ATI RN Medical Surgical Nursing Exam Review |
Complete Exam Study Guide with Actual Exam
Questions, Verified Correct Answers and Detailed
Clinical Rationales | Latest Updated Edition-
(2026/2027 New Version) | Already Graded A+
Question 1
A nurse is planning discharge teaching for a client who has systemic lupus
erythematosus (SLE). Which of the following instructions should the nurse plan to
include?
A. "Avoid the use of NSAIDs."
B. "Stop taking the corticosteroids when your symptoms resolve."
C. "Exposure to ultraviolet light will help control the skin rashes."
D. "Monitor your body temperature and report any elevations promptly."
Answer: D
Rationale: Clients with SLE are immunosuppressed and at risk for infection.
Fever should be reported promptly. NSAIDs are used for symptom management,
corticosteroids should not be stopped abruptly, and UV light exposure worsens
rashes.
Question 2
A nurse is caring for a client who has systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and is
concerned about skin lesions on the face and neck. The client asks the nurse, "What
should I do about these spots?" Which of the following nursing responses should
the nurse give?
A. "Keep the lesions covered with a light sterile dressing when going outdoors."
B. "There is not much you can do. The lesions will go away when your disease is in
remission."
C. "Apply moisturizer after bathing the lesions with warm water."
D. "Apply antibiotic cream twice a day until scabs form on the lesions."
Answer: C
Rationale: Moisturizers help soothe skin lesions. Warm water is less irritating
than hot water. Sterile dressings and antibiotic creams are not indicated for SLE
skin lesions.
Question 3
A nurse is caring for a client who is 3 days postoperative following a right total hip
arthroplasty. While transferring to a chair, the client cries out in pain. The nurse
1
,should assess the client for which of the following manifestations of dislocation of
the hip prosthesis?
A. Bulging in the area over the surgical incision
B. Shortening of the right leg
C. Sensation of warmth over the surgical incision
D. Pallor following elevation of the right leg
Answer: B
Rationale: Shortening of the affected leg is a sign of hip prosthesis dislocation.
Bulging, warmth, and pallor are not specific to dislocation.
Question 4
A nurse is caring for a client who has a pelvic fracture. The client reports sudden
shortness of breath, stabbing chest pain, and feelings of doom. The nurse should
identify that the client is experiencing which of the following complications?
A. Pneumonia
B. Pulmonary embolus
C. Tension pneumothorax
D. Tuberculosis
Answer: B
Rationale: Sudden shortness of breath, stabbing chest pain, and feelings of doom
are classic signs of pulmonary embolism, a complication of pelvic fractures.
Question 5
A nurse is caring for a client who is in skeletal traction following a femur fracture.
The nurse finds the client has slid down toward the foot of the bed and the traction
weight is resting on the floor. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Remove the weight temporarily to reposition the client to the correct alignment
in bed.
B. Have the client use a trapeze to pull himself up while ensuring the weight hangs
freely.
C. Lift the rope off the pulley while the client rocks back and forth to reposition.
D. Lift the weight manually while another staff member moves the client up in bed.
Answer: B
Rationale: The client should use the trapeze to reposition while ensuring the
weight hangs freely. Traction weights should never be lifted or removed.
Question 6
A nurse is providing preoperative teaching for a client who is scheduled for total
knee arthroplasty. Which of the following statements by the client should the nurse
identify as understanding of the teaching?
2
, A. "I will wear a continuous movement machine on my knee for 24 hours a day."
B. "I should avoid taking NSAID medications for pain after surgery."
C. "I should wear elastic stockings on both of my legs."
D. "I will begin exercising my legs the day after surgery."
Answer: C
Rationale: Elastic stockings prevent DVT postoperatively. CPM is not used 24
hours/day, NSAIDs are used, and exercise begins on the day of surgery.
Question 7
A nurse is discussing the plan of care with a client who has osteomyelitis of an open
wound on his heel. Which of the following information should nurse include?
A. "You will need to apply a cold pack to the site three times a day."
B. "Your provider might ask you to walk frequently to increase circulation to the
area."
C. "You will need to limit consumption of high-protein foods."
D. "Your provider might prescribe a central catheter line for long-term antibiotic
therapy."
Answer: D
Rationale: Osteomyelitis requires long-term IV antibiotic therapy, often via
central line. Cold packs, frequent walking, and protein restriction are not indicated.
Question 8
A nurse in the emergency department is assessing a client who was in a motor-
vehicle crash 2 days ago and sustained fractures to his tibia, ulna, and several ribs.
The client is now disoriented to time and place, has a SaO2 of 87% and the nurse
notes generalized petechiae on the client's skin. Which of the following
complications should the nurse suspect?
A. Hypovolemic shock
B. Fat embolism syndrome
C. Thrombophlebitis
Answer: B
Rationale: Fat embolism syndrome presents with confusion, hypoxia, and
petechiae in clients with long bone fractures.
Question 9
A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following shoulder surgery. The
client has a prescription to keep the affected arm adducted. Which of the following
instructions should the nurse provide the client?
A. "Keep your arm bent at the elbow."
B. "Use a pillow to prop your shoulder up close to your ear."
3
Complete Exam Study Guide with Actual Exam
Questions, Verified Correct Answers and Detailed
Clinical Rationales | Latest Updated Edition-
(2026/2027 New Version) | Already Graded A+
Question 1
A nurse is planning discharge teaching for a client who has systemic lupus
erythematosus (SLE). Which of the following instructions should the nurse plan to
include?
A. "Avoid the use of NSAIDs."
B. "Stop taking the corticosteroids when your symptoms resolve."
C. "Exposure to ultraviolet light will help control the skin rashes."
D. "Monitor your body temperature and report any elevations promptly."
Answer: D
Rationale: Clients with SLE are immunosuppressed and at risk for infection.
Fever should be reported promptly. NSAIDs are used for symptom management,
corticosteroids should not be stopped abruptly, and UV light exposure worsens
rashes.
Question 2
A nurse is caring for a client who has systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and is
concerned about skin lesions on the face and neck. The client asks the nurse, "What
should I do about these spots?" Which of the following nursing responses should
the nurse give?
A. "Keep the lesions covered with a light sterile dressing when going outdoors."
B. "There is not much you can do. The lesions will go away when your disease is in
remission."
C. "Apply moisturizer after bathing the lesions with warm water."
D. "Apply antibiotic cream twice a day until scabs form on the lesions."
Answer: C
Rationale: Moisturizers help soothe skin lesions. Warm water is less irritating
than hot water. Sterile dressings and antibiotic creams are not indicated for SLE
skin lesions.
Question 3
A nurse is caring for a client who is 3 days postoperative following a right total hip
arthroplasty. While transferring to a chair, the client cries out in pain. The nurse
1
,should assess the client for which of the following manifestations of dislocation of
the hip prosthesis?
A. Bulging in the area over the surgical incision
B. Shortening of the right leg
C. Sensation of warmth over the surgical incision
D. Pallor following elevation of the right leg
Answer: B
Rationale: Shortening of the affected leg is a sign of hip prosthesis dislocation.
Bulging, warmth, and pallor are not specific to dislocation.
Question 4
A nurse is caring for a client who has a pelvic fracture. The client reports sudden
shortness of breath, stabbing chest pain, and feelings of doom. The nurse should
identify that the client is experiencing which of the following complications?
A. Pneumonia
B. Pulmonary embolus
C. Tension pneumothorax
D. Tuberculosis
Answer: B
Rationale: Sudden shortness of breath, stabbing chest pain, and feelings of doom
are classic signs of pulmonary embolism, a complication of pelvic fractures.
Question 5
A nurse is caring for a client who is in skeletal traction following a femur fracture.
The nurse finds the client has slid down toward the foot of the bed and the traction
weight is resting on the floor. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Remove the weight temporarily to reposition the client to the correct alignment
in bed.
B. Have the client use a trapeze to pull himself up while ensuring the weight hangs
freely.
C. Lift the rope off the pulley while the client rocks back and forth to reposition.
D. Lift the weight manually while another staff member moves the client up in bed.
Answer: B
Rationale: The client should use the trapeze to reposition while ensuring the
weight hangs freely. Traction weights should never be lifted or removed.
Question 6
A nurse is providing preoperative teaching for a client who is scheduled for total
knee arthroplasty. Which of the following statements by the client should the nurse
identify as understanding of the teaching?
2
, A. "I will wear a continuous movement machine on my knee for 24 hours a day."
B. "I should avoid taking NSAID medications for pain after surgery."
C. "I should wear elastic stockings on both of my legs."
D. "I will begin exercising my legs the day after surgery."
Answer: C
Rationale: Elastic stockings prevent DVT postoperatively. CPM is not used 24
hours/day, NSAIDs are used, and exercise begins on the day of surgery.
Question 7
A nurse is discussing the plan of care with a client who has osteomyelitis of an open
wound on his heel. Which of the following information should nurse include?
A. "You will need to apply a cold pack to the site three times a day."
B. "Your provider might ask you to walk frequently to increase circulation to the
area."
C. "You will need to limit consumption of high-protein foods."
D. "Your provider might prescribe a central catheter line for long-term antibiotic
therapy."
Answer: D
Rationale: Osteomyelitis requires long-term IV antibiotic therapy, often via
central line. Cold packs, frequent walking, and protein restriction are not indicated.
Question 8
A nurse in the emergency department is assessing a client who was in a motor-
vehicle crash 2 days ago and sustained fractures to his tibia, ulna, and several ribs.
The client is now disoriented to time and place, has a SaO2 of 87% and the nurse
notes generalized petechiae on the client's skin. Which of the following
complications should the nurse suspect?
A. Hypovolemic shock
B. Fat embolism syndrome
C. Thrombophlebitis
Answer: B
Rationale: Fat embolism syndrome presents with confusion, hypoxia, and
petechiae in clients with long bone fractures.
Question 9
A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following shoulder surgery. The
client has a prescription to keep the affected arm adducted. Which of the following
instructions should the nurse provide the client?
A. "Keep your arm bent at the elbow."
B. "Use a pillow to prop your shoulder up close to your ear."
3
