Ati rn adult medical-surgical proctored exam 2026 215+ verified questions &
detailed rationales comprehensive study guide.
ATI RN Adult Medical-Surgical Proctored Exam 2026
180 Practice Questions with Answers and Rationales
SECTION 1: CARDIOVASCULAR DISORDERS
Question 1
A nurse is assessing a client who has left-sided heart failure. Which of the
following findings should indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing a
decrease in cardiac output?
A) Weight gain
B) Distended abdomen
C) Confusion
D) Dyspnea
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Confusion is a key indicator of decreased cardiac output because
reduced perfusion to the brain leads to altered mental status, confusion, and
decreased level of consciousness. Weight gain and distended abdomen indicate
fluid retention, while dyspnea results from pulmonary congestion; however,
,confusion is the most direct sign of decreased cerebral perfusion from reduced
cardiac output .
Question 2
A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client following cardiac
catheterization. Which instruction should the nurse include?
A) Keep the client on bed rest for 24 hours
B) Limit fluid intake to 1 L per day
C) Maintain the affected extremity in extension
D) Change the dressing every 8 hours
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Following cardiac catheterization, the affected extremity should be
kept in extension to prevent bleeding and hematoma formation at the insertion
site. The client is typically on bed rest for 4-8 hours (not 24 hours), fluid intake is
encouraged, and the dressing is changed per facility protocol .
Question 3
,A client with unstable angina is prescribed nitroglycerin sublingual. Which finding
indicates the medication is effective?
A) Relief of chest pain within 5 minutes
B) Increase in blood pressure
C) Heart rate of 50 bpm
D) Development of headache
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Nitroglycerin is effective when it relieves chest pain within 5 minutes.
The medication causes vasodilation, which lowers blood pressure and may cause
headache as a side effect. Bradycardia is not a therapeutic goal .
Question 4
Which of the following assessment findings indicates fluid overload?
A) Decreased jugular venous pressure
B) Crackles in the lungs upon auscultation
C) Increased urine output
, D) Decreased blood pressure
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Crackles in the lungs upon auscultation indicate pulmonary congestion
from fluid overload. In fluid volume excess, jugular venous pressure is increased,
and blood pressure may be elevated. Urine output may initially be normal but
does not indicate overload .
Question 5
A nurse is caring for a client who has digoxin toxicity. Which of the following
findings should the nurse expect to observe?
A) Muscle fatigue and confusion
B) Hypertension and tachycardia
C) Increased appetite and weight gain
D) Flushed skin and diaphoresis
Correct Answer: A
detailed rationales comprehensive study guide.
ATI RN Adult Medical-Surgical Proctored Exam 2026
180 Practice Questions with Answers and Rationales
SECTION 1: CARDIOVASCULAR DISORDERS
Question 1
A nurse is assessing a client who has left-sided heart failure. Which of the
following findings should indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing a
decrease in cardiac output?
A) Weight gain
B) Distended abdomen
C) Confusion
D) Dyspnea
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Confusion is a key indicator of decreased cardiac output because
reduced perfusion to the brain leads to altered mental status, confusion, and
decreased level of consciousness. Weight gain and distended abdomen indicate
fluid retention, while dyspnea results from pulmonary congestion; however,
,confusion is the most direct sign of decreased cerebral perfusion from reduced
cardiac output .
Question 2
A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client following cardiac
catheterization. Which instruction should the nurse include?
A) Keep the client on bed rest for 24 hours
B) Limit fluid intake to 1 L per day
C) Maintain the affected extremity in extension
D) Change the dressing every 8 hours
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Following cardiac catheterization, the affected extremity should be
kept in extension to prevent bleeding and hematoma formation at the insertion
site. The client is typically on bed rest for 4-8 hours (not 24 hours), fluid intake is
encouraged, and the dressing is changed per facility protocol .
Question 3
,A client with unstable angina is prescribed nitroglycerin sublingual. Which finding
indicates the medication is effective?
A) Relief of chest pain within 5 minutes
B) Increase in blood pressure
C) Heart rate of 50 bpm
D) Development of headache
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Nitroglycerin is effective when it relieves chest pain within 5 minutes.
The medication causes vasodilation, which lowers blood pressure and may cause
headache as a side effect. Bradycardia is not a therapeutic goal .
Question 4
Which of the following assessment findings indicates fluid overload?
A) Decreased jugular venous pressure
B) Crackles in the lungs upon auscultation
C) Increased urine output
, D) Decreased blood pressure
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Crackles in the lungs upon auscultation indicate pulmonary congestion
from fluid overload. In fluid volume excess, jugular venous pressure is increased,
and blood pressure may be elevated. Urine output may initially be normal but
does not indicate overload .
Question 5
A nurse is caring for a client who has digoxin toxicity. Which of the following
findings should the nurse expect to observe?
A) Muscle fatigue and confusion
B) Hypertension and tachycardia
C) Increased appetite and weight gain
D) Flushed skin and diaphoresis
Correct Answer: A
