ATI Adult Medical-Surgical Nursing CMS
Practice Exam Questions with Correct Answers
(VerifiedAnswers) Plus Detailed Rationales
2026 Q&A Instant Download PDF
Cardiovascular and Hematologic Disorders
Question 1
A nurse is assessing a client who has heart failure. Which
finding requires the nurse's immediate attention?
A. Bilateral ankle edema at the end of the day
B. Weight gain of 1 kg over 3 days
C. Fatigue after walking 30 meters
D. Pink, frothy sputum with severe dyspnea
Rationale: Pink, frothy sputum accompanied by severe dyspnea
is highly concerning for acute pulmonary edema, a life-
threatening complication of left-sided heart failure. The client
may be experiencing severe pulmonary congestion with
impaired oxygen exchange. The nurse should immediately
prioritize airway and breathing, position the client upright,
administer oxygen as prescribed, and rapidly escalate care.
Peripheral edema, gradual weight gain, and activity-related
,fatigue are important manifestations of heart failure but
generally do not represent the same immediate threat to life.
Question 2
A client taking warfarin for atrial fibrillation reports several
findings to the nurse. Which finding should the nurse report
immediately?
A. Occasional mild headache
B. Small bruise on the forearm
C. Black, tarry stools
D. Mild decrease in appetite
Rationale: Black, tarry stools can indicate gastrointestinal
bleeding and are especially concerning in a client receiving
anticoagulation therapy. Warfarin increases the risk of
significant bleeding, so melena requires prompt evaluation. The
nurse should assess the client for additional bleeding
manifestations and anticipate laboratory evaluation, including
the INR. A small bruise can occur with anticoagulant therapy,
but new or unexplained extensive bruising, hematuria,
hematemesis, severe headache, or other evidence of bleeding
should also be promptly evaluated.
Question 3
,A client with suspected myocardial infarction reports severe
substernal chest pain. Which prescription should the nurse
anticipate implementing first?
A. Obtain a fasting lipid panel
B. Schedule an outpatient stress test
C. Obtain a 12-lead ECG promptly
D. Encourage ambulation to assess exercise tolerance
Rationale: A 12-lead ECG is a priority diagnostic assessment for
a client with suspected acute coronary syndrome because it can
rapidly identify ischemic changes and possible ST-segment
elevation. Early recognition allows the healthcare team to
initiate time-sensitive treatment. A lipid panel and stress testing
may have a role in cardiovascular evaluation, but they do not
take priority during an acute episode of suspected myocardial
infarction. Ambulation is inappropriate because activity can
increase myocardial oxygen demand during acute ischemia.
Question 4
A client with hypertension is prescribed lisinopril. Which finding
should the nurse recognize as requiring immediate
intervention?
A. Mild dizziness when standing
B. Occasional dry cough
, C. Blood pressure of 128/76 mm Hg
D. Swelling of the lips and tongue
Rationale: Swelling of the lips and tongue can indicate
angioedema, a potentially life-threatening adverse effect of ACE
inhibitors such as lisinopril. Airway obstruction can develop
rapidly, so the medication should be withheld and emergency
treatment initiated according to the client's condition and
facility protocol. A persistent dry cough is a common adverse
effect of ACE inhibitors but is not generally an emergency. A
blood pressure of 128/76 mm Hg indicates effective blood-
pressure control.
Question 5
A client with peripheral arterial disease reports severe pain in
the affected leg while resting. Which intervention should the
nurse implement?
A. Elevate the affected extremity above heart level
B. Apply a cold pack to the extremity
C. Massage the affected leg
D. Place the affected extremity in a dependent position
Rationale: Peripheral arterial disease results from impaired
arterial blood flow. Placing the affected extremity in a
dependent position can promote gravity-assisted blood flow to
Practice Exam Questions with Correct Answers
(VerifiedAnswers) Plus Detailed Rationales
2026 Q&A Instant Download PDF
Cardiovascular and Hematologic Disorders
Question 1
A nurse is assessing a client who has heart failure. Which
finding requires the nurse's immediate attention?
A. Bilateral ankle edema at the end of the day
B. Weight gain of 1 kg over 3 days
C. Fatigue after walking 30 meters
D. Pink, frothy sputum with severe dyspnea
Rationale: Pink, frothy sputum accompanied by severe dyspnea
is highly concerning for acute pulmonary edema, a life-
threatening complication of left-sided heart failure. The client
may be experiencing severe pulmonary congestion with
impaired oxygen exchange. The nurse should immediately
prioritize airway and breathing, position the client upright,
administer oxygen as prescribed, and rapidly escalate care.
Peripheral edema, gradual weight gain, and activity-related
,fatigue are important manifestations of heart failure but
generally do not represent the same immediate threat to life.
Question 2
A client taking warfarin for atrial fibrillation reports several
findings to the nurse. Which finding should the nurse report
immediately?
A. Occasional mild headache
B. Small bruise on the forearm
C. Black, tarry stools
D. Mild decrease in appetite
Rationale: Black, tarry stools can indicate gastrointestinal
bleeding and are especially concerning in a client receiving
anticoagulation therapy. Warfarin increases the risk of
significant bleeding, so melena requires prompt evaluation. The
nurse should assess the client for additional bleeding
manifestations and anticipate laboratory evaluation, including
the INR. A small bruise can occur with anticoagulant therapy,
but new or unexplained extensive bruising, hematuria,
hematemesis, severe headache, or other evidence of bleeding
should also be promptly evaluated.
Question 3
,A client with suspected myocardial infarction reports severe
substernal chest pain. Which prescription should the nurse
anticipate implementing first?
A. Obtain a fasting lipid panel
B. Schedule an outpatient stress test
C. Obtain a 12-lead ECG promptly
D. Encourage ambulation to assess exercise tolerance
Rationale: A 12-lead ECG is a priority diagnostic assessment for
a client with suspected acute coronary syndrome because it can
rapidly identify ischemic changes and possible ST-segment
elevation. Early recognition allows the healthcare team to
initiate time-sensitive treatment. A lipid panel and stress testing
may have a role in cardiovascular evaluation, but they do not
take priority during an acute episode of suspected myocardial
infarction. Ambulation is inappropriate because activity can
increase myocardial oxygen demand during acute ischemia.
Question 4
A client with hypertension is prescribed lisinopril. Which finding
should the nurse recognize as requiring immediate
intervention?
A. Mild dizziness when standing
B. Occasional dry cough
, C. Blood pressure of 128/76 mm Hg
D. Swelling of the lips and tongue
Rationale: Swelling of the lips and tongue can indicate
angioedema, a potentially life-threatening adverse effect of ACE
inhibitors such as lisinopril. Airway obstruction can develop
rapidly, so the medication should be withheld and emergency
treatment initiated according to the client's condition and
facility protocol. A persistent dry cough is a common adverse
effect of ACE inhibitors but is not generally an emergency. A
blood pressure of 128/76 mm Hg indicates effective blood-
pressure control.
Question 5
A client with peripheral arterial disease reports severe pain in
the affected leg while resting. Which intervention should the
nurse implement?
A. Elevate the affected extremity above heart level
B. Apply a cold pack to the extremity
C. Massage the affected leg
D. Place the affected extremity in a dependent position
Rationale: Peripheral arterial disease results from impaired
arterial blood flow. Placing the affected extremity in a
dependent position can promote gravity-assisted blood flow to
