CHAMBERLAIN UNIVERSITY · COLLEGE OF NURSING
ATI Med-Surg Combo
Review
Comprehensive NCLEX-Style Practice Questions with Rationales
Topic Focus: Medical-Surgical Nursing — Advanced Pharmacology & Clinical
Management
Edition 1 · July 2026
Table of Contents
1. Instructions for Use 2
2. Practice Questions with Answers & Rationales — Med-Surg Combo 2
Chamberlain University Page 1
,ATI MED-SURG COMBO REVIEW INSTRUCTIONS & PRACTICE QUESTIONS
How to Use This Guide
Read each stem, choose your answer, then check the rationale directly below it. The correct
option is marked, and each wrong option is explained so you understand why it's wrong — not
just that it is. Each question is derived directly from ATI Med-Surg content and formatted in
NCLEX style.
Category: Medical-Surgical Nursing — Comprehensive Review
1 A newly admitted client tells the nurse he is allergic to latex. Which actions should
the nurse take to assure the client's safety regarding latex products during
hospitalization? (Select all that apply.)
A Schedule procedures early in the morning
B Have a latex-free cart available
C Ensure the allergy is noted prominently in the chart
D Use latex gloves for all procedures to minimize reactions
Why A, B, and C are correct: Scheduling procedures early in the morning reduces latex
exposure risk. Having a latex-free cart available ensures immediate access to safe supplies.
Documenting the allergy prominently in the chart alerts all healthcare providers.
D — Using latex gloves would expose the client to the allergen and is contraindicated. Latex-
free alternatives must be used.
,2 A nurse is caring for a client with skeletal traction following a fracture. How and
when should skeletal pin care be provided?
A Frequently throughout immobilization per hospital policy (at least 3 times daily),
observing pin sites for drainage and loosening
B Once daily, removing all crusting from pin sites to prevent infection
C Only when drainage is noted at the pin site
D Every shift, using alcohol to clean the pin sites thoroughly
Why A is correct: Skeletal pin care should be performed frequently throughout
immobilization per hospital policy (at least 3 times daily). The nurse should observe pin sites
for drainage, loosening of pins, and tenting of skin, and should not remove crusting at the
pin site.
B — Crusting should not be removed as it protects the pin site.
C — Care should be routine, not only when drainage is noted.
D — Frequency and cleaning solution should follow hospital policy; alcohol may not be
recommended.
3 A nurse is providing community teaching regarding prevention of HIV transmission.
Which points should the nurse share?
A Using latex condoms to prevent transmission and taking prescribed medication to
reduce transmission risk
B Avoiding all sexual contact and using barrier protection only during symptomatic
periods
C Taking antibiotics daily and avoiding crowded places
D Using latex condoms and avoiding all contact with body fluids
Why A is correct: Using latex condoms prevents transmission, and taking prescribed
antiretroviral medication reduces the risk of transmission.
B — HIV can be transmitted even without symptoms.
C — Antibiotics do not prevent HIV transmission.
D — Complete avoidance of body fluids is not practical or necessary for all situations.
, 4 Which teaching points should the nurse provide to a client and their family
regarding treatment and transmission of tuberculosis?
A Medications must be taken for 6 to 12 months; compliance is very important;
sputum samples are needed every 2 to 4 weeks to monitor therapy effectiveness
B Medications are taken for 2 to 4 weeks; sputum samples are not needed after
starting therapy
C Treatment is complete once symptoms resolve; no further follow-up is needed
D Medications must be taken for life; sputum samples are required monthly for 2 years
Why A is correct: TB treatment requires 6 to 12 months of medication. Compliance is
critical, and sputum samples are needed every 2 to 4 weeks to monitor effectiveness.
B — Treatment is longer than 2-4 weeks, and sputum samples are needed.
C — Symptoms may resolve before the infection is fully treated.
D — Lifelong therapy is not typical for active TB.
5 During discharge teaching, a client inquires further about airborne precautions and
implementation at home. How should the nurse respond?
A Proper hand hygiene, dispose of contaminated tissues in a plastic bag, and cover
mouth and nose when coughing/sneezing
B Wear an N95 mask at all times and avoid all visitors
C Isolate in a single room and use separate bathroom facilities
D Take antibiotics and avoid close contact with pets
Why A is correct: Proper hand hygiene, disposing of tissues in plastic bags, and covering
coughs/sneezes are appropriate home precautions.
B — N95 masks are not typically required in the home setting.
C — Complete isolation at home is usually not required.
D — Antibiotics are not indicated unless there is a concurrent bacterial infection.
ATI Med-Surg Combo
Review
Comprehensive NCLEX-Style Practice Questions with Rationales
Topic Focus: Medical-Surgical Nursing — Advanced Pharmacology & Clinical
Management
Edition 1 · July 2026
Table of Contents
1. Instructions for Use 2
2. Practice Questions with Answers & Rationales — Med-Surg Combo 2
Chamberlain University Page 1
,ATI MED-SURG COMBO REVIEW INSTRUCTIONS & PRACTICE QUESTIONS
How to Use This Guide
Read each stem, choose your answer, then check the rationale directly below it. The correct
option is marked, and each wrong option is explained so you understand why it's wrong — not
just that it is. Each question is derived directly from ATI Med-Surg content and formatted in
NCLEX style.
Category: Medical-Surgical Nursing — Comprehensive Review
1 A newly admitted client tells the nurse he is allergic to latex. Which actions should
the nurse take to assure the client's safety regarding latex products during
hospitalization? (Select all that apply.)
A Schedule procedures early in the morning
B Have a latex-free cart available
C Ensure the allergy is noted prominently in the chart
D Use latex gloves for all procedures to minimize reactions
Why A, B, and C are correct: Scheduling procedures early in the morning reduces latex
exposure risk. Having a latex-free cart available ensures immediate access to safe supplies.
Documenting the allergy prominently in the chart alerts all healthcare providers.
D — Using latex gloves would expose the client to the allergen and is contraindicated. Latex-
free alternatives must be used.
,2 A nurse is caring for a client with skeletal traction following a fracture. How and
when should skeletal pin care be provided?
A Frequently throughout immobilization per hospital policy (at least 3 times daily),
observing pin sites for drainage and loosening
B Once daily, removing all crusting from pin sites to prevent infection
C Only when drainage is noted at the pin site
D Every shift, using alcohol to clean the pin sites thoroughly
Why A is correct: Skeletal pin care should be performed frequently throughout
immobilization per hospital policy (at least 3 times daily). The nurse should observe pin sites
for drainage, loosening of pins, and tenting of skin, and should not remove crusting at the
pin site.
B — Crusting should not be removed as it protects the pin site.
C — Care should be routine, not only when drainage is noted.
D — Frequency and cleaning solution should follow hospital policy; alcohol may not be
recommended.
3 A nurse is providing community teaching regarding prevention of HIV transmission.
Which points should the nurse share?
A Using latex condoms to prevent transmission and taking prescribed medication to
reduce transmission risk
B Avoiding all sexual contact and using barrier protection only during symptomatic
periods
C Taking antibiotics daily and avoiding crowded places
D Using latex condoms and avoiding all contact with body fluids
Why A is correct: Using latex condoms prevents transmission, and taking prescribed
antiretroviral medication reduces the risk of transmission.
B — HIV can be transmitted even without symptoms.
C — Antibiotics do not prevent HIV transmission.
D — Complete avoidance of body fluids is not practical or necessary for all situations.
, 4 Which teaching points should the nurse provide to a client and their family
regarding treatment and transmission of tuberculosis?
A Medications must be taken for 6 to 12 months; compliance is very important;
sputum samples are needed every 2 to 4 weeks to monitor therapy effectiveness
B Medications are taken for 2 to 4 weeks; sputum samples are not needed after
starting therapy
C Treatment is complete once symptoms resolve; no further follow-up is needed
D Medications must be taken for life; sputum samples are required monthly for 2 years
Why A is correct: TB treatment requires 6 to 12 months of medication. Compliance is
critical, and sputum samples are needed every 2 to 4 weeks to monitor effectiveness.
B — Treatment is longer than 2-4 weeks, and sputum samples are needed.
C — Symptoms may resolve before the infection is fully treated.
D — Lifelong therapy is not typical for active TB.
5 During discharge teaching, a client inquires further about airborne precautions and
implementation at home. How should the nurse respond?
A Proper hand hygiene, dispose of contaminated tissues in a plastic bag, and cover
mouth and nose when coughing/sneezing
B Wear an N95 mask at all times and avoid all visitors
C Isolate in a single room and use separate bathroom facilities
D Take antibiotics and avoid close contact with pets
Why A is correct: Proper hand hygiene, disposing of tissues in plastic bags, and covering
coughs/sneezes are appropriate home precautions.
B — N95 masks are not typically required in the home setting.
C — Complete isolation at home is usually not required.
D — Antibiotics are not indicated unless there is a concurrent bacterial infection.
