ATI Adult Medical-Surgical Proctored Exam Review and Study Guide | Respiratory,
Cardiovascular, Gastrointestinal, Renal, Endocrine, Musculoskeletal, Neurological,
and Integumentary Disorders, Nursing Interventions, Patient Assessment,
Pharmacology, Lab Values, Safety Priorities, and ATI Practice Questions with
Detailed Rationales | Updated 2026 Nursing Test Prep
,Question 1
A client is admitted with suspected pulmonary embolism. Which assessment finding
should the nurse prioritize?
A. Bradycardia
B. Hypertension
C. Sudden onset dyspnea
D. Peripheral edema
Correct Answer: C
RATIONALE:Sudden onset dyspnea is a hallmark sign of pulmonary embolism due to
impaired gas exchange and reduced oxygenation. Bradycardia and hypertension are not
typical; peripheral edema may suggest deep vein thrombosis but is less urgent than
acute respiratory distress.
Question 2
Which laboratory value is most critical to monitor in a client receiving heparin therapy?
A. Hemoglobin
B. Platelet count
C. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
D. International normalized ratio (INR)
Correct Answer: C
RATIONALE:aPTT is used to monitor heparin’s anticoagulant effect. INR is used for
warfarin. Platelet count is important to detect heparin-induced thrombocytopenia but is
not the primary measure of therapeutic efficacy.
Question 3
A client with heart failure is prescribed furosemide. Which electrolyte imbalance should
the nurse anticipate?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypercalcemia
D. Hypermagnesemia
Correct Answer: B
RATIONALE:Furosemide is a loop diuretic that increases potassium excretion, leading
to hypokalemia. Monitoring potassium levels and providing supplementation if needed
is essential.
Question 4
Which statement by a client with type 2 diabetes indicates effective teaching about foot
care?
, A. “I’ll soak my feet in hot water daily.”
B. “I can go barefoot at home.”
C. “I’ll inspect my feet every day for cuts or blisters.”
D. “I’ll use a heating pad to warm my feet.”
Correct Answer: C
RATIONALE:Daily foot inspection helps detect injuries early, preventing infection and
ulceration. Soaking, barefoot walking, and heating pads increase risk of burns or trauma
due to neuropathy.
Question 5
A client is scheduled for a colonoscopy. Which instruction should the nurse include in
preprocedure teaching?
A. “Eat a high-fiber meal the night before.”
B. “Consume only clear liquids the day before the procedure.”
C. “Take your morning insulin as usual.”
D. “Stop all medications 7 days prior.”
Correct Answer: B
RATIONALE:Clear liquid diet and bowel prep are required to ensure adequate
visualization of the colon. Medications like insulin may need adjustment, but not all
meds are stopped.
Question 6
Which finding in a client 24 hours postoperative following abdominal surgery requires
immediate intervention?
A. Incisional pain rated 5/10
B. Abdominal distention with absent bowel sounds
C. Temperature of 37.8°C (100°F)
D. Urine output of 30 mL/hr
Correct Answer: B
RATIONALE:Abdominal distention with absent bowel sounds may indicate paralytic
ileus or bowel obstruction, requiring prompt evaluation. Mild fever and moderate pain
are common postoperatively.
Question 7
A client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) has a serum potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L.
Which intervention should the nurse anticipate?
A. Oral potassium supplements
B. Administration of sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate)
Cardiovascular, Gastrointestinal, Renal, Endocrine, Musculoskeletal, Neurological,
and Integumentary Disorders, Nursing Interventions, Patient Assessment,
Pharmacology, Lab Values, Safety Priorities, and ATI Practice Questions with
Detailed Rationales | Updated 2026 Nursing Test Prep
,Question 1
A client is admitted with suspected pulmonary embolism. Which assessment finding
should the nurse prioritize?
A. Bradycardia
B. Hypertension
C. Sudden onset dyspnea
D. Peripheral edema
Correct Answer: C
RATIONALE:Sudden onset dyspnea is a hallmark sign of pulmonary embolism due to
impaired gas exchange and reduced oxygenation. Bradycardia and hypertension are not
typical; peripheral edema may suggest deep vein thrombosis but is less urgent than
acute respiratory distress.
Question 2
Which laboratory value is most critical to monitor in a client receiving heparin therapy?
A. Hemoglobin
B. Platelet count
C. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
D. International normalized ratio (INR)
Correct Answer: C
RATIONALE:aPTT is used to monitor heparin’s anticoagulant effect. INR is used for
warfarin. Platelet count is important to detect heparin-induced thrombocytopenia but is
not the primary measure of therapeutic efficacy.
Question 3
A client with heart failure is prescribed furosemide. Which electrolyte imbalance should
the nurse anticipate?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypercalcemia
D. Hypermagnesemia
Correct Answer: B
RATIONALE:Furosemide is a loop diuretic that increases potassium excretion, leading
to hypokalemia. Monitoring potassium levels and providing supplementation if needed
is essential.
Question 4
Which statement by a client with type 2 diabetes indicates effective teaching about foot
care?
, A. “I’ll soak my feet in hot water daily.”
B. “I can go barefoot at home.”
C. “I’ll inspect my feet every day for cuts or blisters.”
D. “I’ll use a heating pad to warm my feet.”
Correct Answer: C
RATIONALE:Daily foot inspection helps detect injuries early, preventing infection and
ulceration. Soaking, barefoot walking, and heating pads increase risk of burns or trauma
due to neuropathy.
Question 5
A client is scheduled for a colonoscopy. Which instruction should the nurse include in
preprocedure teaching?
A. “Eat a high-fiber meal the night before.”
B. “Consume only clear liquids the day before the procedure.”
C. “Take your morning insulin as usual.”
D. “Stop all medications 7 days prior.”
Correct Answer: B
RATIONALE:Clear liquid diet and bowel prep are required to ensure adequate
visualization of the colon. Medications like insulin may need adjustment, but not all
meds are stopped.
Question 6
Which finding in a client 24 hours postoperative following abdominal surgery requires
immediate intervention?
A. Incisional pain rated 5/10
B. Abdominal distention with absent bowel sounds
C. Temperature of 37.8°C (100°F)
D. Urine output of 30 mL/hr
Correct Answer: B
RATIONALE:Abdominal distention with absent bowel sounds may indicate paralytic
ileus or bowel obstruction, requiring prompt evaluation. Mild fever and moderate pain
are common postoperatively.
Question 7
A client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) has a serum potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L.
Which intervention should the nurse anticipate?
A. Oral potassium supplements
B. Administration of sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate)
