ATI MED-SURG CMS PROCTORED EXAM– QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | VERIFIED AND WELL DETAILED
ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES | DOWNLOAD AND PASS | LATEST EXAM UPDATE 2026/2027
Core Domains
Cardiovascular and Hematologic Systems
Respiratory and Pulmonary Function
Neurologic and Sensory Systems
Gastrointestinal and Renal Systems
Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders
Musculoskeletal and Integumentary Care
Perioperative and Emergency Nursing
Pharmacology and Parenteral Therapies
Safety, Infection Control, and Professional Standards
Introduction
The ATI Medical-Surgical CMS Proctored Exam is designed to evaluate the comprehensive clinical knowledge and
decision-making abilities of nursing students preparing for professional practice. This assessment measures mastery of
foundational theory, applied professional knowledge, regulatory compliance, ethical standards, and real-world clinical
,scenarios. The exam utilizes multiple-choice and scenario-based questions to simulate the complexities of patient care.
Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, prioritization, and safe clinical judgment. This exam-ready document provides
verified answers and detailed rationales to enhance understanding and ensure success in a high-stakes testing
environment.
Section One: Questions 1–50
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a client who has heart failure and is receiving furosemide. Which of the following findings
should the nurse identify as an adverse effect of this medication?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypotension
C. Bradycardia
D. Hypernatremia
🟢 Correct Answer: B. Hypotension
🔴 Explanation: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes fluid volume depletion, which can lead to hypotension. It
also causes hypokalemia, not hyperkalemia, and does not typically cause bradycardia or hypernatremia.
Question 2
A nurse is assessing a client who has a new diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus. Which of the following findings
,should the nurse expect?
A. Weight gain
B. Polyuria
C. Bradycardia
D. Hypertension
🟢 Correct Answer: B. Polyuria
🔴 Explanation: Polyuria is a classic manifestation of hyperglycemia in type 1 diabetes due to osmotic diuresis.
Weight loss, not gain, is common. Tachycardia and hypotension may occur with dehydration.
Question 3
A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who has chronic kidney disease. Which of the following
findings should the nurse expect?
A. Increased creatinine
B. Decreased potassium
C. Increased hemoglobin
D. Decreased phosphorus
🟢 Correct Answer: A. Increased creatinine
, 🔴 Explanation: Chronic kidney disease results in decreased glomerular filtration rate, leading to elevated creatinine.
Potassium and phosphorus are typically elevated, and hemoglobin is decreased due to anemia of chronic disease.
Question 4
A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a total hip arthroplasty. Which of the following actions
should the nurse take to prevent dislocation of the hip prosthesis?
A. Place a pillow between the client's legs
B. Keep the client's hip flexed at 90 degrees
C. Encourage the client to cross their legs
D. Position the client on the operative side
🟢 Correct Answer: A. Place a pillow between the client's legs
🔴 Explanation: Placing a pillow between the legs maintains abduction and prevents adduction, which can cause
dislocation. Hip flexion beyond 90 degrees, crossing legs, and side-lying on the operative side are contraindicated.
Question 5
A nurse is assessing a client who has a head injury. Which of the following findings should the nurse report
immediately?
A. Pupils equal and reactive
B. Clear drainage from the ear
ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES | DOWNLOAD AND PASS | LATEST EXAM UPDATE 2026/2027
Core Domains
Cardiovascular and Hematologic Systems
Respiratory and Pulmonary Function
Neurologic and Sensory Systems
Gastrointestinal and Renal Systems
Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders
Musculoskeletal and Integumentary Care
Perioperative and Emergency Nursing
Pharmacology and Parenteral Therapies
Safety, Infection Control, and Professional Standards
Introduction
The ATI Medical-Surgical CMS Proctored Exam is designed to evaluate the comprehensive clinical knowledge and
decision-making abilities of nursing students preparing for professional practice. This assessment measures mastery of
foundational theory, applied professional knowledge, regulatory compliance, ethical standards, and real-world clinical
,scenarios. The exam utilizes multiple-choice and scenario-based questions to simulate the complexities of patient care.
Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, prioritization, and safe clinical judgment. This exam-ready document provides
verified answers and detailed rationales to enhance understanding and ensure success in a high-stakes testing
environment.
Section One: Questions 1–50
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a client who has heart failure and is receiving furosemide. Which of the following findings
should the nurse identify as an adverse effect of this medication?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypotension
C. Bradycardia
D. Hypernatremia
🟢 Correct Answer: B. Hypotension
🔴 Explanation: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes fluid volume depletion, which can lead to hypotension. It
also causes hypokalemia, not hyperkalemia, and does not typically cause bradycardia or hypernatremia.
Question 2
A nurse is assessing a client who has a new diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus. Which of the following findings
,should the nurse expect?
A. Weight gain
B. Polyuria
C. Bradycardia
D. Hypertension
🟢 Correct Answer: B. Polyuria
🔴 Explanation: Polyuria is a classic manifestation of hyperglycemia in type 1 diabetes due to osmotic diuresis.
Weight loss, not gain, is common. Tachycardia and hypotension may occur with dehydration.
Question 3
A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who has chronic kidney disease. Which of the following
findings should the nurse expect?
A. Increased creatinine
B. Decreased potassium
C. Increased hemoglobin
D. Decreased phosphorus
🟢 Correct Answer: A. Increased creatinine
, 🔴 Explanation: Chronic kidney disease results in decreased glomerular filtration rate, leading to elevated creatinine.
Potassium and phosphorus are typically elevated, and hemoglobin is decreased due to anemia of chronic disease.
Question 4
A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a total hip arthroplasty. Which of the following actions
should the nurse take to prevent dislocation of the hip prosthesis?
A. Place a pillow between the client's legs
B. Keep the client's hip flexed at 90 degrees
C. Encourage the client to cross their legs
D. Position the client on the operative side
🟢 Correct Answer: A. Place a pillow between the client's legs
🔴 Explanation: Placing a pillow between the legs maintains abduction and prevents adduction, which can cause
dislocation. Hip flexion beyond 90 degrees, crossing legs, and side-lying on the operative side are contraindicated.
Question 5
A nurse is assessing a client who has a head injury. Which of the following findings should the nurse report
immediately?
A. Pupils equal and reactive
B. Clear drainage from the ear
