ATI RN ADULT MEDICAL SURGICAL NURSING 11TH EDITION QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
Respiratory Disorders and Nursing Interventions
Cardiovascular Disorders and Management
Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance
Renal and Urinary System Disorders
Endocrine Disorders and Hormonal Imbalances
Gastrointestinal Disorders and Nutrition
Neurosensory Disorders and Neurological Care
Musculoskeletal Disorders and Rehabilitation
Perioperative Care and Surgical Management
Immune, Lymphatic, and Infectious Disorders
,Introduction
This comprehensive assessment evaluates critical knowledge and clinical judgment skills essential for nursing
professionals practicing in adult medical-surgical settings. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice and
scenario-based questions designed to test your understanding of pathophysiology, nursing interventions,
pharmacological management, patient safety, and evidence-based care practices. Each question emphasizes
real-world application and decision-making capabilities required for successful patient outcomes. The
assessment covers all major body systems and clinical scenarios encountered in medical-surgical nursing,
preparing you for both professional certification and bedside practice excellence.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) presents with increased dyspnea, productive
cough, and oxygen saturation of 88% on room air. Which intervention should the nurse prioritize first?
A. Administer bronchodilator therapy via nebulizer
B. Obtain a arterial blood gas (ABG) specimen
C. Apply supplemental oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula
D. Auscultate lung sounds and assess respiratory rate
🟢 Correct answer: D
,🔴 RATIONALE: Initial assessment (auscultation and respiratory rate assessment) is the priority before
implementing interventions. The nurse must gather additional data to determine the severity of the
exacerbation and guide subsequent treatment decisions, following the assessment-before-intervention
principle.
Question 2
A patient receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) through a central line develops sudden shortness of breath,
chest pain, and tachycardia. The nurse suspects air embolism. Which position should the nurse place the
patient immediately?
A. High Fowler's position
B. Left lateral decubitus with head tilted down
C. Supine with legs elevated
D. Right lateral decubitus position
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: Left lateral decubitus with head tilted down (Durant's position) traps air in the right atrium,
preventing it from entering the pulmonary circulation. This position is the emergency intervention for
suspected air embolism in central line patients.
Question 3
Which laboratory value indicates the need for immediate intervention in a patient with heart failure?
, A. Sodium 138 mEq/L
B. Potassium 3.2 mEq/L
C. BUN 22 mg/dL
D. Creatinine 0.9 mg/dL
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: Potassium of 3.2 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia, which is dangerous for heart failure patients
as it increases risk for life-threatening dysrhythmias. Heart failure patients often receive diuretics that cause
potassium loss, requiring close monitoring and replacement.
Question 4
A patient with diabetes mellitus presents with blood glucose of 48 mg/dL, confusion, and Diaphoresis. After
administering 15 g of rapid-acting carbohydrate, the nurse should:
A. Administer a second dose of carbohydrate
B. Recheck blood glucose in 15 minutes
C. Call the provider immediately
D. Administer IV dextrose 50%
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: The nurse should recheck blood glucose after 15 minutes to determine if the initial treatment
was effective. If glucose remains below 70 mg/dL, a second dose should be given. This follows the "15-15 rule"
for hypoglycemia management.
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
Respiratory Disorders and Nursing Interventions
Cardiovascular Disorders and Management
Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance
Renal and Urinary System Disorders
Endocrine Disorders and Hormonal Imbalances
Gastrointestinal Disorders and Nutrition
Neurosensory Disorders and Neurological Care
Musculoskeletal Disorders and Rehabilitation
Perioperative Care and Surgical Management
Immune, Lymphatic, and Infectious Disorders
,Introduction
This comprehensive assessment evaluates critical knowledge and clinical judgment skills essential for nursing
professionals practicing in adult medical-surgical settings. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice and
scenario-based questions designed to test your understanding of pathophysiology, nursing interventions,
pharmacological management, patient safety, and evidence-based care practices. Each question emphasizes
real-world application and decision-making capabilities required for successful patient outcomes. The
assessment covers all major body systems and clinical scenarios encountered in medical-surgical nursing,
preparing you for both professional certification and bedside practice excellence.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) presents with increased dyspnea, productive
cough, and oxygen saturation of 88% on room air. Which intervention should the nurse prioritize first?
A. Administer bronchodilator therapy via nebulizer
B. Obtain a arterial blood gas (ABG) specimen
C. Apply supplemental oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula
D. Auscultate lung sounds and assess respiratory rate
🟢 Correct answer: D
,🔴 RATIONALE: Initial assessment (auscultation and respiratory rate assessment) is the priority before
implementing interventions. The nurse must gather additional data to determine the severity of the
exacerbation and guide subsequent treatment decisions, following the assessment-before-intervention
principle.
Question 2
A patient receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) through a central line develops sudden shortness of breath,
chest pain, and tachycardia. The nurse suspects air embolism. Which position should the nurse place the
patient immediately?
A. High Fowler's position
B. Left lateral decubitus with head tilted down
C. Supine with legs elevated
D. Right lateral decubitus position
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: Left lateral decubitus with head tilted down (Durant's position) traps air in the right atrium,
preventing it from entering the pulmonary circulation. This position is the emergency intervention for
suspected air embolism in central line patients.
Question 3
Which laboratory value indicates the need for immediate intervention in a patient with heart failure?
, A. Sodium 138 mEq/L
B. Potassium 3.2 mEq/L
C. BUN 22 mg/dL
D. Creatinine 0.9 mg/dL
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: Potassium of 3.2 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia, which is dangerous for heart failure patients
as it increases risk for life-threatening dysrhythmias. Heart failure patients often receive diuretics that cause
potassium loss, requiring close monitoring and replacement.
Question 4
A patient with diabetes mellitus presents with blood glucose of 48 mg/dL, confusion, and Diaphoresis. After
administering 15 g of rapid-acting carbohydrate, the nurse should:
A. Administer a second dose of carbohydrate
B. Recheck blood glucose in 15 minutes
C. Call the provider immediately
D. Administer IV dextrose 50%
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: The nurse should recheck blood glucose after 15 minutes to determine if the initial treatment
was effective. If glucose remains below 70 mg/dL, a second dose should be given. This follows the "15-15 rule"
for hypoglycemia management.
