ATI Med-Surg Practice A Exam Prep 2026 | Latest Update
2026 | 100% Accurate Answers | Comprehensive Review
1. A male client returns to the surgical nursing unit after having a thyroidectomy.
Which action is most important for the practical nurse to implement?
Check the back of the neck for bleeding.
Ask the client if he has pain.
Assess the client's respiratory status.
Determine whether the client can speak.
2. A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who has a history of
aplastic anemia. Which of the following findings indicates that the client is
experiencing pancytopenia?
Potassium 3.3 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mEq/L)
Platelets 450,000/mm3 (150,000 to 400,000/mm3)
RBC count 6.3 million/mm3 (4.7 to 6.1 million/mm3 male)
WBC count 2,000/mm3 (5000 to 10,000/mm3)
3. The client is experiencing hypovolemia. Which finding should the nurse
identify as a priority to report to the prescriber?
decreased LOC
fatigue
dry mucous membranes
report of thirst
4. A nurse is collecting data from a client who is 4 hours postoperative
following a hemicolectomy. Which of the following findings is the nurse's
, priority, requiring immediate intervention?
Abdominal dressing with a moderate amount of bright red drainage
Blood pressure 160/90 mm Hg
Pain rating of 9 on a scale from 0-10
Oxygen saturation 89%
5. Why is it important for the nurse to dim the lights in the room of a client with
a migraine?
To prepare the room for other medical procedures.
To reduce sensory stimuli that can exacerbate the migraine.
To create a more comfortable environment for the client.
To ensure the client can see the nurse clearly.
6. A client reports vomiting and diarrhea for three days. What clinical finding
most accurately will indicate that the client has a fluid deficit?
Altered general appearance
Presence of dry skin
Decrease in blood pressure
Loss of body weight
7. A client reports experiencing migraines after consuming aged cheese. Based
on discharge instructions, what should the nurse advise the client to do?
Try to eat more frequently to prevent headaches.
Use over-the-counter pain relievers for immediate relief.
Avoid foods that contain tyramine.
, Increase caffeine intake to alleviate symptoms.
8. Why is it important for nurses to understand the unique pain management
needs of older adults?
All patients respond to pain in the same way regardless of age.
Pain management is solely based on patient preference.
Older adults may experience pain differently due to physiological
changes.
Older adults do not require pain management.
9. What is a common adverse reaction associated with the use of propranolol in
patients with hypertension?
Hypertension
Tachycardia
Nausea
Bradycardia
10. A nurse is administering a blood transfusion for a patient following surgery.
During the transfusion, the patient displays signs of dyspnea, dry cough, and
pulmonary edema. What would be the nurse's priority actions related to
these symptoms?
Stopping the transfusion immediately and keeping the vein open with
normal saline,
Slowing or stopping the infusion; monitoring vital signs, notifying
the health care provider, and placing the patient in an upright
position with their feet dependent
, 11. Why is it important for a nurse to educate a client about the potential
interactions of ginkgo biloba with prescribed medications?
Ginkgo biloba has no known interactions with medications.
Ginkgo biloba is only safe to use with herbal supplements.
Ginkgo biloba enhances the effects of all medications.
Ginkgo biloba can interact with blood thinners and affect their
efficacy.
12. What is the first action a nurse should take when a client is having a tonic-
clonic seizure?
Hold the client's tongue to prevent biting.
Ensure the client's safety by moving objects away from them.
Administer anticonvulsant medication immediately.
Place the client in a prone position.
13. A client with DKA has been treated and shows a decrease in blood glucose
levels and improvement in metabolic acidosis. What should the nurse do
next to ensure continued recovery?
Continue to monitor vital signs and blood glucose levels regularly.
Increase the client's carbohydrate intake.
Discharge the client immediately.
Stop all medications prescribed for DKA.
14. Why is it important for a nurse to verify the patient's identity and blood type
before a blood transfusion?
To prevent transfusion reactions and ensure patient safety.
2026 | 100% Accurate Answers | Comprehensive Review
1. A male client returns to the surgical nursing unit after having a thyroidectomy.
Which action is most important for the practical nurse to implement?
Check the back of the neck for bleeding.
Ask the client if he has pain.
Assess the client's respiratory status.
Determine whether the client can speak.
2. A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who has a history of
aplastic anemia. Which of the following findings indicates that the client is
experiencing pancytopenia?
Potassium 3.3 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mEq/L)
Platelets 450,000/mm3 (150,000 to 400,000/mm3)
RBC count 6.3 million/mm3 (4.7 to 6.1 million/mm3 male)
WBC count 2,000/mm3 (5000 to 10,000/mm3)
3. The client is experiencing hypovolemia. Which finding should the nurse
identify as a priority to report to the prescriber?
decreased LOC
fatigue
dry mucous membranes
report of thirst
4. A nurse is collecting data from a client who is 4 hours postoperative
following a hemicolectomy. Which of the following findings is the nurse's
, priority, requiring immediate intervention?
Abdominal dressing with a moderate amount of bright red drainage
Blood pressure 160/90 mm Hg
Pain rating of 9 on a scale from 0-10
Oxygen saturation 89%
5. Why is it important for the nurse to dim the lights in the room of a client with
a migraine?
To prepare the room for other medical procedures.
To reduce sensory stimuli that can exacerbate the migraine.
To create a more comfortable environment for the client.
To ensure the client can see the nurse clearly.
6. A client reports vomiting and diarrhea for three days. What clinical finding
most accurately will indicate that the client has a fluid deficit?
Altered general appearance
Presence of dry skin
Decrease in blood pressure
Loss of body weight
7. A client reports experiencing migraines after consuming aged cheese. Based
on discharge instructions, what should the nurse advise the client to do?
Try to eat more frequently to prevent headaches.
Use over-the-counter pain relievers for immediate relief.
Avoid foods that contain tyramine.
, Increase caffeine intake to alleviate symptoms.
8. Why is it important for nurses to understand the unique pain management
needs of older adults?
All patients respond to pain in the same way regardless of age.
Pain management is solely based on patient preference.
Older adults may experience pain differently due to physiological
changes.
Older adults do not require pain management.
9. What is a common adverse reaction associated with the use of propranolol in
patients with hypertension?
Hypertension
Tachycardia
Nausea
Bradycardia
10. A nurse is administering a blood transfusion for a patient following surgery.
During the transfusion, the patient displays signs of dyspnea, dry cough, and
pulmonary edema. What would be the nurse's priority actions related to
these symptoms?
Stopping the transfusion immediately and keeping the vein open with
normal saline,
Slowing or stopping the infusion; monitoring vital signs, notifying
the health care provider, and placing the patient in an upright
position with their feet dependent
, 11. Why is it important for a nurse to educate a client about the potential
interactions of ginkgo biloba with prescribed medications?
Ginkgo biloba has no known interactions with medications.
Ginkgo biloba is only safe to use with herbal supplements.
Ginkgo biloba enhances the effects of all medications.
Ginkgo biloba can interact with blood thinners and affect their
efficacy.
12. What is the first action a nurse should take when a client is having a tonic-
clonic seizure?
Hold the client's tongue to prevent biting.
Ensure the client's safety by moving objects away from them.
Administer anticonvulsant medication immediately.
Place the client in a prone position.
13. A client with DKA has been treated and shows a decrease in blood glucose
levels and improvement in metabolic acidosis. What should the nurse do
next to ensure continued recovery?
Continue to monitor vital signs and blood glucose levels regularly.
Increase the client's carbohydrate intake.
Discharge the client immediately.
Stop all medications prescribed for DKA.
14. Why is it important for a nurse to verify the patient's identity and blood type
before a blood transfusion?
To prevent transfusion reactions and ensure patient safety.
