ATI PN ADULT MEDICAL-SURGICAL
CMS EXAM QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026
Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF.
Core Domains
Cardiovascular Disorders and Management
Respiratory Disorders and Oxygenation
Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders
Renal and Genitourinary Disorders
Gastrointestinal and Hepatic Disorders
Neurological and Musculoskeletal Disorders
Hematologic and Oncologic Disorders
Perioperative and Emergency Nursing
Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance
Infection Control, Safety, and Professional Practice
Introduction
This comprehensive examination assesses the practical
nursing candidate's clinical judgment and application of
evidence-based adult medical-surgical nursing. It
evaluates assessment, prioritization, medication safety,
infection control, and management of acute and chronic
conditions. Multiple-choice and scenario-based questions
emphasize real-world decision-making, critical thinking,
and patient safety. Candidates must demonstrate the
ability to recognize changes in condition, intervene
,appropriately, and collaborate within interdisciplinary
teams. This test bank supports exam readiness for the
ATI PN Adult Medical-Surgical CMS Proctored
Assessment.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
1. A client is admitted with a suspected myocardial
infarction. Which laboratory test is most specific for
myocardial damage?
A. Creatine kinase (CK)
B. Troponin I
C. Myoglobin
D. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
Correct answer: B
RATIONALE: Troponin I is highly specific to cardiac
muscle and is the preferred biomarker for myocardial
infarction.
2. A client with heart failure is prescribed furosemide.
Which assessment finding indicates a therapeutic
response?
A. Increased urine output and decreased edema
B. Weight gain
C. Crackles in the lungs
D. Increased jugular venous distention
Correct answer: A
, RATIONALE: Furosemide is a loop diuretic. Increased
urine output with reduced edema indicates effective
diuresis.
3. A client is taking digoxin. Which finding indicates
possible toxicity?
A. Heart rate 110/min
B. Blood pressure 140/90 mm Hg
C. Nausea and visual changes
D. Respiratory rate 20/min
Correct answer: C
RATIONALE: Nausea, vomiting, and visual
disturbances such as halos are classic signs of digoxin
toxicity.
4. A client with atrial fibrillation is prescribed warfarin.
Which laboratory value should the practical nurse
monitor?
A. aPTT
B. INR
C. Platelet count
D. Bleeding time
Correct answer: B
RATIONALE: INR is used to monitor warfarin therapy.
aPTT monitors heparin.
, 5. A client receiving heparin has a platelet count of
80,000/mm³. Which complication should the
practical nurse suspect?
A. Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia
B. Hemophilia
C. Vitamin K deficiency
D. Disseminated intravascular coagulation
Correct answer: A
RATIONALE: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is a
serious immune-mediated reaction causing a drop in
platelets.
6. A client with an abdominal aortic aneurysm reports
sudden severe back pain. Which action should the
practical nurse take first?
A. Administer pain medication
B. Notify the provider immediately
C. Obtain a urine specimen
D. Reposition the client
Correct answer: B
RATIONALE: Sudden severe back pain may indicate
aneurysm rupture, a life-threatening emergency requiring
immediate notification.
7. A client is postoperative day one following a femoral-
popliteal bypass. Which finding requires immediate
intervention?
CMS EXAM QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026
Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF.
Core Domains
Cardiovascular Disorders and Management
Respiratory Disorders and Oxygenation
Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders
Renal and Genitourinary Disorders
Gastrointestinal and Hepatic Disorders
Neurological and Musculoskeletal Disorders
Hematologic and Oncologic Disorders
Perioperative and Emergency Nursing
Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance
Infection Control, Safety, and Professional Practice
Introduction
This comprehensive examination assesses the practical
nursing candidate's clinical judgment and application of
evidence-based adult medical-surgical nursing. It
evaluates assessment, prioritization, medication safety,
infection control, and management of acute and chronic
conditions. Multiple-choice and scenario-based questions
emphasize real-world decision-making, critical thinking,
and patient safety. Candidates must demonstrate the
ability to recognize changes in condition, intervene
,appropriately, and collaborate within interdisciplinary
teams. This test bank supports exam readiness for the
ATI PN Adult Medical-Surgical CMS Proctored
Assessment.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
1. A client is admitted with a suspected myocardial
infarction. Which laboratory test is most specific for
myocardial damage?
A. Creatine kinase (CK)
B. Troponin I
C. Myoglobin
D. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
Correct answer: B
RATIONALE: Troponin I is highly specific to cardiac
muscle and is the preferred biomarker for myocardial
infarction.
2. A client with heart failure is prescribed furosemide.
Which assessment finding indicates a therapeutic
response?
A. Increased urine output and decreased edema
B. Weight gain
C. Crackles in the lungs
D. Increased jugular venous distention
Correct answer: A
, RATIONALE: Furosemide is a loop diuretic. Increased
urine output with reduced edema indicates effective
diuresis.
3. A client is taking digoxin. Which finding indicates
possible toxicity?
A. Heart rate 110/min
B. Blood pressure 140/90 mm Hg
C. Nausea and visual changes
D. Respiratory rate 20/min
Correct answer: C
RATIONALE: Nausea, vomiting, and visual
disturbances such as halos are classic signs of digoxin
toxicity.
4. A client with atrial fibrillation is prescribed warfarin.
Which laboratory value should the practical nurse
monitor?
A. aPTT
B. INR
C. Platelet count
D. Bleeding time
Correct answer: B
RATIONALE: INR is used to monitor warfarin therapy.
aPTT monitors heparin.
, 5. A client receiving heparin has a platelet count of
80,000/mm³. Which complication should the
practical nurse suspect?
A. Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia
B. Hemophilia
C. Vitamin K deficiency
D. Disseminated intravascular coagulation
Correct answer: A
RATIONALE: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is a
serious immune-mediated reaction causing a drop in
platelets.
6. A client with an abdominal aortic aneurysm reports
sudden severe back pain. Which action should the
practical nurse take first?
A. Administer pain medication
B. Notify the provider immediately
C. Obtain a urine specimen
D. Reposition the client
Correct answer: B
RATIONALE: Sudden severe back pain may indicate
aneurysm rupture, a life-threatening emergency requiring
immediate notification.
7. A client is postoperative day one following a femoral-
popliteal bypass. Which finding requires immediate
intervention?
