RN ATI MedSuRg exAM AcTuAl exAM 2026/2027 – coMpleTe exAM-
STyle QueSTIoNS wITh deTAIled RATIoNAleS | 100% VeRIfIed – pASS
guARANTeed – A+ gRAded
1. A nurse is assessing a client who has heart failure. Which finding is an early indication of fluid volume
overload?
A. Weight loss
B. Decreased blood pressure
C. Bounding pulse
D. Flat neck veins
Correct Answer: C. Bounding pulse
Rationale: A bounding pulse is an early sign of fluid volume overload due to increased stroke volume and
cardiac output. Weight loss, decreased blood pressure, and flat neck veins indicate fluid volume deficit,
not overload.
2. A nurse is caring for a client who is 24 hours postoperative following abdominal surgery. Which
assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
A. Temperature of 37.5°C (99.5°F)
B. Heart rate 88/min
C. Respiratory rate 26/min
D. Blood pressure 118/76 mm Hg
Correct Answer: C. Respiratory rate 26/min
Rationale: Tachypnea (respiratory rate >20/min) in a postoperative client may indicate pulmonary
complications such as atelectasis, pneumonia, or pulmonary embolism. This finding requires immediate
assessment and intervention.
, 3. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Which statement by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A. I will use my oxygen at 4 L/min via nasal cannula to keep my saturation above 95%
B. I will limit my fluid intake to prevent fluid accumulation in my lungs
C. I will use pursed-lip breathing when I feel short of breath
D. I will avoid using my inhaler before exercise to prevent side effects
Correct Answer: C. I will use pursed-lip breathing when I feel short of breath
Rationale: Pursed-lip breathing helps prolong exhalation and prevents airway collapse, reducing dyspnea
in COPD clients. High-flow oxygen can suppress the respiratory drive. Adequate hydration (not fluid
restriction) helps thin secretions. Inhalers should be used as prescribed, often before exercise to prevent
bronchospasm.
4. A nurse is assessing a client with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which finding is consistent with this
diagnosis?
A. Blood glucose 60 mg/dL
B. Deep, rapid respirations
C. Serum pH 7.45
D. Peripheral edema
Correct Answer: B. Deep, rapid respirations
Rationale: Kussmaul respirations (deep, rapid breathing) are a compensatory mechanism for metabolic
acidosis in DKA. DKA typically presents with hyperglycemia (>250 mg/dL) and low serum pH (<7.30).
Peripheral edema is not characteristic.
5. A nurse is caring for a client with acute pancreatitis. Which laboratory finding should the nurse expect?
A. Elevated serum amylase
B. Decreased serum lipase
C. Elevated serum calcium
D. Decreased white blood cell count
STyle QueSTIoNS wITh deTAIled RATIoNAleS | 100% VeRIfIed – pASS
guARANTeed – A+ gRAded
1. A nurse is assessing a client who has heart failure. Which finding is an early indication of fluid volume
overload?
A. Weight loss
B. Decreased blood pressure
C. Bounding pulse
D. Flat neck veins
Correct Answer: C. Bounding pulse
Rationale: A bounding pulse is an early sign of fluid volume overload due to increased stroke volume and
cardiac output. Weight loss, decreased blood pressure, and flat neck veins indicate fluid volume deficit,
not overload.
2. A nurse is caring for a client who is 24 hours postoperative following abdominal surgery. Which
assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
A. Temperature of 37.5°C (99.5°F)
B. Heart rate 88/min
C. Respiratory rate 26/min
D. Blood pressure 118/76 mm Hg
Correct Answer: C. Respiratory rate 26/min
Rationale: Tachypnea (respiratory rate >20/min) in a postoperative client may indicate pulmonary
complications such as atelectasis, pneumonia, or pulmonary embolism. This finding requires immediate
assessment and intervention.
, 3. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Which statement by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A. I will use my oxygen at 4 L/min via nasal cannula to keep my saturation above 95%
B. I will limit my fluid intake to prevent fluid accumulation in my lungs
C. I will use pursed-lip breathing when I feel short of breath
D. I will avoid using my inhaler before exercise to prevent side effects
Correct Answer: C. I will use pursed-lip breathing when I feel short of breath
Rationale: Pursed-lip breathing helps prolong exhalation and prevents airway collapse, reducing dyspnea
in COPD clients. High-flow oxygen can suppress the respiratory drive. Adequate hydration (not fluid
restriction) helps thin secretions. Inhalers should be used as prescribed, often before exercise to prevent
bronchospasm.
4. A nurse is assessing a client with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which finding is consistent with this
diagnosis?
A. Blood glucose 60 mg/dL
B. Deep, rapid respirations
C. Serum pH 7.45
D. Peripheral edema
Correct Answer: B. Deep, rapid respirations
Rationale: Kussmaul respirations (deep, rapid breathing) are a compensatory mechanism for metabolic
acidosis in DKA. DKA typically presents with hyperglycemia (>250 mg/dL) and low serum pH (<7.30).
Peripheral edema is not characteristic.
5. A nurse is caring for a client with acute pancreatitis. Which laboratory finding should the nurse expect?
A. Elevated serum amylase
B. Decreased serum lipase
C. Elevated serum calcium
D. Decreased white blood cell count
