ATI Med-Surg Final Exam 2026 (175 Most Tested
Questions) | Latest Update 2026 | 100% Correct Answers
| Actual Exam Prep
1. Why is it crucial for the nurse to report hand spasms in a patient with acute
pancreatitis?
Hand spasms are a common side effect of pain medication.
Hand spasms are typically benign and do not require reporting.
Hand spasms may indicate a serious electrolyte imbalance that
requires immediate intervention.
Hand spasms indicate the need for increased fluid intake.
2. Which dietary choice should a client with pancreatitis avoid according to
nursing guidelines?
Regular cola
Easy-to-digest foods
Small, frequent meals
Skim milk
3. Why is 'ineffective airway clearance' considered the highest priority nursing
diagnosis for a patient with a C5 spinal cord injury?
Because high cervical spinal cord injuries can impair respiratory
function and airway management.
Because urinary elimination patterns are altered in all spinal cord
injuries.
Because patients with this injury are at risk for skin breakdown due to
immobility.
, Because family coping mechanisms are less critical than immediate
physical health concerns.
4. If a patient with multiple sclerosis presents with new symptoms of blurry
vision and balance issues, what should the nursing intervention prioritize?
Administering pain medication for eye discomfort.
Encouraging the patient to increase physical activity.
Scheduling a follow-up MRI immediately.
Assessing the patient's safety and risk of falls.
5. A patient with ulcerative colitis reports increased abdominal pain and a
sudden change in stool consistency. What should the nurse prioritize in their
assessment?
Assess for signs of colon perforation and peritonitis.
Evaluate the patient's stress levels.
Monitor for dehydration due to diarrhea.
Inquire about recent dietary changes.
6. Why would marked perspiration on the patient's face and arms be a
significant finding for a nurse assessing a patient with a T2 spinal cord injury?
It shows the patient is experiencing anxiety about their condition.
It indicates possible autonomic dysreflexia, which is a medical
emergency.
It suggests normal physiological response to rehabilitation efforts.
It is a common side effect of medication used in spinal cord injury
patients.
,7. A nurse is caring for a client with hepatitis B and ascites who is experiencing
significant weight loss. Which dietary intervention should the nurse prioritize
to address this issue?
Suggest a high-protein diet to promote muscle gain.
Advise a vegetarian diet to improve liver health.
Encourage a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention.
Provide a high-calorie, high-carbohydrate diet.
8. Which of the following would the nurse expect to document in the patient
diagnosed with a right hemispheric stroke?
Impulsive behavior
Aphasia
Right visual field defect
Slow, cautious behavior
9. Describe the importance of a high fiber diet for patients with diverticulosis.
A high fiber diet can worsen symptoms of diverticulosis.
A high fiber diet is unnecessary for diverticulosis management.
A high fiber diet is only beneficial for patients with constipation.
A high fiber diet helps prevent complications by promoting regular
bowel movements and reducing pressure in the colon.
10. Describe the impact of a right-hemispheric stroke on a patient's cognitive
and physical abilities.
A right-hemispheric stroke only affects the left side of the body.
, A right-hemispheric stroke has no significant impact on physical
abilities.
A right-hemispheric stroke can lead to impulse control difficulties,
left hemiplegia, loss of depth perception, and lack of situational
awareness.
A right-hemispheric stroke primarily affects speech and language
abilities.
11. Which of the following is an expected manifestation of Multiple Sclerosis?
Drooping eye lids
Loss of cognitive function
Fluctuation in BP
Ineffective cough
12. What is a common dietary recommendation for patients with Crohn's
disease?
Avoid all dairy products.
Decrease intake of fiber-rich foods.
Increase intake of calorie-dense foods.
Limit fluid intake.
13. A patient with ulcerative colitis is experiencing a severe flare-up. What
nursing intervention should be prioritized to promote healing?
Administering laxatives to relieve constipation
Implementing NPO status as ordered
Providing a regular meal schedule to maintain nutrition
Questions) | Latest Update 2026 | 100% Correct Answers
| Actual Exam Prep
1. Why is it crucial for the nurse to report hand spasms in a patient with acute
pancreatitis?
Hand spasms are a common side effect of pain medication.
Hand spasms are typically benign and do not require reporting.
Hand spasms may indicate a serious electrolyte imbalance that
requires immediate intervention.
Hand spasms indicate the need for increased fluid intake.
2. Which dietary choice should a client with pancreatitis avoid according to
nursing guidelines?
Regular cola
Easy-to-digest foods
Small, frequent meals
Skim milk
3. Why is 'ineffective airway clearance' considered the highest priority nursing
diagnosis for a patient with a C5 spinal cord injury?
Because high cervical spinal cord injuries can impair respiratory
function and airway management.
Because urinary elimination patterns are altered in all spinal cord
injuries.
Because patients with this injury are at risk for skin breakdown due to
immobility.
, Because family coping mechanisms are less critical than immediate
physical health concerns.
4. If a patient with multiple sclerosis presents with new symptoms of blurry
vision and balance issues, what should the nursing intervention prioritize?
Administering pain medication for eye discomfort.
Encouraging the patient to increase physical activity.
Scheduling a follow-up MRI immediately.
Assessing the patient's safety and risk of falls.
5. A patient with ulcerative colitis reports increased abdominal pain and a
sudden change in stool consistency. What should the nurse prioritize in their
assessment?
Assess for signs of colon perforation and peritonitis.
Evaluate the patient's stress levels.
Monitor for dehydration due to diarrhea.
Inquire about recent dietary changes.
6. Why would marked perspiration on the patient's face and arms be a
significant finding for a nurse assessing a patient with a T2 spinal cord injury?
It shows the patient is experiencing anxiety about their condition.
It indicates possible autonomic dysreflexia, which is a medical
emergency.
It suggests normal physiological response to rehabilitation efforts.
It is a common side effect of medication used in spinal cord injury
patients.
,7. A nurse is caring for a client with hepatitis B and ascites who is experiencing
significant weight loss. Which dietary intervention should the nurse prioritize
to address this issue?
Suggest a high-protein diet to promote muscle gain.
Advise a vegetarian diet to improve liver health.
Encourage a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention.
Provide a high-calorie, high-carbohydrate diet.
8. Which of the following would the nurse expect to document in the patient
diagnosed with a right hemispheric stroke?
Impulsive behavior
Aphasia
Right visual field defect
Slow, cautious behavior
9. Describe the importance of a high fiber diet for patients with diverticulosis.
A high fiber diet can worsen symptoms of diverticulosis.
A high fiber diet is unnecessary for diverticulosis management.
A high fiber diet is only beneficial for patients with constipation.
A high fiber diet helps prevent complications by promoting regular
bowel movements and reducing pressure in the colon.
10. Describe the impact of a right-hemispheric stroke on a patient's cognitive
and physical abilities.
A right-hemispheric stroke only affects the left side of the body.
, A right-hemispheric stroke has no significant impact on physical
abilities.
A right-hemispheric stroke can lead to impulse control difficulties,
left hemiplegia, loss of depth perception, and lack of situational
awareness.
A right-hemispheric stroke primarily affects speech and language
abilities.
11. Which of the following is an expected manifestation of Multiple Sclerosis?
Drooping eye lids
Loss of cognitive function
Fluctuation in BP
Ineffective cough
12. What is a common dietary recommendation for patients with Crohn's
disease?
Avoid all dairy products.
Decrease intake of fiber-rich foods.
Increase intake of calorie-dense foods.
Limit fluid intake.
13. A patient with ulcerative colitis is experiencing a severe flare-up. What
nursing intervention should be prioritized to promote healing?
Administering laxatives to relieve constipation
Implementing NPO status as ordered
Providing a regular meal schedule to maintain nutrition
