ATI Medical-Surgical Hematology Exam
Questions with Correct Answers
(VerifiedAnswers) plus Rationales 2026 Q&A
Instant Download PDF
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a client with iron-deficiency anemia. Which
finding should the nurse expect?
A. Ruddy complexion
B. Fatigue and pallor
C. Increased exercise tolerance
D. Severe hypertension
Answer: B. Fatigue and pallor
Iron-deficiency anemia decreases the amount of hemoglobin
available to transport oxygen. The resulting tissue hypoxia
commonly produces fatigue, weakness, pallor, dizziness, and
decreased activity tolerance. The nurse should also assess for
manifestations such as tachycardia and shortness of breath with
exertion.
Question 2
,A client with pernicious anemia is prescribed vitamin B12
therapy. Which route may be required for long-term treatment?
A. Oral calcium
B. Subcutaneous insulin
C. Intramuscular vitamin B12
D. Intravenous potassium
Answer: C. Intramuscular vitamin B12
Pernicious anemia results from impaired absorption of vitamin
B12, commonly related to a lack of intrinsic factor. Parenteral
vitamin B12 bypasses the gastrointestinal absorption problem
and can restore adequate vitamin levels. Treatment is often long
term because the underlying absorption problem may persist.
Question 3
Which assessment finding is most concerning in a client with
severe anemia?
A. Mild fatigue after activity
B. Pale nail beds
C. Chest pain and dyspnea at rest
D. Slightly decreased appetite
Answer: C. Chest pain and dyspnea at rest
,Severe anemia reduces oxygen delivery to tissues. Chest pain
and dyspnea at rest can indicate significant tissue hypoxia and
inadequate oxygen delivery to the myocardium and other vital
organs. This finding requires prompt assessment and
intervention rather than routine monitoring.
Question 4
A nurse is teaching a client who takes oral ferrous sulfate.
Which statement indicates correct understanding?
A. “I should take it with an antacid.”
B. “I should stop it when my energy improves.”
C. “My stools may become dark while taking this medication.”
D. “I should expect my urine to become bright red.”
Answer: C. “My stools may become dark while taking this
medication.”
Oral iron commonly causes dark or greenish-black stools and
gastrointestinal effects such as constipation and nausea. Clients
should be taught that dark stools can be an expected
medication effect, although stools that are tarry with other
manifestations of gastrointestinal bleeding require evaluation.
Question 5
, A client with sickle cell disease is experiencing a vaso-occlusive
crisis. Which intervention is the priority?
A. Restrict fluids
B. Apply cold packs to painful joints
C. Encourage strenuous exercise
D. Administer prescribed analgesia and promote hydration
Answer: D. Administer prescribed analgesia and promote
hydration
During a vaso-occlusive crisis, sickled red blood cells obstruct
small blood vessels, causing tissue ischemia and severe pain.
Adequate hydration can reduce blood viscosity, while prescribed
analgesics address the substantial pain associated with
ischemia. Oxygen should be administered when hypoxemia is
present, and precipitating factors should be addressed.
Question 6
Which finding in a client with sickle cell disease requires
immediate intervention?
A. Chronic mild fatigue
B. Intermittent joint pain
C. Acute chest pain, fever, and respiratory distress
D. Mild jaundice
Answer: C. Acute chest pain, fever, and respiratory distress
Questions with Correct Answers
(VerifiedAnswers) plus Rationales 2026 Q&A
Instant Download PDF
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a client with iron-deficiency anemia. Which
finding should the nurse expect?
A. Ruddy complexion
B. Fatigue and pallor
C. Increased exercise tolerance
D. Severe hypertension
Answer: B. Fatigue and pallor
Iron-deficiency anemia decreases the amount of hemoglobin
available to transport oxygen. The resulting tissue hypoxia
commonly produces fatigue, weakness, pallor, dizziness, and
decreased activity tolerance. The nurse should also assess for
manifestations such as tachycardia and shortness of breath with
exertion.
Question 2
,A client with pernicious anemia is prescribed vitamin B12
therapy. Which route may be required for long-term treatment?
A. Oral calcium
B. Subcutaneous insulin
C. Intramuscular vitamin B12
D. Intravenous potassium
Answer: C. Intramuscular vitamin B12
Pernicious anemia results from impaired absorption of vitamin
B12, commonly related to a lack of intrinsic factor. Parenteral
vitamin B12 bypasses the gastrointestinal absorption problem
and can restore adequate vitamin levels. Treatment is often long
term because the underlying absorption problem may persist.
Question 3
Which assessment finding is most concerning in a client with
severe anemia?
A. Mild fatigue after activity
B. Pale nail beds
C. Chest pain and dyspnea at rest
D. Slightly decreased appetite
Answer: C. Chest pain and dyspnea at rest
,Severe anemia reduces oxygen delivery to tissues. Chest pain
and dyspnea at rest can indicate significant tissue hypoxia and
inadequate oxygen delivery to the myocardium and other vital
organs. This finding requires prompt assessment and
intervention rather than routine monitoring.
Question 4
A nurse is teaching a client who takes oral ferrous sulfate.
Which statement indicates correct understanding?
A. “I should take it with an antacid.”
B. “I should stop it when my energy improves.”
C. “My stools may become dark while taking this medication.”
D. “I should expect my urine to become bright red.”
Answer: C. “My stools may become dark while taking this
medication.”
Oral iron commonly causes dark or greenish-black stools and
gastrointestinal effects such as constipation and nausea. Clients
should be taught that dark stools can be an expected
medication effect, although stools that are tarry with other
manifestations of gastrointestinal bleeding require evaluation.
Question 5
, A client with sickle cell disease is experiencing a vaso-occlusive
crisis. Which intervention is the priority?
A. Restrict fluids
B. Apply cold packs to painful joints
C. Encourage strenuous exercise
D. Administer prescribed analgesia and promote hydration
Answer: D. Administer prescribed analgesia and promote
hydration
During a vaso-occlusive crisis, sickled red blood cells obstruct
small blood vessels, causing tissue ischemia and severe pain.
Adequate hydration can reduce blood viscosity, while prescribed
analgesics address the substantial pain associated with
ischemia. Oxygen should be administered when hypoxemia is
present, and precipitating factors should be addressed.
Question 6
Which finding in a client with sickle cell disease requires
immediate intervention?
A. Chronic mild fatigue
B. Intermittent joint pain
C. Acute chest pain, fever, and respiratory distress
D. Mild jaundice
Answer: C. Acute chest pain, fever, and respiratory distress
