ATI RN MED SURG VERIFIED PRACTICE QUESTIONS
AND RATIONALES 2026 EXAM.
1. A nurse is caring for a client with heart failure who has crackles halfway up the
lungs, JVD, and 3+ pitting edema. Which intervention should the nurse implement
first?
A. Administer furosemide IV as prescribed
B. Place the client in Trendelenburg position
C. Restrict oral fluids to 500 mL/day
D. Apply oxygen via nasal cannula
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Severe fluid overload requires rapid diuresis. Furosemide IV is the priority to
reduce preload. Oxygen may be needed but after diuresis. Trendelenburg worsens
breathing.
2. A client with COPD has an SpO2 of 86% on room air. Which oxygen delivery
device should the nurse use first?
A. Non‑rebreather mask at 15 L/min
B. Venturi mask at 28%
C. Nasal cannula at 6 L/min
D. Simple face mask at 10 L/min
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Venturi mask delivers precise oxygen concentration, reducing risk of CO2
retention in COPD. Non‑rebreather and high flow can cause hypercapnia.
, 3. A client with acute pancreatitis reports severe abdominal pain. Which position
does the nurse encourage to reduce pain?
A. Supine with legs flat
B. Prone
C. Side‑lying with knees flexed
D. High‑Fowler’s
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Flexed side‑lying reduces tension on the pancreas and decreases pain.
Supine and prone increase discomfort.
4. A nurse is assessing a client with pneumonia. Which finding requires
immediate intervention?
A. Temperature 101.2°F
B. Respiratory rate 28 breaths/min
C. Confusion and lethargy
D. Productive cough with green sputum
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Confusion and lethargy indicate hypoxia or sepsis, requiring urgent
intervention. Fever, tachypnea, and productive cough are expected but not immediately
life‑threatening.
AND RATIONALES 2026 EXAM.
1. A nurse is caring for a client with heart failure who has crackles halfway up the
lungs, JVD, and 3+ pitting edema. Which intervention should the nurse implement
first?
A. Administer furosemide IV as prescribed
B. Place the client in Trendelenburg position
C. Restrict oral fluids to 500 mL/day
D. Apply oxygen via nasal cannula
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Severe fluid overload requires rapid diuresis. Furosemide IV is the priority to
reduce preload. Oxygen may be needed but after diuresis. Trendelenburg worsens
breathing.
2. A client with COPD has an SpO2 of 86% on room air. Which oxygen delivery
device should the nurse use first?
A. Non‑rebreather mask at 15 L/min
B. Venturi mask at 28%
C. Nasal cannula at 6 L/min
D. Simple face mask at 10 L/min
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Venturi mask delivers precise oxygen concentration, reducing risk of CO2
retention in COPD. Non‑rebreather and high flow can cause hypercapnia.
, 3. A client with acute pancreatitis reports severe abdominal pain. Which position
does the nurse encourage to reduce pain?
A. Supine with legs flat
B. Prone
C. Side‑lying with knees flexed
D. High‑Fowler’s
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Flexed side‑lying reduces tension on the pancreas and decreases pain.
Supine and prone increase discomfort.
4. A nurse is assessing a client with pneumonia. Which finding requires
immediate intervention?
A. Temperature 101.2°F
B. Respiratory rate 28 breaths/min
C. Confusion and lethargy
D. Productive cough with green sputum
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Confusion and lethargy indicate hypoxia or sepsis, requiring urgent
intervention. Fever, tachypnea, and productive cough are expected but not immediately
life‑threatening.
