ATI RN ADULT MEDICAL-SURGICAL PROCTORED EXAM 2026| COMPREHENSIVE STUDY GUIDE QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS ALREADY GRADED A+. 100% Verified Solutions | Updated Per Latest Guidelines | Graded A+
CORE DOMAINS
Management of Care (20%)
Safety and Infection Control (12%)
Health Promotion and Maintenance (8%)
Psychosocial Integrity (8%)
Basic Care and Comfort (10%)
Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies (15%)
Reduction of Risk Potential (12%)
Physiological Adaptation (15%)
INTRODUCTION
This comprehensive examination preparation resource is meticulously designed for nursing students preparing for
the ATI RN Adult Medical-Surgical Proctored Examination. The assessment mirrors the official ATI blueprint, testing
candidates on management of care, safety and infection control, health promotion, psychosocial integrity, basic
care and comfort, pharmacological therapies, reduction of risk potential, and physiological adaptation across adult
medical-surgical populations. Each question demands critical thinking, clinical judgment, and the application of
evidence-based nursing principles to realistic patient scenarios. The examination emphasizes patient safety,
,prioritization, delegation, and the professional competencies expected of entry-level RNs. Candidates are expected
to demonstrate mastery of medical-surgical nursing concepts and the ability to make sound clinical decisions in
complex healthcare environments.
SECTION ONE
QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who has an oxygen saturation
of 88% on room air. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Administer oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 L/min
B. Place the patient in a high-Fowler's position
C. Notify the healthcare provider
D. Assess the patient's respiratory rate and depth
🟢 Correct Answer:
D
🔴 RATIONALE:
,Assessment is the first step of the nursing process. The nurse should assess the patient's respiratory rate, depth,
and work of breathing before initiating interventions. While administering oxygen and positioning are
appropriate, the nurse must first gather more data to determine the urgency and appropriate intervention.
Question 2
A nurse is caring for a patient with heart failure who has been prescribed furosemide. Which of the following
assessment findings indicates the medication is having the desired therapeutic effect?
A. Increased blood pressure
B. Weight loss
C. Increased heart rate
D. Decreased urinary output
🟢 Correct Answer:
B
🔴 RATIONALE:
Furosemide is a loop diuretic used to reduce fluid volume in heart failure. The desired therapeutic effect is
diuresis, which should result in weight loss as excess fluid is eliminated. Increased blood pressure and heart rate
are signs of worsening heart failure. Decreased urinary output indicates the medication is not effective.
, Question 3
A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a patient with a new colostomy. Which of the following statements
by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "I should empty my pouch when it is one-third to one-half full."
B. "I can change my pouch system whenever I want."
C. "I should eat foods that help thicken my output."
D. "I should avoid eating foods that cause gas."
🟢 Correct Answer:
B
🔴 RATIONALE:
Colostomy pouches should be changed in the morning before eating or drinking to minimize output, and
typically every 3-7 days depending on the type of system. Changing the pouch "whenever I want" suggests the
patient does not understand the need for a scheduled routine to maintain skin integrity and prevent leakage.
Question 4
A patient with diabetes mellitus type 2 is prescribed metformin. Which of the following adverse effects should
the nurse monitor for?
AND ANSWERS ALREADY GRADED A+. 100% Verified Solutions | Updated Per Latest Guidelines | Graded A+
CORE DOMAINS
Management of Care (20%)
Safety and Infection Control (12%)
Health Promotion and Maintenance (8%)
Psychosocial Integrity (8%)
Basic Care and Comfort (10%)
Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies (15%)
Reduction of Risk Potential (12%)
Physiological Adaptation (15%)
INTRODUCTION
This comprehensive examination preparation resource is meticulously designed for nursing students preparing for
the ATI RN Adult Medical-Surgical Proctored Examination. The assessment mirrors the official ATI blueprint, testing
candidates on management of care, safety and infection control, health promotion, psychosocial integrity, basic
care and comfort, pharmacological therapies, reduction of risk potential, and physiological adaptation across adult
medical-surgical populations. Each question demands critical thinking, clinical judgment, and the application of
evidence-based nursing principles to realistic patient scenarios. The examination emphasizes patient safety,
,prioritization, delegation, and the professional competencies expected of entry-level RNs. Candidates are expected
to demonstrate mastery of medical-surgical nursing concepts and the ability to make sound clinical decisions in
complex healthcare environments.
SECTION ONE
QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who has an oxygen saturation
of 88% on room air. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Administer oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 L/min
B. Place the patient in a high-Fowler's position
C. Notify the healthcare provider
D. Assess the patient's respiratory rate and depth
🟢 Correct Answer:
D
🔴 RATIONALE:
,Assessment is the first step of the nursing process. The nurse should assess the patient's respiratory rate, depth,
and work of breathing before initiating interventions. While administering oxygen and positioning are
appropriate, the nurse must first gather more data to determine the urgency and appropriate intervention.
Question 2
A nurse is caring for a patient with heart failure who has been prescribed furosemide. Which of the following
assessment findings indicates the medication is having the desired therapeutic effect?
A. Increased blood pressure
B. Weight loss
C. Increased heart rate
D. Decreased urinary output
🟢 Correct Answer:
B
🔴 RATIONALE:
Furosemide is a loop diuretic used to reduce fluid volume in heart failure. The desired therapeutic effect is
diuresis, which should result in weight loss as excess fluid is eliminated. Increased blood pressure and heart rate
are signs of worsening heart failure. Decreased urinary output indicates the medication is not effective.
, Question 3
A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a patient with a new colostomy. Which of the following statements
by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "I should empty my pouch when it is one-third to one-half full."
B. "I can change my pouch system whenever I want."
C. "I should eat foods that help thicken my output."
D. "I should avoid eating foods that cause gas."
🟢 Correct Answer:
B
🔴 RATIONALE:
Colostomy pouches should be changed in the morning before eating or drinking to minimize output, and
typically every 3-7 days depending on the type of system. Changing the pouch "whenever I want" suggests the
patient does not understand the need for a scheduled routine to maintain skin integrity and prevent leakage.
Question 4
A patient with diabetes mellitus type 2 is prescribed metformin. Which of the following adverse effects should
the nurse monitor for?
