NEW 2025 ATI RN CONCEPT-BASED LEVEL 3 AND
THE NGN RETAKE EXAM QUESTIONS WITH 100%
CORRECT ANSWERS
RN Concept-Based Assessment Level 3 and the NGN retake!
• Question: A 68-year-old patient with a history of congestive heart failure (CHF) presents
with shortness of breath and pitting edema in the lower extremities. What is the priority
nursing intervention?
• A) Administer prescribed diuretics.
• B) Restrict fluid intake.
• C) Position the patient in high Fowler's position.
• D) Monitor daily weight and intake/output.
Answer: C) Position the patient in high Fowler's position. (Priority action to improve
oxygenation immediately. Other interventions follow.)
• Question: A patient reports acute right lower quadrant pain, nausea, and vomiting. What
condition should the nurse suspect and assess further?
• A) Cholecystitis.
• B) Appendicitis.
• C) Diverticulitis.
• D) Peptic ulcer disease.
Answer: B) Appendicitis.
• Question: A nurse is administering potassium chloride IV to a patient with hypokalemia.
What is the most critical action?
• A) Infuse the medication rapidly to resolve symptoms quickly.
• B) Monitor the IV site for signs of infiltration.
• C) Administer the potassium via IV push for immediate effect.
• D) Mix potassium chloride with lactated Ringer's solution.
Answer: B) Monitor the IV site for signs of infiltration. (Potassium can cause severe tissue
damage if extravasation occurs.)
• Question: A patient presents with a blood glucose level of 450 mg/dL, fruity breath odor,
and rapid, deep breathing. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
, • A) Hypoglycemia.
• B) Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
• C) Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS).
• D) Acute pancreatitis.
Answer: B) Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
• Question: A nurse is caring for a postoperative patient who reports severe, unrelieved pain
despite analgesic administration. What should the nurse do first?
• A) Provide additional pain medication.
• B) Perform a focused physical assessment.
• C) Reposition the patient for comfort.
• D) Educate the patient on relaxation techniques.
Answer: B) Perform a focused physical assessment.
• Question: A patient has been prescribed warfarin for anticoagulation therapy. Which
instruction should the nurse include in the discharge teaching plan?
• A) Avoid eating foods rich in Vitamin C.
• B) Stop the medication if minor bruising occurs.
• C) Avoid foods high in Vitamin K.
• D) Take aspirin for additional pain relief.
Answer: C) Avoid foods high in Vitamin K. (Vitamin K can affect the effectiveness of
warfarin.)
• Question: When assessing a patient with increased intracranial pressure (ICP), which
finding is most concerning?
• A) Dilated pupils unresponsive to light.
• B) Blood pressure of 140/80 mmHg.
• C) Pulse rate of 72 bpm.
• D) Complaint of a mild headache.
Answer: A) Dilated pupils unresponsive to light. (Sign of neurological deterioration.
• Question: A nurse is caring for a patient with a chest tube. Which finding should be
reported to the healthcare provider immediately?
• A) Gentle bubbling in the suction control chamber.
• B) 50 mL of drainage in the collection chamber over 8 hours.
• C) Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber.
• D) Tidaling in the water seal chamber with respirations.
Answer: C) Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber. (Indicates an air leak that
requires immediate attention.)
,• Question: A patient with atrial fibrillation is started on digoxin. What should the nurse
monitor for as a priority?
• A) Bradycardia.
• B) Hypertension.
• C) Hyperkalemia.
• D) Hypoglycemia.
Answer: A) Bradycardia. (Digoxin can decrease heart rate and requires close monitoring.)
• Question: A patient receiving chemotherapy reports nausea and vomiting. Which
intervention should the nurse implement first?
• A) Provide antiemetic medication before meals.
• B) Offer clear liquids and small, frequent meals.
• C) Administer prescribed antiemetic 30 minutes before chemotherapy.
• D) Instruct the patient to avoid strong-smelling foods.
Answer: C) Administer prescribed antiemetic 30 minutes before chemotherapy. (This helps
prevent symptoms before they occur.)
• Question: A nurse is assessing a patient with hyperthyroidism. Which clinical
manifestation is most commonly associated with this condition?
• A) Cold intolerance.
• B) Weight gain.
• C) Exophthalmos.
• D) Bradycardia.
Answer: C) Exophthalmos. (Bulging of the eyes is a hallmark symptom of hyperthyroidism.)
• Question: Which of the following laboratory results would the nurse expect to find in a
patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD)?
• A) Increased hemoglobin levels.
• B) Decreased creatinine levels.
• C) Increased serum potassium levels.
• D) Decreased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels.
Answer: C) Increased serum potassium levels. (Hyperkalemia is common in CKD due to
impaired kidney function.)
• Question: A patient with pneumonia is experiencing pleuritic chest pain and a productive
cough. Which nursing intervention is most important to promote effective airway clearance?
• A) Administer prescribed pain medication regularly.
• B) Encourage the patient to increase fluid intake.
• C) Perform chest physiotherapy and postural drainage.
• D) Restrict physical activity to avoid fatigue.
, Answer: C) Perform chest physiotherapy and postural drainage. (Helps loosen and remove
secretions from the airways.)
• Question: A patient with hypothyroidism is being discharged with a prescription for
levothyroxine. What should the nurse include in the patient education?
• A) "Take this medication with meals to enhance absorption."
• B) "Report any symptoms of palpitations or chest pain immediately."
• C) "Avoid all dairy products while taking this medication."
• D) "You may notice improvement within 24 hours of starting the medication."
Answer: B) "Report any symptoms of palpitations or chest pain immediately." (These can
indicate overmedication or toxicity.)
• Question: A patient presents with a potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L. Which clinical
manifestations should the nurse anticipate?
• A) Muscle weakness and arrhythmias.
• B) Hyperreflexia and bradycardia.
• C) Confusion and increased urine output.
• D) Tetany and hypotension.
Answer: A) Muscle weakness and arrhythmias. (Hypokalemia affects muscle and cardiac
function.)
• Question: A nurse observes a coworker administering insulin without verifying the dose
with a second nurse. What is the most appropriate action?
• A) Document the incident in the patient’s medical record.
• B) Report the coworker to hospital administration immediately.
• C) Discuss the issue with the coworker privately.
• D) File a formal report with the risk management department.
Answer: C) Discuss the issue with the coworker privately. (First address the concern directly
and professionally.)
• Question: A patient is receiving a blood transfusion and reports chills and low back pain
15 minutes into the infusion. What should the nurse do first?
• A) Administer acetaminophen to reduce discomfort.
• B) Stop the transfusion and notify the healthcare provider.
• C) Increase the infusion rate to complete the transfusion quickly.
• D) Assess the patient’s vital signs and monitor closely.
Answer: B) Stop the transfusion and notify the healthcare provider. (These are signs of a
possible transfusion reaction.)
• Question: A patient diagnosed with acute pancreatitis has a serum calcium level of 7.5
mg/dL. Which clinical sign would the nurse expect to find?
THE NGN RETAKE EXAM QUESTIONS WITH 100%
CORRECT ANSWERS
RN Concept-Based Assessment Level 3 and the NGN retake!
• Question: A 68-year-old patient with a history of congestive heart failure (CHF) presents
with shortness of breath and pitting edema in the lower extremities. What is the priority
nursing intervention?
• A) Administer prescribed diuretics.
• B) Restrict fluid intake.
• C) Position the patient in high Fowler's position.
• D) Monitor daily weight and intake/output.
Answer: C) Position the patient in high Fowler's position. (Priority action to improve
oxygenation immediately. Other interventions follow.)
• Question: A patient reports acute right lower quadrant pain, nausea, and vomiting. What
condition should the nurse suspect and assess further?
• A) Cholecystitis.
• B) Appendicitis.
• C) Diverticulitis.
• D) Peptic ulcer disease.
Answer: B) Appendicitis.
• Question: A nurse is administering potassium chloride IV to a patient with hypokalemia.
What is the most critical action?
• A) Infuse the medication rapidly to resolve symptoms quickly.
• B) Monitor the IV site for signs of infiltration.
• C) Administer the potassium via IV push for immediate effect.
• D) Mix potassium chloride with lactated Ringer's solution.
Answer: B) Monitor the IV site for signs of infiltration. (Potassium can cause severe tissue
damage if extravasation occurs.)
• Question: A patient presents with a blood glucose level of 450 mg/dL, fruity breath odor,
and rapid, deep breathing. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
, • A) Hypoglycemia.
• B) Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
• C) Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS).
• D) Acute pancreatitis.
Answer: B) Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
• Question: A nurse is caring for a postoperative patient who reports severe, unrelieved pain
despite analgesic administration. What should the nurse do first?
• A) Provide additional pain medication.
• B) Perform a focused physical assessment.
• C) Reposition the patient for comfort.
• D) Educate the patient on relaxation techniques.
Answer: B) Perform a focused physical assessment.
• Question: A patient has been prescribed warfarin for anticoagulation therapy. Which
instruction should the nurse include in the discharge teaching plan?
• A) Avoid eating foods rich in Vitamin C.
• B) Stop the medication if minor bruising occurs.
• C) Avoid foods high in Vitamin K.
• D) Take aspirin for additional pain relief.
Answer: C) Avoid foods high in Vitamin K. (Vitamin K can affect the effectiveness of
warfarin.)
• Question: When assessing a patient with increased intracranial pressure (ICP), which
finding is most concerning?
• A) Dilated pupils unresponsive to light.
• B) Blood pressure of 140/80 mmHg.
• C) Pulse rate of 72 bpm.
• D) Complaint of a mild headache.
Answer: A) Dilated pupils unresponsive to light. (Sign of neurological deterioration.
• Question: A nurse is caring for a patient with a chest tube. Which finding should be
reported to the healthcare provider immediately?
• A) Gentle bubbling in the suction control chamber.
• B) 50 mL of drainage in the collection chamber over 8 hours.
• C) Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber.
• D) Tidaling in the water seal chamber with respirations.
Answer: C) Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber. (Indicates an air leak that
requires immediate attention.)
,• Question: A patient with atrial fibrillation is started on digoxin. What should the nurse
monitor for as a priority?
• A) Bradycardia.
• B) Hypertension.
• C) Hyperkalemia.
• D) Hypoglycemia.
Answer: A) Bradycardia. (Digoxin can decrease heart rate and requires close monitoring.)
• Question: A patient receiving chemotherapy reports nausea and vomiting. Which
intervention should the nurse implement first?
• A) Provide antiemetic medication before meals.
• B) Offer clear liquids and small, frequent meals.
• C) Administer prescribed antiemetic 30 minutes before chemotherapy.
• D) Instruct the patient to avoid strong-smelling foods.
Answer: C) Administer prescribed antiemetic 30 minutes before chemotherapy. (This helps
prevent symptoms before they occur.)
• Question: A nurse is assessing a patient with hyperthyroidism. Which clinical
manifestation is most commonly associated with this condition?
• A) Cold intolerance.
• B) Weight gain.
• C) Exophthalmos.
• D) Bradycardia.
Answer: C) Exophthalmos. (Bulging of the eyes is a hallmark symptom of hyperthyroidism.)
• Question: Which of the following laboratory results would the nurse expect to find in a
patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD)?
• A) Increased hemoglobin levels.
• B) Decreased creatinine levels.
• C) Increased serum potassium levels.
• D) Decreased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels.
Answer: C) Increased serum potassium levels. (Hyperkalemia is common in CKD due to
impaired kidney function.)
• Question: A patient with pneumonia is experiencing pleuritic chest pain and a productive
cough. Which nursing intervention is most important to promote effective airway clearance?
• A) Administer prescribed pain medication regularly.
• B) Encourage the patient to increase fluid intake.
• C) Perform chest physiotherapy and postural drainage.
• D) Restrict physical activity to avoid fatigue.
, Answer: C) Perform chest physiotherapy and postural drainage. (Helps loosen and remove
secretions from the airways.)
• Question: A patient with hypothyroidism is being discharged with a prescription for
levothyroxine. What should the nurse include in the patient education?
• A) "Take this medication with meals to enhance absorption."
• B) "Report any symptoms of palpitations or chest pain immediately."
• C) "Avoid all dairy products while taking this medication."
• D) "You may notice improvement within 24 hours of starting the medication."
Answer: B) "Report any symptoms of palpitations or chest pain immediately." (These can
indicate overmedication or toxicity.)
• Question: A patient presents with a potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L. Which clinical
manifestations should the nurse anticipate?
• A) Muscle weakness and arrhythmias.
• B) Hyperreflexia and bradycardia.
• C) Confusion and increased urine output.
• D) Tetany and hypotension.
Answer: A) Muscle weakness and arrhythmias. (Hypokalemia affects muscle and cardiac
function.)
• Question: A nurse observes a coworker administering insulin without verifying the dose
with a second nurse. What is the most appropriate action?
• A) Document the incident in the patient’s medical record.
• B) Report the coworker to hospital administration immediately.
• C) Discuss the issue with the coworker privately.
• D) File a formal report with the risk management department.
Answer: C) Discuss the issue with the coworker privately. (First address the concern directly
and professionally.)
• Question: A patient is receiving a blood transfusion and reports chills and low back pain
15 minutes into the infusion. What should the nurse do first?
• A) Administer acetaminophen to reduce discomfort.
• B) Stop the transfusion and notify the healthcare provider.
• C) Increase the infusion rate to complete the transfusion quickly.
• D) Assess the patient’s vital signs and monitor closely.
Answer: B) Stop the transfusion and notify the healthcare provider. (These are signs of a
possible transfusion reaction.)
• Question: A patient diagnosed with acute pancreatitis has a serum calcium level of 7.5
mg/dL. Which clinical sign would the nurse expect to find?
