Here are 30 multiple-choice scenario-based questions based on Medical-Surgical ATI 7th edition, focusing on client

teaching, nursing interventions, medication, diagnostic testing, and disease manifestations as outlined in the provided
document.
1. Client Education: Stroke Risk Factors
Q1: Which of the following is a modifiable risk factor for stroke?
 A) Age
 B) Gender
 C) Hypertension
 D) Family history
Answer: C
2. Nursing Intervention: Stroke Acute Phase
Q2: During the acute phase of a stroke, the nurse's priority intervention is:
 A) Perform a lumbar puncture.
 B) Monitor blood pressure closely.
 C) Administer aspirin immediately.
 D) Initiate passive range of motion exercises. Answer: B
3. Medication: Thrombolytic Therapy
Q3: Which of the following patients is a candidate for tPA (tissue plasminogen activator) therapy?
 A) A patient with a hemorrhagic stroke.
 B) A patient whose stroke symptoms started 6 hours ago.
 C) A patient with a history of head trauma.
 D) A patient who arrived at the hospital 3 hours after stroke symptom onset. Answer: D
4. Diagnostic Test: Stroke
Q4: Which diagnostic test is most commonly used to determine the type of stroke?
 A) MRI
 B) PET scan
 C) Non-contrast CT scan
 D) Electroencephalogram (EEG) Answer: C
5. Client Education: Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
Q5: A patient with a history of TIAs asks what this condition means. The nurse explains that a TIA is:
 A) A type of hemorrhagic stroke.
 B) A temporary loss of neurological function caused by ischemia.
 C) Permanent brain damage from a blocked blood vessel.
 D) A condition that causes memory loss. Answer: B
6. Nursing Intervention: Hemorrhagic Stroke
Q6: A patient with a hemorrhagic stroke should avoid which of the following medications?
 A) Heparin
 B) Gabapentin
 C) Acetaminophen
 D) Calcium channel blockers Answer: A
7. Client Education: Anticoagulant Therapy
Q7: When teaching a patient about warfarin therapy after a stroke, the nurse should include:
 A) “Avoid foods high in potassium.”
 B) “You should have regular blood tests to monitor your INR.”
 C) “You can stop taking the medication once you feel better.”
 D) “Increase your intake of green leafy vegetables.” Answer: B
8. Manifestations: Ischemic Stroke
Q8: A patient with an ischemic stroke in the left hemisphere is most likely to exhibit:
 A) Right-sided hemiplegia
 B) Left-sided neglect
 C) Right-sided neglect
 D) Impaired visual field on the right side Answer: A
9. Nursing Intervention: Seizure Disorder
Q9: During a tonic-clonic seizure, what is the priority nursing intervention?
 A) Administer diazepam.
 B) Hold the patient’s limbs still.
 C) Turn the patient’s head to the side.
 D) Insert a bite block to prevent tongue injury. Answer: C
10. Diagnostic Test: Seizures
Q10: What test is used to evaluate abnormal electrical activity in the brain for patients with seizures?
 A) MRI
 B) EEG
 C) CT scan
 D) PET scan Answer: B
11. Client Education: Seizure Medications
Q11: A nurse is educating a patient on phenytoin for seizure management. Which of the following should be included?
 A) “You can skip a dose if you don’t feel any symptoms.”
 B) “You may experience overgrowth of your gums.”
 C) “Take the medication with grapefruit juice.”
  D) “You will not need regular blood tests.” Answer: B
12. Nursing Intervention: Stroke Patient with Dysphagia
Q12: A patient with dysphagia following a stroke should be positioned in which of the following ways during meals?
 A) Supine
 B) High-Fowler’s
 C) Prone
 D) Side-lying Answer: B
13. Medication: Antiepileptic Drugs (AEDs)
Q13: A patient taking valproic acid should be monitored for which of the following adverse effects?
 A) Hepatotoxicity
 B) Hyperkalemia
 C) Bradycardia
 D) Respiratory depression Answer: A
14. Nursing Care: Increased Intracranial Pressure (ICP)
Q14: Which intervention should a nurse implement to decrease ICP in a patient with a hemorrhagic stroke?
 A) Encourage coughing and deep breathing.
 B) Elevate the head of the bed to 30 degrees.
 C) Position the patient in a Trendelenburg position.
 D) Administer large fluid boluses. Answer: B
15. Manifestations: Increased ICP
Q15: Which of the following is an early sign of increased ICP?
 A) Bradycardia
 B) Nonreactive pupils
 C) Decreased level of consciousness
 D) Widening pulse pressure Answer: C
16. Client Education: Seizure Precautions
Q16: Which of the following is not appropriate for seizure precaution education?
 A) “Avoid driving until seizures are fully controlled.”
 B) “Wear a medical alert bracelet.”
 C) “Hold down the person’s limbs during a seizure.”
 D) “Keep sharp objects away from the person during a seizure.” Answer: C
17. Medication: Fibrinolytic Therapy
Q17: tPA (tissue plasminogen activator) is contraindicated in a patient with:
 A) Atrial fibrillation
  B) Ischemic stroke
 C) Recent major surgery
 D) A history of TIA Answer: C
18. Nursing Intervention: Migraine Headache
Q18: For a patient with a migraine, which environment is most conducive to minimizing symptoms?
 A) Bright lights, low noise
 B) Dim lights, low noise
 C) Bright lights, loud music
 D) Dim lights, conversation Answer: B
19. Client Education: Migraine Triggers
Q19: A nurse is educating a patient with migraines about trigger avoidance. The nurse should include:
 A) “Avoid drinking large amounts of water.”
 B) “Alcohol and caffeine can trigger a migraine.”
 C) “Increased sleep may lead to migraines.”
 D) “Excessive salt intake can trigger a migraine.” Answer: B
20. Manifestations: Cluster Headaches
Q20: Which symptom is characteristic of a cluster headache?
 A) Bilateral head pain
 B) Sharp, stabbing pain around one eye
 C) Pain in the neck and shoulders
 D) Throbbing pain across the forehead Answer: B
21. Nursing Care: Seizure Recovery
Q21: After a tonic-clonic seizure, what is the most appropriate position to place the patient in?
 A) High-Fowler’s
 B) Supine
 C) Side-lying
 D) Prone Answer: C
22. Medication: Post-Stroke Statins
Q22: A patient with a history of stroke is prescribed a statin. What should the nurse include in the teaching?
 A) “You should take this medication with grapefruit juice.”
 B) “Report any muscle pain or tenderness.”
 C) “This medication is only for short-term use.”
 D) “You do not need to monitor your cholesterol levels while taking this.” Answer: B
23. Nursing Intervention: Right-Sided Stroke
Q23: A patient with a right-sided stroke is experiencing unilateral neglect. What should the nurse teach the patient to do?
 A) Scan the environment using the left side.
 B) Avoid using assistive devices.
 C) Focus on objects on the left side only.
 D) Turn the head to scan the neglected side. Answer: D
24. Diagnostic Test: Cerebral Angiography
Q24: What is the primary purpose of cerebral angiography in a stroke patient?
 A) Detect changes in brain tissue.
 B) Identify the presence of aneurysms.
 C) Evaluate electrical activity in the brain.
 D) Measure ICP. Answer: B
25. Nursing Intervention: Post-Op Carotid Endarterectomy
Q25: A patient is recovering from a carotid endarterectomy. The nurse should monitor the patient for:
 A) Hyperglycemia
 B) Signs of a stroke
 C) Hypernatremia
 D) Respiratory alkalosis Answer: B
26. Client Education: AEDs and Pregnancy
Q26: A nurse is teaching a female patient on antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Which statement requires further clarification?
 A) “I should avoid becoming pregnant while on this medication.”
 B) “I should avoid alcohol while taking this medication.”
 C) “I can stop taking the medication once my seizures are under control.”
 D) “I will have regular blood work to monitor the drug level.” Answer: C
27. Manifestations: Left-Sided Stroke
Q27: A patient with a stroke on the left hemisphere is most likely to experience:
 A) Impulsiveness and poor judgment
 B) Aphasia and right-sided hemiparesis
 C) Left-sided hemiplegia
 D) Neglect of the right side of the body Answer: B
28. Nursing Intervention: Hemiplegia
Q28: Which of the following is the most appropriate intervention for a patient with hemiplegia following a stroke?
 A) Perform active range of motion on the affected side.
 B) Apply restraints to prevent injury.
 C) Encourage passive range of motion on the affected side.
  D) Immobilize the affected side to prevent movement. Answer: C
29. Client Education: Migraine Management
Q29: Which statement indicates that a patient with migraines understands the preventative measures?
 A) “I will skip my preventative medication if I don’t feel any pain.”
 B) “I will keep a headache diary to identify triggers.”
 C) “I will only take medication when the headache starts.”
 D) “I will increase my salt intake to prevent headaches.” Answer: B
30. Medication: Cluster Headaches
Q30: Which medication is commonly used to abort an acute cluster headache?
 A) Phenytoin
 B) Sumatriptan
 C) Aspirin
 D) Ibuprofen Answer: B

These questions focus on key areas including client education, nursing interventions, medications, diagnostic testing, and
the manifestations of diseases related to neurologic dysfunctions such as stroke, seizures, and headaches.
Here are 30 multiple-choice scenario-based questions based on stroke, seizures, and headache, designed to reflect the style
of ATI Medical-Surgical Nursing (7th edition).
Stroke (10 Questions)
1. A nurse is caring for a client who has experienced an ischemic stroke. Which of the following interventions should
the nurse include in the client’s care?
A. Administer tPA (tissue plasminogen activator) within 12 hours of stroke onset.
B. Place the client in a supine position to reduce intracranial pressure.
C. Maintain the client’s systolic blood pressure above 180 mm Hg.
D. Keep the head of the bed elevated 30 degrees to prevent aspiration.
Correct Answer: D
2. A client is admitted with left-sided weakness after a stroke. Which of the following actions should the nurse take
to promote mobility?
A. Encourage the client to use the unaffected arm to exercise the affected leg.
B. Place the client’s left hand in a fist to prevent contractures.
C. Teach the client to transfer using a sliding board independently.
D. Perform passive range-of-motion exercises to the affected side.
Correct Answer: D
3. A nurse is preparing to administer medication to a client who has experienced an ischemic stroke. The client has a
prescription for warfarin. Which laboratory result should the nurse monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of the
treatment?
A. INR
B. Hemoglobin
C. Platelet count
D. Potassium level
Correct Answer: A
4. A client who had a hemorrhagic stroke is now exhibiting decreased consciousness. What is the priority nursing
action?
A. Check the client’s blood glucose level.
B. Administer oxygen via nasal cannula.
C. Assess for signs of increased intracranial pressure.
D. Call for a neurological consult.
Correct Answer: C
5. A nurse is caring for a client who had a stroke 24 hours ago. Which of the following is a priority to monitor?
A. Temperature
B. Blood pressure
C. Level of consciousness
D. Urinary output
Correct Answer: C
6. A client with a history of atrial fibrillation and previous stroke is prescribed anticoagulant therapy. Which of the
following symptoms should the nurse instruct the client to report immediately?
A. Abdominal pain
B. Yellowing of the skin
C. Dark, tarry stools
D. Shortness of breath
Correct Answer: C
7. A client presents with sudden onset of right-sided facial droop and difficulty speaking. Which of the following
diagnostic tests is most important to perform immediately?
A. Echocardiogram
B. Brain MRI
C. Non-contrast CT scan
D. Electrocardiogram
Correct Answer: C
8. A nurse is educating a client who had an ischemic stroke about modifiable risk factors. Which of the following
factors should the nurse identify as modifiable?
A. Age
B. Family history
C. Smoking
D. Gender
Correct Answer: C
9. After a stroke, a client exhibits dysphagia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Place the client in a high Fowler’s position during meals.
B. Refer the client for a swallowing evaluation.
C. Provide oral care before meals.
D. Assist the client with eating using a straw.
Correct Answer: B
10. A client who had a transient ischemic attack (TIA) is being discharged. Which of the following medications
should the nurse expect to include in the discharge plan?
A. Aspirin
B. Furosemide
C. Nitroglycerin
D. Metformin
Correct Answer: A
Seizures (10 Questions)
11. A nurse is caring for a client who experiences a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. Which of the following actions
should the nurse take during the seizure?
A. Restrain the client to prevent injury.
B. Insert a tongue depressor to protect the airway.
C. Turn the client onto their side to maintain airway patency.
D. Offer water to prevent dehydration.
Correct Answer: C
12. A client with epilepsy is being discharged. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include
regarding seizure precautions?
A. Avoid wearing a medical alert bracelet to prevent stigma.
B. Take anticonvulsant medication only when symptoms occur.
C. Avoid alcohol consumption.
D. Engage in strenuous exercise daily.
Correct Answer: C
13. A client is taking phenytoin for seizure management. Which of the following adverse effects should the nurse
monitor for?
A. Hypertension
B. Gingival hyperplasia
C. Diarrhea
D. Weight gain
Correct Answer: B
14. A nurse is caring for a client who experienced a seizure and is now in the postictal state. Which of the following
actions should the nurse take?
A. Elevate the head of the bed 90 degrees.
B. Assess the client’s level of consciousness.
C. Administer a second dose of lorazepam.
D. Place the client in restraints.
Correct Answer: B
15. A client presents with status epilepticus. Which of the following medications should the nurse prepare to
administer?
A. Acetaminophen
B. Lorazepam
C. Furosemide
D. Lisinopril
Correct Answer: B
16. A client who has a history of seizures is prescribed valproic acid. Which of the following laboratory tests should
be monitored regularly?
A. BUN and creatinine
B. Liver function tests
C. Potassium level
D. Hematocrit
Correct Answer: B
17. A client experiences a seizure while in bed. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Restrain the client’s arms and legs.
B. Insert a padded tongue blade into the client’s mouth.
C. Place a pillow under the client’s head.
D. Hold the client’s jaw closed.
Correct Answer: C
18. A client is receiving education about seizure precautions. Which of the following foods should the nurse instruct
the client to avoid while taking phenytoin?
A. Dairy products
B. Leafy green vegetables
C. Grapefruit juice
D. Shellfish
Correct Answer: C
19. A nurse is caring for a client with a seizure disorder who has a low therapeutic serum level of phenytoin. Which
of the following interventions should the nurse anticipate?
A. Administer a bolus dose of phenytoin.
B. Monitor the client for signs of toxicity.
C. Assess the client for an allergic reaction.
D. Increase the dosage of phenytoin.
Correct Answer: D
20. A nurse is caring for a client who has been placed on seizure precautions. Which of the following items should be
readily available in the client's room?
A. Padded tongue blade
B. Suction equipment
C. Restraints
D. Cardiac monitor
Correct Answer: B
Headache (10 Questions)
21. A client presents with a severe headache that began abruptly. Which of the following actions should the nurse
take first?
A. Perform a neurological assessment.
B. Administer ibuprofen.
C. Provide a dark, quiet room.
D. Apply a cold compress to the forehead.
Correct Answer: A
22. A client is diagnosed with migraine headaches. Which of the following should the nurse instruct the client to
avoid to reduce the frequency of migraines?
A. Exercise
B. Aged cheese
C. Herbal tea
D. Whole grains
Correct Answer: B
23. A nurse is caring for a client who reports a severe headache and photophobia. The client’s temperature is 39°C
(102°F). Which of the following is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Administer pain medication.
B. Notify the provider.
C. Darken the client’s room.
D. Assess for neck stiffness.
Correct Answer: D
24. A client with a history of tension headaches asks the nurse how to prevent them. Which of the following
suggestions should the nurse provide?
A. Maintain a regular sleep schedule.
B. Perform daily strenuous exercise.
C. Drink caffeinated beverages frequently.
D. Skip meals occasionally.
Correct Answer: A
25. A client with cluster headaches is receiving oxygen therapy. Which of the following findings should indicate to
the nurse that the therapy is effective?
A. The client’s oxygen saturation increases to 95%.
B. The client reports a decrease in headache severity.
C. The client is able to sleep without interruptions.
D. The client’s respiratory rate decreases to 16/min.
Correct Answer: B
26. A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing frequent migraine headaches. The nurse should anticipate a
prescription for which of the following medications?
A. Metoprolol
B. Lorazepam
C. Ibuprofen
D. Alprazolam
Correct Answer: A
27. A client reports a headache after a lumbar puncture. Which of the following interventions should the nurse
implement?
A. Encourage the client to drink plenty of fluids.
B. Place the client in a high Fowler’s position.
C. Administer aspirin as needed.
D. Apply a heating pad to the client’s back.
Correct Answer: A
28. A nurse is caring for a client with a history of migraine headaches. The client is prescribed sumatriptan. Which
of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the medication is effective?
A. Decreased frequency of headaches
B. Improved mood
C. Resolution of nausea
D. Decreased headache intensity
Correct Answer: D
29. A client presents to the emergency department with a severe headache. The nurse notes that the client has a stiff
neck and a fever. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Prepare the client for a lumbar puncture.
B. Administer sumatriptan.
C. Provide cold compresses.
D. Encourage fluid intake.
Correct Answer: A
30. A client with frequent headaches is prescribed ergotamine tartrate. The nurse should teach the client to take the
medication at which of the following times?
A. At bedtime
B. When nausea begins
C. After meals
D. At the onset of a headache
Correct Answer: D
These questions cover important concepts in stroke, seizure management, and headaches, reflective of the key content from
ATI's Medical-Surgical Nursing guide.