ATI Medical-Surgical Practice Assessment —
Exam Questions with Correct Answers
(VerifiedAnswers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A
Instant Download PDF
Question 1 — Heart Failure
A nurse is caring for a client who has heart failure and reports
increasing shortness of breath. Which assessment finding
requires the nurse's immediate attention?
A. Bilateral ankle edema
B. Weight gain of 1 kg over 3 days
C. Crackles throughout both lung fields
D. Fatigue when performing activities of daily living
Correct answer: C. Crackles throughout both lung fields
Crackles throughout both lung fields can indicate pulmonary
congestion caused by worsening left-sided heart failure.
Pulmonary edema can rapidly impair oxygenation and become
life-threatening, so the nurse should immediately assess
respiratory status, oxygen saturation, work of breathing, and
other signs of acute decompensation. Peripheral edema and
gradual weight gain also indicate fluid retention but are
,generally less immediately threatening than evidence of
pulmonary fluid accumulation. Fatigue is common in heart
failure because reduced cardiac output limits tissue perfusion.
Question 2 — COPD
A nurse is teaching a client who has chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease about pursed-lip breathing. Which
statement by the client indicates understanding?
A. "I should inhale through pursed lips and exhale through my
nose."
B. "I should breathe rapidly to remove carbon dioxide."
C. "I should inhale through my nose and exhale slowly through
pursed lips."
D. "I should hold my breath after each inhalation."
Correct answer: C. "I should inhale through my nose and
exhale slowly through pursed lips."
Pursed-lip breathing involves inhaling slowly through the nose
and exhaling slowly through partially closed lips. The prolonged
exhalation helps prevent premature airway collapse, promotes
more complete emptying of trapped air, and can decrease the
sensation of dyspnea. Rapid breathing is generally
counterproductive because it can increase air trapping and
respiratory muscle fatigue.
,Question 3 — Pneumonia
A client with pneumonia has a temperature of 39.1°C (102.4°F),
respiratory rate of 30/min, and oxygen saturation of 88% on
room air. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Encourage oral fluids
B. Administer the prescribed antibiotic
C. Apply oxygen according to the prescription or protocol
D. Obtain a sputum specimen
Correct answer: C. Apply oxygen according to the prescription
or protocol
The client's oxygen saturation of 88% indicates impaired
oxygenation, making airway and breathing the immediate
priority. Supplemental oxygen should be provided according to
the prescribed oxygen target and institutional protocol while the
nurse continues assessment and treatment. Antibiotics,
cultures, and hydration are important components of
pneumonia management, but correcting significant hypoxemia
takes priority.
Question 4 — Pulmonary Embolism
, A postoperative client suddenly develops dyspnea, pleuritic
chest pain, tachycardia, and anxiety. Which complication should
the nurse suspect?
A. Atelectasis
B. Pulmonary embolism
C. Pneumothorax
D. Pleural effusion
Correct answer: B. Pulmonary embolism
Sudden dyspnea, pleuritic chest pain, tachycardia, and anxiety
in a postoperative client are classic warning signs of pulmonary
embolism. Surgery and immobility increase the risk of venous
thromboembolism. Pulmonary embolism can rapidly become
life-threatening because an obstructing clot interferes with
pulmonary circulation and gas exchange. The nurse should
provide immediate assessment and emergency intervention
according to the clinical situation.
Question 5 — Asthma
A client experiencing an acute asthma exacerbation has
wheezing and increasing respiratory distress. Which medication
should the nurse anticipate administering for rapid
bronchodilation?
Exam Questions with Correct Answers
(VerifiedAnswers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A
Instant Download PDF
Question 1 — Heart Failure
A nurse is caring for a client who has heart failure and reports
increasing shortness of breath. Which assessment finding
requires the nurse's immediate attention?
A. Bilateral ankle edema
B. Weight gain of 1 kg over 3 days
C. Crackles throughout both lung fields
D. Fatigue when performing activities of daily living
Correct answer: C. Crackles throughout both lung fields
Crackles throughout both lung fields can indicate pulmonary
congestion caused by worsening left-sided heart failure.
Pulmonary edema can rapidly impair oxygenation and become
life-threatening, so the nurse should immediately assess
respiratory status, oxygen saturation, work of breathing, and
other signs of acute decompensation. Peripheral edema and
gradual weight gain also indicate fluid retention but are
,generally less immediately threatening than evidence of
pulmonary fluid accumulation. Fatigue is common in heart
failure because reduced cardiac output limits tissue perfusion.
Question 2 — COPD
A nurse is teaching a client who has chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease about pursed-lip breathing. Which
statement by the client indicates understanding?
A. "I should inhale through pursed lips and exhale through my
nose."
B. "I should breathe rapidly to remove carbon dioxide."
C. "I should inhale through my nose and exhale slowly through
pursed lips."
D. "I should hold my breath after each inhalation."
Correct answer: C. "I should inhale through my nose and
exhale slowly through pursed lips."
Pursed-lip breathing involves inhaling slowly through the nose
and exhaling slowly through partially closed lips. The prolonged
exhalation helps prevent premature airway collapse, promotes
more complete emptying of trapped air, and can decrease the
sensation of dyspnea. Rapid breathing is generally
counterproductive because it can increase air trapping and
respiratory muscle fatigue.
,Question 3 — Pneumonia
A client with pneumonia has a temperature of 39.1°C (102.4°F),
respiratory rate of 30/min, and oxygen saturation of 88% on
room air. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Encourage oral fluids
B. Administer the prescribed antibiotic
C. Apply oxygen according to the prescription or protocol
D. Obtain a sputum specimen
Correct answer: C. Apply oxygen according to the prescription
or protocol
The client's oxygen saturation of 88% indicates impaired
oxygenation, making airway and breathing the immediate
priority. Supplemental oxygen should be provided according to
the prescribed oxygen target and institutional protocol while the
nurse continues assessment and treatment. Antibiotics,
cultures, and hydration are important components of
pneumonia management, but correcting significant hypoxemia
takes priority.
Question 4 — Pulmonary Embolism
, A postoperative client suddenly develops dyspnea, pleuritic
chest pain, tachycardia, and anxiety. Which complication should
the nurse suspect?
A. Atelectasis
B. Pulmonary embolism
C. Pneumothorax
D. Pleural effusion
Correct answer: B. Pulmonary embolism
Sudden dyspnea, pleuritic chest pain, tachycardia, and anxiety
in a postoperative client are classic warning signs of pulmonary
embolism. Surgery and immobility increase the risk of venous
thromboembolism. Pulmonary embolism can rapidly become
life-threatening because an obstructing clot interferes with
pulmonary circulation and gas exchange. The nurse should
provide immediate assessment and emergency intervention
according to the clinical situation.
Question 5 — Asthma
A client experiencing an acute asthma exacerbation has
wheezing and increasing respiratory distress. Which medication
should the nurse anticipate administering for rapid
bronchodilation?
