ATI MEDICAL-SURGICAL NURSING RETAKE EXAM,
ASSESSMENT TECHNOLOGIES INSTITUTE, 2026/2027
QUESTION NGN-ALIGNED ADULT HEALTH EXAMINATION
WITH ANSWERS
**1. A nurse is caring for a client with heart failure receiving furosemide. Which finding requires
immediate notification of the provider?**
A. Weight loss of 2 lb in 24 hours
B. Potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L
C. Blood pressure of 118/72 mm Hg
D. Urine output of 60 mL/hr
**Correct Answer: B**
**Rationale:** Furosemide is a loop diuretic that promotes potassium excretion. A potassium
level of 3.1 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia (normal 3.5–5.0), which increases the risk of cardiac
dysrhythmias, especially if the client is also on digoxin. The other findings are expected or within
acceptable limits .
---
**2. A client with cirrhosis develops ascites. The nurse explains that ascites results from:**
A. Increased capillary permeability
B. Portal hypertension, hypoalbuminemia, and sodium/water retention
C. Lymphatic obstruction
D. Right-sided heart failure
**Correct Answer: B**
, **Rationale:** Ascites formation in cirrhosis is multifactorial: portal hypertension increases
hydrostatic pressure, hypoalbuminemia reduces plasma oncotic pressure, and activation of the RAAS
leads to sodium and fluid retention. The other options are not primary mechanisms .
---
**3. A nurse is assessing a client with peripheral artery disease (PAD). Which classic symptom would the
nurse expect?**
A. Burning, tingling pain in the feet at rest
B. Intermittent claudication (pain with walking, relieved by rest)
C. Sharp, shooting pain radiating down the leg
D. Pain that worsens with leg elevation and improves with dangling
**Correct Answer: B**
**Rationale:** Intermittent claudication is the hallmark of PAD—cramping pain in the legs with
exertion, relieved by rest, due to inadequate arterial flow. Rest pain and dependent rubor indicate more
severe disease .
---
**4. A client with type 1 diabetes presents with Kussmaul respirations, fruity breath, and blood glucose
of 480 mg/dL. What is the priority intervention?**
A. Administer subcutaneous insulin
B. Begin IV normal saline and IV regular insulin
C. Give oral hypoglycemic agents
D. Encourage the client to drink water
**Correct Answer: B**
ASSESSMENT TECHNOLOGIES INSTITUTE, 2026/2027
QUESTION NGN-ALIGNED ADULT HEALTH EXAMINATION
WITH ANSWERS
**1. A nurse is caring for a client with heart failure receiving furosemide. Which finding requires
immediate notification of the provider?**
A. Weight loss of 2 lb in 24 hours
B. Potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L
C. Blood pressure of 118/72 mm Hg
D. Urine output of 60 mL/hr
**Correct Answer: B**
**Rationale:** Furosemide is a loop diuretic that promotes potassium excretion. A potassium
level of 3.1 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia (normal 3.5–5.0), which increases the risk of cardiac
dysrhythmias, especially if the client is also on digoxin. The other findings are expected or within
acceptable limits .
---
**2. A client with cirrhosis develops ascites. The nurse explains that ascites results from:**
A. Increased capillary permeability
B. Portal hypertension, hypoalbuminemia, and sodium/water retention
C. Lymphatic obstruction
D. Right-sided heart failure
**Correct Answer: B**
, **Rationale:** Ascites formation in cirrhosis is multifactorial: portal hypertension increases
hydrostatic pressure, hypoalbuminemia reduces plasma oncotic pressure, and activation of the RAAS
leads to sodium and fluid retention. The other options are not primary mechanisms .
---
**3. A nurse is assessing a client with peripheral artery disease (PAD). Which classic symptom would the
nurse expect?**
A. Burning, tingling pain in the feet at rest
B. Intermittent claudication (pain with walking, relieved by rest)
C. Sharp, shooting pain radiating down the leg
D. Pain that worsens with leg elevation and improves with dangling
**Correct Answer: B**
**Rationale:** Intermittent claudication is the hallmark of PAD—cramping pain in the legs with
exertion, relieved by rest, due to inadequate arterial flow. Rest pain and dependent rubor indicate more
severe disease .
---
**4. A client with type 1 diabetes presents with Kussmaul respirations, fruity breath, and blood glucose
of 480 mg/dL. What is the priority intervention?**
A. Administer subcutaneous insulin
B. Begin IV normal saline and IV regular insulin
C. Give oral hypoglycemic agents
D. Encourage the client to drink water
**Correct Answer: B**
