ATI Medical-Surgical CMS Review Exam
Questions and Answers with Expert
Explanation (2026/2027 Update) Complete
A+
Nursing Action: Administration of packed RBCs. - correct answer - check to determine
that RBCs are less than 1 week old
- ask another nurse to check the packed RBCs label against the medical record (two-
nurse verification) (1) client name, (2) client MRN, and (3) blood group name/number
** If there are any discrepancies, DO NOT INFUSE and notify the blood bank **
- prime the transfusion tubing with 0.9% NS
The nurse is caring for a client with a closed traumatic brain injury and is experiencing
increased intracranial pressure. What may be the cause? - correct answer - rigid skull
containing cranial contents
,- rigid skull prevents expansion
- increase in edema and bleeding from the head injury against the rigid skull results in
increased ICP
Client Teaching: What can a client diagnosed with recurrent external otitis be educated
on? - correct answer - The client can prevent the recurrence of external otitis by
instilling diluted alcohol drops
- diluted alcohol drops will decrease bacteria and dry the external ear canal
Client Education: What should the nurse educate the client on regarding the mechanics
of pursed lip breathing? - correct answer - Breathing through pursed lips slows
exhalation and maintains inflation of the distal airways.
- Pursed lip breathing enhances respiration for clients who have emphysema.
- The client should use this technique during physical activity and episodes of dyspnea.
,Priority Assessment Findings: What is a priority assessment finding for extracorporeal
shock wave lithotripsy (EWWL)? - correct answer - dysrhythmias
- palpitations (a manifestation of dysrhythmias)
- ESWL is the application of sound, laser, or dry shock wave energy to break up kidney
stones
- shock waves are initiated during the R wave of the ECG to prevent dysrhythmias
Client Teaching: What should the nurse educate a client on regarding an
esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)? - correct answer - An EGD is useful for
determining the function of the esophageal lining and the extent of inflammation,
potential scarring, and strictures
Nursing Consideration: What should the nurse take into consideration when irrigating a
client's ear canal? - correct answer - when irrigating the client's ear, use no more than
5 to 10 mL of irrigating fluid.
, - this decreases the risk of stimulating the vestibular nerve of the inner ear, which
would cause nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.
- The nurse should stop irrigation if the client experiences pain, nausea, vomiting, or
dizziness
Complications: What complications of sickle cell anemia should the nurse monitor for?
- correct answer - iron toxicity
- the client who has received several blood transfusions is at risk for hemosiderosis
(excessive storage of iron in the body).
Expected Lab Values: Chronic Kidney Disease - correct answer clients with CKD will
have elevations in:
- potassium
- magnesium
- phosphorus
Questions and Answers with Expert
Explanation (2026/2027 Update) Complete
A+
Nursing Action: Administration of packed RBCs. - correct answer - check to determine
that RBCs are less than 1 week old
- ask another nurse to check the packed RBCs label against the medical record (two-
nurse verification) (1) client name, (2) client MRN, and (3) blood group name/number
** If there are any discrepancies, DO NOT INFUSE and notify the blood bank **
- prime the transfusion tubing with 0.9% NS
The nurse is caring for a client with a closed traumatic brain injury and is experiencing
increased intracranial pressure. What may be the cause? - correct answer - rigid skull
containing cranial contents
,- rigid skull prevents expansion
- increase in edema and bleeding from the head injury against the rigid skull results in
increased ICP
Client Teaching: What can a client diagnosed with recurrent external otitis be educated
on? - correct answer - The client can prevent the recurrence of external otitis by
instilling diluted alcohol drops
- diluted alcohol drops will decrease bacteria and dry the external ear canal
Client Education: What should the nurse educate the client on regarding the mechanics
of pursed lip breathing? - correct answer - Breathing through pursed lips slows
exhalation and maintains inflation of the distal airways.
- Pursed lip breathing enhances respiration for clients who have emphysema.
- The client should use this technique during physical activity and episodes of dyspnea.
,Priority Assessment Findings: What is a priority assessment finding for extracorporeal
shock wave lithotripsy (EWWL)? - correct answer - dysrhythmias
- palpitations (a manifestation of dysrhythmias)
- ESWL is the application of sound, laser, or dry shock wave energy to break up kidney
stones
- shock waves are initiated during the R wave of the ECG to prevent dysrhythmias
Client Teaching: What should the nurse educate a client on regarding an
esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)? - correct answer - An EGD is useful for
determining the function of the esophageal lining and the extent of inflammation,
potential scarring, and strictures
Nursing Consideration: What should the nurse take into consideration when irrigating a
client's ear canal? - correct answer - when irrigating the client's ear, use no more than
5 to 10 mL of irrigating fluid.
, - this decreases the risk of stimulating the vestibular nerve of the inner ear, which
would cause nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.
- The nurse should stop irrigation if the client experiences pain, nausea, vomiting, or
dizziness
Complications: What complications of sickle cell anemia should the nurse monitor for?
- correct answer - iron toxicity
- the client who has received several blood transfusions is at risk for hemosiderosis
(excessive storage of iron in the body).
Expected Lab Values: Chronic Kidney Disease - correct answer clients with CKD will
have elevations in:
- potassium
- magnesium
- phosphorus
