ATI RN COMPREHENSIVE HIGH-LEVEL
REVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A nurse is assessing a client who has a chest tube connected to a suction water-seal
system. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
A. Constant bubbling in the suction control chamber
B. Fluctuation of water level in the water-seal chamber with respiration
C. Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber
D. Occasional bubbling in the water-seal chamber during coughing
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber indicates an air
leak in the system, which requires immediate intervention. Fluctuations with breathing
(tidaling) and bubbling in the suction control chamber are expected findings.
2. A nurse is caring for a client who is in the oliguric phase of acute kidney injury (AKI). Which
of the following laboratory findings should the nurse expect?
A. Hypermagnesemia
B. Hypercalcemia
C. Hypokalemia
,D. Metabolic alkalosis
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: In the oliguric phase of AKI, the kidneys are unable to excrete
electrolytes properly, leading to hypermagnesemia, hyperkalemia, and
hyperphosphatemia. Hypocalcemia and metabolic acidosis are also typical.
3. A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a client with heart failure. Which of the
following findings is a manifestation of digoxin toxicity?
A. Visual disturbances such as yellow-green halos
B. Tachycardia
C. Increased appetite
D. Hyperkalemia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Common signs of digoxin toxicity include visual changes (halos),
nausea, vomiting, and bradycardia. Hypokalemia actually increases the risk of digoxin
toxicity.
4. A nurse is caring for a client following a total thyroidectomy. Which of the following is the
priority assessment?
A. Laryngeal nerve damage by checking for hoarseness
B. Hypocalcemia by checking for Chvostek’s sign
, C. Hemorrhage by checking the dressing behind the neck
D. Respiratory distress by assessing for airway stridor
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Using the ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) framework,
respiratory distress due to edema or laryngeal spasms is the most critical priority following
thyroid surgery.
5. A client is prescribed lithium carbonate for bipolar disorder. Which of the following
laboratory values should the nurse report to the provider immediately?
A. Lithium level of 1.8 mEq/L
B. Sodium level of 140 mEq/L
C. Creatinine level of 0.9 mg/dL
D. BUN level of 15 mg/dL
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: A lithium level of 1.8 mEq/L is toxic (therapeutic range is 0.6-1.2
mEq/L). High levels can lead to seizures and death.
6. A nurse is caring for a client with a prescription for warfain. Which of the following foods
should the nurse instruct the client to avoid in large quantities?
A. Orange juice
B. Bananas
REVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A nurse is assessing a client who has a chest tube connected to a suction water-seal
system. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
A. Constant bubbling in the suction control chamber
B. Fluctuation of water level in the water-seal chamber with respiration
C. Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber
D. Occasional bubbling in the water-seal chamber during coughing
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber indicates an air
leak in the system, which requires immediate intervention. Fluctuations with breathing
(tidaling) and bubbling in the suction control chamber are expected findings.
2. A nurse is caring for a client who is in the oliguric phase of acute kidney injury (AKI). Which
of the following laboratory findings should the nurse expect?
A. Hypermagnesemia
B. Hypercalcemia
C. Hypokalemia
,D. Metabolic alkalosis
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: In the oliguric phase of AKI, the kidneys are unable to excrete
electrolytes properly, leading to hypermagnesemia, hyperkalemia, and
hyperphosphatemia. Hypocalcemia and metabolic acidosis are also typical.
3. A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a client with heart failure. Which of the
following findings is a manifestation of digoxin toxicity?
A. Visual disturbances such as yellow-green halos
B. Tachycardia
C. Increased appetite
D. Hyperkalemia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Common signs of digoxin toxicity include visual changes (halos),
nausea, vomiting, and bradycardia. Hypokalemia actually increases the risk of digoxin
toxicity.
4. A nurse is caring for a client following a total thyroidectomy. Which of the following is the
priority assessment?
A. Laryngeal nerve damage by checking for hoarseness
B. Hypocalcemia by checking for Chvostek’s sign
, C. Hemorrhage by checking the dressing behind the neck
D. Respiratory distress by assessing for airway stridor
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Using the ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) framework,
respiratory distress due to edema or laryngeal spasms is the most critical priority following
thyroid surgery.
5. A client is prescribed lithium carbonate for bipolar disorder. Which of the following
laboratory values should the nurse report to the provider immediately?
A. Lithium level of 1.8 mEq/L
B. Sodium level of 140 mEq/L
C. Creatinine level of 0.9 mg/dL
D. BUN level of 15 mg/dL
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: A lithium level of 1.8 mEq/L is toxic (therapeutic range is 0.6-1.2
mEq/L). High levels can lead to seizures and death.
6. A nurse is caring for a client with a prescription for warfain. Which of the following foods
should the nurse instruct the client to avoid in large quantities?
A. Orange juice
B. Bananas
