered with loose, non-occlusive clothing, not gauze. Option D is
incorrect because the radiation site itself should be cleaned gently, not just the area around it.
