ATI RN MEDICAL-SURGICAL PRACTICE EXAM 1
WITH NGN 2026) QUESTIONS AND REVISED
CORRECT ANSWERS WITH RATIONALES
|GUARANTEED PASS
1. A client is admitted with acute appendicitis. Which assessment finding
should the nurse expect?
a) Diffuse abdominal pain
b) Right lower quadrant pain
c) Left lower quadrant pain
d) Epigastric pain
The classic sign of appendicitis is right lower quadrant (RLQ) pain,
especially at McBurney’s point.
2. The nurse is caring for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD). Which intervention is most appropriate?
a) Encourage bed rest to conserve energy
b) Administer oxygen at 6 L/min via nasal cannula
c) Encourage pursed-lip breathing
, d) Limit fluid intake to prevent pulmonary edema
Pursed-lip breathing helps prevent airway collapse and improves gas
exchange in COPD patients.
3. A postoperative client develops sudden chest pain and dyspnea. What is
the nurse’s priority action?
a) Administer a pain medication
b) Place the client in high-Fowler’s position
c) Encourage coughing and deep breathing
d) Notify the family immediately
High-Fowler’s position improves lung expansion and oxygenation in case
of pulmonary embolism or respiratory distress.
4. Which lab value indicates that a client is at risk for bleeding?
a) Hemoglobin 14 g/dL
b) Platelet count 50,000/mm³
c) WBC 8,000/mm³
d) Sodium 140 mEq/L
A platelet count below 100,000/mm³ increases the risk of bleeding.
5. A client with heart failure is prescribed furosemide (Lasix). What electrolyte
imbalance should the nurse monitor for?
a) Hyperkalemia
b) Hypokalemia
, c) Hypercalcemia
d) Hyponatremia
Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes potassium loss, increasing risk of
hypokalemia.
6. Which of the following is a priority nursing diagnosis for a client with acute
pancreatitis?
a) Risk for infection
b) Impaired physical mobility
c) Acute pain
d) Ineffective coping
Acute pain is a primary problem due to pancreatic inflammation and
requires immediate attention.
7. The nurse is teaching a client about a low-sodium diet. Which food should
the nurse instruct the client to avoid?
a) Fresh fruits
b) Steamed vegetables
c) Canned soups
d) Unsalted nuts
Canned soups typically contain high amounts of sodium and should be
avoided on a low-sodium diet.
WITH NGN 2026) QUESTIONS AND REVISED
CORRECT ANSWERS WITH RATIONALES
|GUARANTEED PASS
1. A client is admitted with acute appendicitis. Which assessment finding
should the nurse expect?
a) Diffuse abdominal pain
b) Right lower quadrant pain
c) Left lower quadrant pain
d) Epigastric pain
The classic sign of appendicitis is right lower quadrant (RLQ) pain,
especially at McBurney’s point.
2. The nurse is caring for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD). Which intervention is most appropriate?
a) Encourage bed rest to conserve energy
b) Administer oxygen at 6 L/min via nasal cannula
c) Encourage pursed-lip breathing
, d) Limit fluid intake to prevent pulmonary edema
Pursed-lip breathing helps prevent airway collapse and improves gas
exchange in COPD patients.
3. A postoperative client develops sudden chest pain and dyspnea. What is
the nurse’s priority action?
a) Administer a pain medication
b) Place the client in high-Fowler’s position
c) Encourage coughing and deep breathing
d) Notify the family immediately
High-Fowler’s position improves lung expansion and oxygenation in case
of pulmonary embolism or respiratory distress.
4. Which lab value indicates that a client is at risk for bleeding?
a) Hemoglobin 14 g/dL
b) Platelet count 50,000/mm³
c) WBC 8,000/mm³
d) Sodium 140 mEq/L
A platelet count below 100,000/mm³ increases the risk of bleeding.
5. A client with heart failure is prescribed furosemide (Lasix). What electrolyte
imbalance should the nurse monitor for?
a) Hyperkalemia
b) Hypokalemia
, c) Hypercalcemia
d) Hyponatremia
Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes potassium loss, increasing risk of
hypokalemia.
6. Which of the following is a priority nursing diagnosis for a client with acute
pancreatitis?
a) Risk for infection
b) Impaired physical mobility
c) Acute pain
d) Ineffective coping
Acute pain is a primary problem due to pancreatic inflammation and
requires immediate attention.
7. The nurse is teaching a client about a low-sodium diet. Which food should
the nurse instruct the client to avoid?
a) Fresh fruits
b) Steamed vegetables
c) Canned soups
d) Unsalted nuts
Canned soups typically contain high amounts of sodium and should be
avoided on a low-sodium diet.
