ATI Med-Surg Midterm Exam — Exam
Questions with Correct Answers
(VerifiedAnswers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A
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1. A nurse is caring for a client who has chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD). Which oxygen prescription should
the nurse anticipate?
A. Oxygen at 10 L/min via nonrebreather mask
B. Oxygen at 8 L/min via simple face mask
C. Oxygen at 1–2 L/min via nasal cannula
D. Oxygen at 15 L/min via nonrebreather mask
Rationale: Clients with COPD may have chronic carbon dioxide
retention and can be sensitive to excessive oxygen
administration. Low-flow oxygen, commonly 1–2 L/min by nasal
cannula, is frequently prescribed initially and is adjusted
according to the client's oxygen saturation and clinical status.
The goal is adequate oxygenation without unnecessarily
administering excessive concentrations of oxygen.
,2. A nurse is assessing a client who has heart failure. Which
finding should the nurse recognize as an indication of
worsening left-sided heart failure?
A. Peripheral edema
B. Jugular venous distention
C. Weight gain
D. Crackles in the lungs
Rationale: Left-sided heart failure causes blood to back up into
the pulmonary circulation, resulting in pulmonary congestion.
Crackles, dyspnea, orthopnea, and pulmonary edema are
characteristic findings. Peripheral edema, jugular venous
distention, and rapid weight gain are more commonly
associated with systemic venous congestion from right-sided
heart failure, although both sides can be affected
simultaneously.
3. A client is prescribed furosemide for heart failure. Which
laboratory value is most important for the nurse to monitor?
A. Sodium
B. Calcium
C. Potassium
D. Hemoglobin
,Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that promotes
substantial urinary excretion of sodium and water and can also
cause potassium loss. Hypokalemia can produce muscle
weakness, cardiac dysrhythmias, and potentially life-
threatening complications. The nurse should monitor serum
potassium and assess for manifestations of electrolyte
imbalance.
4. A nurse is caring for a client who has a myocardial
infarction. Which finding requires immediate intervention?
A. Heart rate of 88/min
B. Blood pressure of 128/76 mm Hg
C. New onset of ventricular tachycardia
D. Mild anxiety
Rationale: Ventricular tachycardia can significantly reduce
cardiac output and may deteriorate into ventricular fibrillation
and cardiac arrest. A new ventricular dysrhythmia following
myocardial infarction requires prompt assessment and
intervention. Stable vital signs and mild anxiety are not
immediately life-threatening findings.
5. A nurse is teaching a client about sublingual nitroglycerin.
Which instruction should the nurse include?
, A. Swallow the tablet with water.
B. Take the medication only after eating.
C. Place the tablet under the tongue and allow it to dissolve.
D. Store the tablets in the bathroom medicine cabinet.
Rationale: Sublingual nitroglycerin is placed under the tongue,
where it is rapidly absorbed through the oral mucosa. It should
not be swallowed because swallowing delays absorption.
Nitroglycerin should be stored according to manufacturer
instructions, generally in its original tightly closed container,
away from heat, moisture, and light.
6. A nurse is caring for a client who has a suspected deep-vein
thrombosis (DVT). Which intervention is appropriate?
A. Massage the affected extremity.
B. Encourage vigorous ambulation.
C. Apply a sequential compression device to the affected leg.
D. Keep the affected extremity elevated as prescribed and
administer anticoagulants as ordered.
Rationale: A DVT can dislodge and travel to the lungs, causing a
pulmonary embolism. The nurse should avoid massaging the
affected extremity because this could potentially dislodge the
thrombus. Anticoagulant therapy is commonly prescribed to
prevent clot extension, and elevation can help reduce swelling.
Questions with Correct Answers
(VerifiedAnswers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A
Instant Download PDF
1. A nurse is caring for a client who has chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD). Which oxygen prescription should
the nurse anticipate?
A. Oxygen at 10 L/min via nonrebreather mask
B. Oxygen at 8 L/min via simple face mask
C. Oxygen at 1–2 L/min via nasal cannula
D. Oxygen at 15 L/min via nonrebreather mask
Rationale: Clients with COPD may have chronic carbon dioxide
retention and can be sensitive to excessive oxygen
administration. Low-flow oxygen, commonly 1–2 L/min by nasal
cannula, is frequently prescribed initially and is adjusted
according to the client's oxygen saturation and clinical status.
The goal is adequate oxygenation without unnecessarily
administering excessive concentrations of oxygen.
,2. A nurse is assessing a client who has heart failure. Which
finding should the nurse recognize as an indication of
worsening left-sided heart failure?
A. Peripheral edema
B. Jugular venous distention
C. Weight gain
D. Crackles in the lungs
Rationale: Left-sided heart failure causes blood to back up into
the pulmonary circulation, resulting in pulmonary congestion.
Crackles, dyspnea, orthopnea, and pulmonary edema are
characteristic findings. Peripheral edema, jugular venous
distention, and rapid weight gain are more commonly
associated with systemic venous congestion from right-sided
heart failure, although both sides can be affected
simultaneously.
3. A client is prescribed furosemide for heart failure. Which
laboratory value is most important for the nurse to monitor?
A. Sodium
B. Calcium
C. Potassium
D. Hemoglobin
,Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that promotes
substantial urinary excretion of sodium and water and can also
cause potassium loss. Hypokalemia can produce muscle
weakness, cardiac dysrhythmias, and potentially life-
threatening complications. The nurse should monitor serum
potassium and assess for manifestations of electrolyte
imbalance.
4. A nurse is caring for a client who has a myocardial
infarction. Which finding requires immediate intervention?
A. Heart rate of 88/min
B. Blood pressure of 128/76 mm Hg
C. New onset of ventricular tachycardia
D. Mild anxiety
Rationale: Ventricular tachycardia can significantly reduce
cardiac output and may deteriorate into ventricular fibrillation
and cardiac arrest. A new ventricular dysrhythmia following
myocardial infarction requires prompt assessment and
intervention. Stable vital signs and mild anxiety are not
immediately life-threatening findings.
5. A nurse is teaching a client about sublingual nitroglycerin.
Which instruction should the nurse include?
, A. Swallow the tablet with water.
B. Take the medication only after eating.
C. Place the tablet under the tongue and allow it to dissolve.
D. Store the tablets in the bathroom medicine cabinet.
Rationale: Sublingual nitroglycerin is placed under the tongue,
where it is rapidly absorbed through the oral mucosa. It should
not be swallowed because swallowing delays absorption.
Nitroglycerin should be stored according to manufacturer
instructions, generally in its original tightly closed container,
away from heat, moisture, and light.
6. A nurse is caring for a client who has a suspected deep-vein
thrombosis (DVT). Which intervention is appropriate?
A. Massage the affected extremity.
B. Encourage vigorous ambulation.
C. Apply a sequential compression device to the affected leg.
D. Keep the affected extremity elevated as prescribed and
administer anticoagulants as ordered.
Rationale: A DVT can dislodge and travel to the lungs, causing a
pulmonary embolism. The nurse should avoid massaging the
affected extremity because this could potentially dislodge the
thrombus. Anticoagulant therapy is commonly prescribed to
prevent clot extension, and elevation can help reduce swelling.
