ATI Medical-Surgical Practice Assessment A 2026 | 178
Questions & Answers | Exam Prep
1. In a scenario where a patient requires both regular and NPH insulin, what
would be the potential consequences of administering them in the wrong
order?
No effect on the patient's overall treatment plan.
Increased risk of hypoglycemia or inadequate blood glucose
control.
Improved patient outcomes due to faster action of NPH.
No significant consequences as both insulins work independently.
2. A nurse is preparing a patient for incentive spirometry but notices the patient
is unable to sit upright due to pain. What alternative position could the nurse
suggest to still promote effective use of the spirometer?
Lying flat on their back
Sitting in a reclined position with legs elevated
Standing up straight
Sitting at a 45-degree angle
3. Describe how a cane should be used to ensure maximum safety for a patient.
A cane should be used in both hands for better grip.
A cane should be placed behind the patient for support.
A cane should be used only when the patient feels tired.
A cane should be held on the stronger side of the body and moved
forward with the weaker leg.
,4. Which intervention would the nurse consider while administering intravenous
(IV) therapy in an older-adult patient?
Secure the catheter with tape.
Adjust the insertion angle to 45 degrees for vein puncture.
Use a small-gauge catheter.
Use the back of the hand for the IV line.
5. For an oral liquid medication <5ml, you should:
use your best estimation when pouring
an oral liquid med this small is useless, do not pour
pour it into a med cup
use an oral syringe to draw up liquid
6. A client visits an urgent care center and tells the nurse that he has had nausea
and vomiting for 3 days and thinks he has the flu. The nurse should assess the
client for symptoms of:
dehydration.
chronic fatigue.
vitamin C deficiency.
adequate carbohydrate intake.
7. A nurse is assessing an adult client who has been immobile for the past 3
weeks. for wof findings should the nurse intervene?
one bowel movement every other day
fluid intake of 3000 ml per day
, lower-extremity pulse strength of 2+
erythema in pressure points
8. Why might a nurse question a medication order for digoxin at a dosage of
0.25 mg?
The patient is allergic to digoxin.
The dosage may be outside the normal therapeutic range for the
patient.
The medication is not on the formulary.
The route of administration is incorrect.
9. Describe why corticosteroids are contraindicated in the treatment of herpes
zoster.
Corticosteroids are used to relieve pain associated with herpes zoster.
Corticosteroids have no effect on herpes zoster.
Corticosteroids enhance the immune response, aiding recovery.
Corticosteroids can suppress the immune response, potentially
worsening the infection.
10. If a patient has a history of renal impairment, how should the nurse approach
the administration of digoxin 0.25 by mouth?
The nurse should consult a pharmacist for alternative medications.
The nurse should administer the medication as ordered without
question.
The nurse should assess the patient's renal function and consider
adjusting the dosage.
The nurse should increase the dosage to ensure effectiveness.
, 11. If a nurse administers medication through an enteral tube without verifying its
placement, what potential complication could arise?
Delayed drug absorption.
Increased patient anxiety.
Aspiration pneumonia.
Medication overdose.
12. What is a critical step in the medication administration process?
Verify the patient's identity
Provide medication to any patient
Skip the documentation step
Administer medication without checking
13. What is a common sign of thrombophlebitis?
Swelling and redness at the site of the vein
Fever and chills
Nausea and vomiting
Increased heart rate
14. A patient exhibits difficulty maintaining balance when standing with their
eyes closed during Romberg's test. What could this suggest about their
condition?
Improved coordination and balance.
Normal neurological function.
Potential vestibular dysfunction or proprioceptive deficits.
Questions & Answers | Exam Prep
1. In a scenario where a patient requires both regular and NPH insulin, what
would be the potential consequences of administering them in the wrong
order?
No effect on the patient's overall treatment plan.
Increased risk of hypoglycemia or inadequate blood glucose
control.
Improved patient outcomes due to faster action of NPH.
No significant consequences as both insulins work independently.
2. A nurse is preparing a patient for incentive spirometry but notices the patient
is unable to sit upright due to pain. What alternative position could the nurse
suggest to still promote effective use of the spirometer?
Lying flat on their back
Sitting in a reclined position with legs elevated
Standing up straight
Sitting at a 45-degree angle
3. Describe how a cane should be used to ensure maximum safety for a patient.
A cane should be used in both hands for better grip.
A cane should be placed behind the patient for support.
A cane should be used only when the patient feels tired.
A cane should be held on the stronger side of the body and moved
forward with the weaker leg.
,4. Which intervention would the nurse consider while administering intravenous
(IV) therapy in an older-adult patient?
Secure the catheter with tape.
Adjust the insertion angle to 45 degrees for vein puncture.
Use a small-gauge catheter.
Use the back of the hand for the IV line.
5. For an oral liquid medication <5ml, you should:
use your best estimation when pouring
an oral liquid med this small is useless, do not pour
pour it into a med cup
use an oral syringe to draw up liquid
6. A client visits an urgent care center and tells the nurse that he has had nausea
and vomiting for 3 days and thinks he has the flu. The nurse should assess the
client for symptoms of:
dehydration.
chronic fatigue.
vitamin C deficiency.
adequate carbohydrate intake.
7. A nurse is assessing an adult client who has been immobile for the past 3
weeks. for wof findings should the nurse intervene?
one bowel movement every other day
fluid intake of 3000 ml per day
, lower-extremity pulse strength of 2+
erythema in pressure points
8. Why might a nurse question a medication order for digoxin at a dosage of
0.25 mg?
The patient is allergic to digoxin.
The dosage may be outside the normal therapeutic range for the
patient.
The medication is not on the formulary.
The route of administration is incorrect.
9. Describe why corticosteroids are contraindicated in the treatment of herpes
zoster.
Corticosteroids are used to relieve pain associated with herpes zoster.
Corticosteroids have no effect on herpes zoster.
Corticosteroids enhance the immune response, aiding recovery.
Corticosteroids can suppress the immune response, potentially
worsening the infection.
10. If a patient has a history of renal impairment, how should the nurse approach
the administration of digoxin 0.25 by mouth?
The nurse should consult a pharmacist for alternative medications.
The nurse should administer the medication as ordered without
question.
The nurse should assess the patient's renal function and consider
adjusting the dosage.
The nurse should increase the dosage to ensure effectiveness.
, 11. If a nurse administers medication through an enteral tube without verifying its
placement, what potential complication could arise?
Delayed drug absorption.
Increased patient anxiety.
Aspiration pneumonia.
Medication overdose.
12. What is a critical step in the medication administration process?
Verify the patient's identity
Provide medication to any patient
Skip the documentation step
Administer medication without checking
13. What is a common sign of thrombophlebitis?
Swelling and redness at the site of the vein
Fever and chills
Nausea and vomiting
Increased heart rate
14. A patient exhibits difficulty maintaining balance when standing with their
eyes closed during Romberg's test. What could this suggest about their
condition?
Improved coordination and balance.
Normal neurological function.
Potential vestibular dysfunction or proprioceptive deficits.
