100 Original ATI RN Medical-Surgical
Proctored Exam Practice Questions with
Answers and Rationales: Comprehensive
High-Yield Review for Perioperative,
Cardiovascular, Endocrine, Neurological,
Renal, Respiratory, Gastrointestinal,
Musculoskeletal, Hematologic, and
Integumentary Nursing Concepts, Designed
for Nursing Students Seeking Exam
Preparation and Clinical Judgment”
1. Q: What is the first nursing action for a
postoperative client with wound
evisceration?
,A: Cover the wound with sterile saline-
soaked gauze, position low Fowler’s with
knees bent, and notify the surgeon.
R: Saline gauze keeps tissue moist; low
Fowler’s reduces tension; surgery is needed
urgently.
2. Q: What signs suggest malignant
hyperthermia during surgery?
A: Muscle rigidity, hyperthermia,
tachycardia, and increased end-tidal CO2.
R: Malignant hyperthermia is a life-
threatening reaction to anesthetic agents;
dantrolene is the antidote.
3. Q: How can a nurse prevent
postoperative atelectasis?
A: Encourage incentive spirometry,
coughing, deep breathing, and early
,ambulation.
R: These interventions promote lung
expansion and clear secretions.
4. Q: What are early signs of postoperative
hemorrhage?
A: Tachycardia, hypotension, decreased
urine output, and restlessness.
R: These indicate decreasing circulating
volume; monitor dressing and vital signs.
5. Q: What discharge teaching is important
after a tonsillectomy?
A: Avoid red liquids, straws, and rough
foods; apply ice collar; report bleeding.
R: Red liquids can mask bleeding; straws can
dislodge clots.
6. Q: Why should a client remain flat after
spinal anesthesia?
, A: To prevent spinal headache.
R: Lying flat reduces CSF leakage and
pressure changes.
7. Q: What activity restrictions follow
cataract surgery?
A: Avoid bending, straining, and lifting more
than 5 lb.
R: These increase intraocular pressure and
risk for bleeding or dislocation.
8. Q: What precautions are taught after
total hip replacement?
A: Do not flex hip more than 90°, cross legs,
or turn affected leg inward; use abductor
pillow.
R: These prevent hip dislocation.
9. Q: What findings indicate paralytic ileus
after abdominal surgery?
Proctored Exam Practice Questions with
Answers and Rationales: Comprehensive
High-Yield Review for Perioperative,
Cardiovascular, Endocrine, Neurological,
Renal, Respiratory, Gastrointestinal,
Musculoskeletal, Hematologic, and
Integumentary Nursing Concepts, Designed
for Nursing Students Seeking Exam
Preparation and Clinical Judgment”
1. Q: What is the first nursing action for a
postoperative client with wound
evisceration?
,A: Cover the wound with sterile saline-
soaked gauze, position low Fowler’s with
knees bent, and notify the surgeon.
R: Saline gauze keeps tissue moist; low
Fowler’s reduces tension; surgery is needed
urgently.
2. Q: What signs suggest malignant
hyperthermia during surgery?
A: Muscle rigidity, hyperthermia,
tachycardia, and increased end-tidal CO2.
R: Malignant hyperthermia is a life-
threatening reaction to anesthetic agents;
dantrolene is the antidote.
3. Q: How can a nurse prevent
postoperative atelectasis?
A: Encourage incentive spirometry,
coughing, deep breathing, and early
,ambulation.
R: These interventions promote lung
expansion and clear secretions.
4. Q: What are early signs of postoperative
hemorrhage?
A: Tachycardia, hypotension, decreased
urine output, and restlessness.
R: These indicate decreasing circulating
volume; monitor dressing and vital signs.
5. Q: What discharge teaching is important
after a tonsillectomy?
A: Avoid red liquids, straws, and rough
foods; apply ice collar; report bleeding.
R: Red liquids can mask bleeding; straws can
dislodge clots.
6. Q: Why should a client remain flat after
spinal anesthesia?
, A: To prevent spinal headache.
R: Lying flat reduces CSF leakage and
pressure changes.
7. Q: What activity restrictions follow
cataract surgery?
A: Avoid bending, straining, and lifting more
than 5 lb.
R: These increase intraocular pressure and
risk for bleeding or dislocation.
8. Q: What precautions are taught after
total hip replacement?
A: Do not flex hip more than 90°, cross legs,
or turn affected leg inward; use abductor
pillow.
R: These prevent hip dislocation.
9. Q: What findings indicate paralytic ileus
after abdominal surgery?
