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ATI Medical-Surgical Immune Practice
Exam 2026 | 100 Questions & Answers
with Detailed Rationales | Complete
Exam Prep & Study Guide
1. A nurse is assessing a client who has systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Which finding should the nurse expect?
A. Unilateral weakness
B. Butterfly-shaped facial rash
C. Productive cough
D. Increased appetite
Answer: Butterfly-shaped facial rash
Rationale: A butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and bridge of the nose is a
classic manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus.
2. A nurse is teaching a client who has rheumatoid arthritis about the disease.
Which statement should the nurse include?
A. Rheumatoid arthritis primarily affects the kidneys.
B. The disorder causes chronic inflammation of the joints.
C. The disorder is caused by excessive insulin production.
D. Rheumatoid arthritis only affects older adults.
Answer: The disorder causes chronic inflammation of the joints.
,Rationale: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder characterized by
chronic inflammation of the synovial joints.
3. A nurse is caring for a client who has HIV. Which laboratory test is most
important for evaluating immune function?
A. Hemoglobin
B. Serum sodium
C. CD4 T-cell count
D. Platelet count
Answer: CD4 T-cell count
Rationale: The CD4 T-cell count measures immune system function and helps
determine the risk for opportunistic infections in clients with HIV.
4. A client with HIV has a CD4 count of 180 cells/mm³. Which condition is the
client at increased risk for?
A. Osteoarthritis
B. Opportunistic infection
C. Hyperthyroidism
D. Cataracts
Answer: Opportunistic infection
Rationale: A significantly reduced CD4 count indicates impaired immune
function and increases the risk for opportunistic infections.
5. A nurse is teaching a client who is prescribed antiretroviral therapy. Which
instruction is most important?
A. Stop therapy when symptoms improve.
B. Take medications only when fever occurs.
C. Take the medications consistently as prescribed.
D. Double the next dose if one dose is missed.
Answer: Take the medications consistently as prescribed.
,Rationale: Consistent adherence to antiretroviral therapy suppresses viral
replication and reduces the risk of treatment resistance.
6. A nurse is caring for a client with an autoimmune disorder who is receiving
prednisone. Which adverse effect should the nurse monitor for?
A. Hypoglycemia
B. Infection
C. Bradycardia
D. Hypothermia
Answer: Infection
Rationale: Corticosteroids suppress immune function and increase susceptibility
to infection.
7. A nurse is teaching a client about long-term corticosteroid therapy. Which
instruction should the nurse provide?
A. Stop the medication abruptly when feeling better.
B. Do not discontinue the medication abruptly.
C. Avoid monitoring blood glucose.
D. Take double doses during minor illness without instructions.
Answer: Do not discontinue the medication abruptly.
Rationale: Long-term corticosteroid therapy suppresses adrenal function, so the
medication must generally be tapered as prescribed to prevent adrenal
insufficiency.
8. A client with SLE reports increased fatigue and joint pain. Which laboratory
test may be used to help evaluate the disorder?
A. Troponin
B. Antinuclear antibody (ANA)
C. Serum amylase
D. Hemoglobin A1C
, Answer: Antinuclear antibody (ANA)
Rationale: ANA testing is commonly associated with autoimmune disorders such
as SLE and can support the diagnosis.
9. A nurse is teaching a client with SLE about avoiding disease exacerbations.
Which instruction is appropriate?
A. Increase exposure to sunlight.
B. Use sunscreen and avoid excessive sun exposure.
C. Avoid all physical activity.
D. Increase sodium intake.
Answer: Use sunscreen and avoid excessive sun exposure.
Rationale: Ultraviolet light can trigger or worsen SLE manifestations, so clients
should protect their skin from excessive sunlight.
10.A nurse is assessing a client who has an acute allergic reaction. Which
finding requires immediate intervention?
A. Sneezing
B. Urticaria
C. Difficulty breathing
D. Mild itching
Answer: Difficulty breathing
Rationale: Respiratory compromise can indicate anaphylaxis and requires
immediate treatment to maintain airway and oxygenation.
11.A client develops anaphylaxis after receiving a medication. Which
medication should the nurse anticipate administering first?
A. Diphenhydramine
B. Prednisone
C. Epinephrine
D. Acetaminophen
ATI Medical-Surgical Immune Practice
Exam 2026 | 100 Questions & Answers
with Detailed Rationales | Complete
Exam Prep & Study Guide
1. A nurse is assessing a client who has systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Which finding should the nurse expect?
A. Unilateral weakness
B. Butterfly-shaped facial rash
C. Productive cough
D. Increased appetite
Answer: Butterfly-shaped facial rash
Rationale: A butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and bridge of the nose is a
classic manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus.
2. A nurse is teaching a client who has rheumatoid arthritis about the disease.
Which statement should the nurse include?
A. Rheumatoid arthritis primarily affects the kidneys.
B. The disorder causes chronic inflammation of the joints.
C. The disorder is caused by excessive insulin production.
D. Rheumatoid arthritis only affects older adults.
Answer: The disorder causes chronic inflammation of the joints.
,Rationale: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder characterized by
chronic inflammation of the synovial joints.
3. A nurse is caring for a client who has HIV. Which laboratory test is most
important for evaluating immune function?
A. Hemoglobin
B. Serum sodium
C. CD4 T-cell count
D. Platelet count
Answer: CD4 T-cell count
Rationale: The CD4 T-cell count measures immune system function and helps
determine the risk for opportunistic infections in clients with HIV.
4. A client with HIV has a CD4 count of 180 cells/mm³. Which condition is the
client at increased risk for?
A. Osteoarthritis
B. Opportunistic infection
C. Hyperthyroidism
D. Cataracts
Answer: Opportunistic infection
Rationale: A significantly reduced CD4 count indicates impaired immune
function and increases the risk for opportunistic infections.
5. A nurse is teaching a client who is prescribed antiretroviral therapy. Which
instruction is most important?
A. Stop therapy when symptoms improve.
B. Take medications only when fever occurs.
C. Take the medications consistently as prescribed.
D. Double the next dose if one dose is missed.
Answer: Take the medications consistently as prescribed.
,Rationale: Consistent adherence to antiretroviral therapy suppresses viral
replication and reduces the risk of treatment resistance.
6. A nurse is caring for a client with an autoimmune disorder who is receiving
prednisone. Which adverse effect should the nurse monitor for?
A. Hypoglycemia
B. Infection
C. Bradycardia
D. Hypothermia
Answer: Infection
Rationale: Corticosteroids suppress immune function and increase susceptibility
to infection.
7. A nurse is teaching a client about long-term corticosteroid therapy. Which
instruction should the nurse provide?
A. Stop the medication abruptly when feeling better.
B. Do not discontinue the medication abruptly.
C. Avoid monitoring blood glucose.
D. Take double doses during minor illness without instructions.
Answer: Do not discontinue the medication abruptly.
Rationale: Long-term corticosteroid therapy suppresses adrenal function, so the
medication must generally be tapered as prescribed to prevent adrenal
insufficiency.
8. A client with SLE reports increased fatigue and joint pain. Which laboratory
test may be used to help evaluate the disorder?
A. Troponin
B. Antinuclear antibody (ANA)
C. Serum amylase
D. Hemoglobin A1C
, Answer: Antinuclear antibody (ANA)
Rationale: ANA testing is commonly associated with autoimmune disorders such
as SLE and can support the diagnosis.
9. A nurse is teaching a client with SLE about avoiding disease exacerbations.
Which instruction is appropriate?
A. Increase exposure to sunlight.
B. Use sunscreen and avoid excessive sun exposure.
C. Avoid all physical activity.
D. Increase sodium intake.
Answer: Use sunscreen and avoid excessive sun exposure.
Rationale: Ultraviolet light can trigger or worsen SLE manifestations, so clients
should protect their skin from excessive sunlight.
10.A nurse is assessing a client who has an acute allergic reaction. Which
finding requires immediate intervention?
A. Sneezing
B. Urticaria
C. Difficulty breathing
D. Mild itching
Answer: Difficulty breathing
Rationale: Respiratory compromise can indicate anaphylaxis and requires
immediate treatment to maintain airway and oxygenation.
11.A client develops anaphylaxis after receiving a medication. Which
medication should the nurse anticipate administering first?
A. Diphenhydramine
B. Prednisone
C. Epinephrine
D. Acetaminophen
