ATI Med Surg 2026 A Exam Prep | Complete Q&A Practice
Test
1. Describe how aplastic anemia can lead to the condition known as
pancytopenia.
Aplastic anemia causes an increase in blood cell production, resulting
in pancytopenia.
Pancytopenia is caused by an infection that affects blood cell
production.
Aplastic anemia is unrelated to blood cell counts.
Aplastic anemia results in the bone marrow's inability to produce
sufficient blood cells, leading to pancytopenia.
2. In a scenario where a patient with a hemothorax is experiencing decreased
oxygen saturation levels, what immediate nursing intervention should be
prioritized?
Prepare the patient for chest tube insertion
Administer supplemental oxygen
Monitor vital signs every hour
Increase the patient's fluid intake
3. What is the priority assessment finding for a nurse caring for a client with ALS
and pneumonia?
Increased respiratory secretions
Elevated temperature
Decreased muscle strength
Altered mental status
,4. What is the first action a nurse should take before administering a blood
transfusion?
Verify the patient's identity and blood type.
Prepare the blood product.
Obtain a signed consent form.
Check vital signs.
5. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving brachytherapy for endometrial
cancer. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Keep visitors at least 6 feet (1.8 m) away from the client.
Place the client's soiled bed linens in a biohazard bag outside the
client's room.
Discard the radioactive source in the client's trash can.
Wear an isolation gown when caring for the client.
6. Following a cardiac catheterization, a patient has developed a hematoma at
the insertion site. What is the priority nursing action?
Apply pressure to the insertion site.
Take the client's blood pressure.
Administer analgesia for complaints of headache.
Offer the patient sips of water.
7. At 5 feet 10 inches and 320 pounds, a female patient has been advised to lose
weight for her overall health and to help with a recent problem of
incontinence. The patient asks, "How will this help with my incontinence?"
Which explanation by the nurse is appropriate?
, "Obesity causes a lack of normal detrusor muscle activity. This leads to
overfilling of the bladder and frequent leaks of small amounts of
urine."
"Obesity causes the bladder to empty at a predictable volume due to
an inability to sense when the bladder is full."
"Weight loss can reduce stress incontinence caused by increased
pressure on the bladder as a result of obesity."
"People who are overweight often have diabetes. One of the clinical
manifestations of diabetes is overproduction of urine."
8. The home care nurse is instructing a client recently diagnosed with
tuberculosis. It is MOST important for the nurse to include which of the
following as a part of the teaching plan?
During the first two weeks of treatment, the client should cover his
mouth and nose when he coughs or sneezes.
It is necessary for the client to wear a mask at all times to prevent
transmission of the disease.
The client will be required to take prescribed medication for a
duration of 6-9 months.
The family should support the client to help reduce feeling of low
self-esteem and isolation.
9. Why is it crucial for a nurse to prioritize neurological deficits when assessing
a client suspected of a stroke?
Blood pressure readings are more important for stroke management.
Respiratory rate is the most critical factor in stroke recovery.
Neurological deficits indicate the severity and type of stroke,
guiding immediate interventions.
, Heart rate variability is the primary concern in stroke assessment.
10. What is the medical term for blood accumulation in the pleural cavity due to
a penetrating chest wound?
Hemothorax
Chylothorax
Pneumothorax
Pleural effusion
11. The patient has a nephrostomy tube placed for obstructive ureteral
strictures.
Which of the following assessment findings post nephrostomy tube
placement alerts the nurse to possible complications?
Progressive decrease in urine output
BP 124/72 and HR 68
Costovertebral tenderness
Elevated WBC and fever
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. In a scenario where a patient refuses a recommended treatment, what
should the nurse do to uphold the patient's rights?
Test
1. Describe how aplastic anemia can lead to the condition known as
pancytopenia.
Aplastic anemia causes an increase in blood cell production, resulting
in pancytopenia.
Pancytopenia is caused by an infection that affects blood cell
production.
Aplastic anemia is unrelated to blood cell counts.
Aplastic anemia results in the bone marrow's inability to produce
sufficient blood cells, leading to pancytopenia.
2. In a scenario where a patient with a hemothorax is experiencing decreased
oxygen saturation levels, what immediate nursing intervention should be
prioritized?
Prepare the patient for chest tube insertion
Administer supplemental oxygen
Monitor vital signs every hour
Increase the patient's fluid intake
3. What is the priority assessment finding for a nurse caring for a client with ALS
and pneumonia?
Increased respiratory secretions
Elevated temperature
Decreased muscle strength
Altered mental status
,4. What is the first action a nurse should take before administering a blood
transfusion?
Verify the patient's identity and blood type.
Prepare the blood product.
Obtain a signed consent form.
Check vital signs.
5. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving brachytherapy for endometrial
cancer. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Keep visitors at least 6 feet (1.8 m) away from the client.
Place the client's soiled bed linens in a biohazard bag outside the
client's room.
Discard the radioactive source in the client's trash can.
Wear an isolation gown when caring for the client.
6. Following a cardiac catheterization, a patient has developed a hematoma at
the insertion site. What is the priority nursing action?
Apply pressure to the insertion site.
Take the client's blood pressure.
Administer analgesia for complaints of headache.
Offer the patient sips of water.
7. At 5 feet 10 inches and 320 pounds, a female patient has been advised to lose
weight for her overall health and to help with a recent problem of
incontinence. The patient asks, "How will this help with my incontinence?"
Which explanation by the nurse is appropriate?
, "Obesity causes a lack of normal detrusor muscle activity. This leads to
overfilling of the bladder and frequent leaks of small amounts of
urine."
"Obesity causes the bladder to empty at a predictable volume due to
an inability to sense when the bladder is full."
"Weight loss can reduce stress incontinence caused by increased
pressure on the bladder as a result of obesity."
"People who are overweight often have diabetes. One of the clinical
manifestations of diabetes is overproduction of urine."
8. The home care nurse is instructing a client recently diagnosed with
tuberculosis. It is MOST important for the nurse to include which of the
following as a part of the teaching plan?
During the first two weeks of treatment, the client should cover his
mouth and nose when he coughs or sneezes.
It is necessary for the client to wear a mask at all times to prevent
transmission of the disease.
The client will be required to take prescribed medication for a
duration of 6-9 months.
The family should support the client to help reduce feeling of low
self-esteem and isolation.
9. Why is it crucial for a nurse to prioritize neurological deficits when assessing
a client suspected of a stroke?
Blood pressure readings are more important for stroke management.
Respiratory rate is the most critical factor in stroke recovery.
Neurological deficits indicate the severity and type of stroke,
guiding immediate interventions.
, Heart rate variability is the primary concern in stroke assessment.
10. What is the medical term for blood accumulation in the pleural cavity due to
a penetrating chest wound?
Hemothorax
Chylothorax
Pneumothorax
Pleural effusion
11. The patient has a nephrostomy tube placed for obstructive ureteral
strictures.
Which of the following assessment findings post nephrostomy tube
placement alerts the nurse to possible complications?
Progressive decrease in urine output
BP 124/72 and HR 68
Costovertebral tenderness
Elevated WBC and fever
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. In a scenario where a patient refuses a recommended treatment, what
should the nurse do to uphold the patient's rights?
