ATI RN ADULT MEDICAL SURGICAL
2026 COMPREHENSIVE PRACTICE
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is in the compensatory stage of shock. Which of the
following findings should the nurse expect?
A. Decreased urinary output
B. Cold, clammy skin
C. Confusion and lethargy
D. Metabolic acidosis
E. Hypotension
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: In the compensatory stage of shock, the body attempts to
maintain homeostasis through the activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the
renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, leading to sodium and water retention, which
decreases urinary output. Cold, clammy skin and confusion typically occur in the
progressive stage.
,2. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client following a total hip arthroplasty. Which
of the following instructions should the nurse include?
A. Use a raised toilet seat.
B. Cross legs at the ankles only.
C. Flex the hip at 120 degrees when sitting.
D. Sleep on the operative side.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: To prevent hip dislocation following a total hip arthroplasty, the
client should avoid flexing the hip more than 90 degrees. Using a raised toilet seat helps
maintain the hip in a safe position. Crossing legs and sleeping on the operative side are
contraindicated.
3. A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for a magnesium sulfate infusion for
the treatment of hypomagnesemia. Which of the following findings indicates magnesium
toxicity?
A. Hyperreflexia
B. Decreased deep tendon reflexes
C. Tachycardia
D. Increased blood pressure
Answer: B
, Conceptual Explanation: Magnesium toxicity causes CNS depression, which manifests as
decreased or absent deep tendon reflexes, respiratory depression, and hypotension.
Hyperreflexia is a sign of hypomagnesemia.
4. A nurse is assessing a client who has Cushing’s syndrome. Which of the following findings
should the nurse expect?
A. Trunkal obesity
B. Hyponatremia
C. Weight loss
D. Hypotension
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Cushing’s syndrome is characterized by an overproduction of
cortisol, leading to fat redistribution resulting in trunkal obesity, a moon face, and a buffalo
hump. Other findings include hypernatremia, weight gain, and hypertension.
5. A nurse is caring for a client who has a chest tube connected to a water-seal drainage
system. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Observe for fluctuations in the water-seal chamber with breathing.
B. Maintain the drainage system above the level of the chest.
C. Empty the drainage chamber every shift.
D. Clamp the chest tube for 30 minutes every 8 hours.
2026 COMPREHENSIVE PRACTICE
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is in the compensatory stage of shock. Which of the
following findings should the nurse expect?
A. Decreased urinary output
B. Cold, clammy skin
C. Confusion and lethargy
D. Metabolic acidosis
E. Hypotension
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: In the compensatory stage of shock, the body attempts to
maintain homeostasis through the activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the
renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, leading to sodium and water retention, which
decreases urinary output. Cold, clammy skin and confusion typically occur in the
progressive stage.
,2. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client following a total hip arthroplasty. Which
of the following instructions should the nurse include?
A. Use a raised toilet seat.
B. Cross legs at the ankles only.
C. Flex the hip at 120 degrees when sitting.
D. Sleep on the operative side.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: To prevent hip dislocation following a total hip arthroplasty, the
client should avoid flexing the hip more than 90 degrees. Using a raised toilet seat helps
maintain the hip in a safe position. Crossing legs and sleeping on the operative side are
contraindicated.
3. A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for a magnesium sulfate infusion for
the treatment of hypomagnesemia. Which of the following findings indicates magnesium
toxicity?
A. Hyperreflexia
B. Decreased deep tendon reflexes
C. Tachycardia
D. Increased blood pressure
Answer: B
, Conceptual Explanation: Magnesium toxicity causes CNS depression, which manifests as
decreased or absent deep tendon reflexes, respiratory depression, and hypotension.
Hyperreflexia is a sign of hypomagnesemia.
4. A nurse is assessing a client who has Cushing’s syndrome. Which of the following findings
should the nurse expect?
A. Trunkal obesity
B. Hyponatremia
C. Weight loss
D. Hypotension
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Cushing’s syndrome is characterized by an overproduction of
cortisol, leading to fat redistribution resulting in trunkal obesity, a moon face, and a buffalo
hump. Other findings include hypernatremia, weight gain, and hypertension.
5. A nurse is caring for a client who has a chest tube connected to a water-seal drainage
system. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Observe for fluctuations in the water-seal chamber with breathing.
B. Maintain the drainage system above the level of the chest.
C. Empty the drainage chamber every shift.
D. Clamp the chest tube for 30 minutes every 8 hours.
