ATI ADULT MEDICAL-
SURGICAL PRACTICE EXAM
2026/2027 | NURSING | MED
SURG | 80 VERIFIED Q&A |
DETAILED RATIONALES |
NGN-ALIGNED | PASS
GUARANTEED – A+ GRADED
STUDYGUIDESOLUTIONS
,1
ATI ADULT MEDICAL-SURGICAL PRACTICE EXAM 2026/2027 | NURSING |
MED SURG | 80 VERIFIED Q&A | DETAILED RATIONALES | NGN-ALIGNED |
PASS GUARANTEED – A+ GRADED
SECTION 1: CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM – Questions 1-10
Q1: Acute Myocardial Infarction Priority
A patient arrives with crushing chest pain, diaphoresis, and BP 88/56 mmHg. Which action is the
nurse’s priority?
A. Administer sublingual nitroglycerin
B. Obtain a 12-lead ECG within 10 minutes
C. Start oxygen at 2 L/min
D. Insert a large-bore IV
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A 12-lead ECG within 10 minutes identifies STEMI versus NSTEMI and guides reperfusion.
Nitroglycerin is contraindicated with hypotension.
Q2: Heart Failure and Hypokalemia
A patient on furosemide has a potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L. What should the nurse do FIRST?
A. Hold furosemide and notify the provider
B. Administer potassium 20 mEq orally
C. Increase fluid intake
D. Continue furosemide and recheck in 24 hours
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Hypokalemia increases dysrhythmia risk. Hold the loop diuretic and notify the provider
before replacement.
Q3: Warfarin Teaching
Which statement by a patient on warfarin indicates correct understanding?
A. “I will avoid all green vegetables.”
B. “I will keep my vitamin K intake consistent.”
C. “I can eat unlimited spinach.”
D. “I will stop all leafy greens permanently.”
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Consistent vitamin K intake is essential; sudden changes alter INR.
Q4: Digoxin Toxicity
Which finding requires immediate attention in a patient taking digoxin?
A. Heart rate 72 bpm
B. Nausea and visual halos
C. BP 118/76 mmHg
D. Potassium 4.2 mEq/L
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Nausea and visual disturbances are classic signs of digoxin toxicity.
, 2
Q5: Atrial Fibrillation Rate Control
A patient with atrial fibrillation has HR 148 bpm. Which medication does the nurse anticipate?
A. Adenosine
B. Diltiazem
C. Atropine
D. Epinephrine
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker used for rate control in atrial fibrillation.
Q6: DVT Prevention
Which intervention is most effective for preventing DVT postoperatively?
A. Bed rest with pillows under knees
B. Early ambulation and compression devices
C. Leg massage every 4 hours
D. Strict bed rest
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Early ambulation and sequential compression devices prevent venous stasis.
Q7: Lisinopril Side Effect
Which side effect should the nurse include when teaching about lisinopril?
A. Dry cough
B. Tachycardia
C. Constipation
D. Hyperkalemia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: ACE inhibitors commonly cause a persistent dry cough due to bradykinin accumulation.
Q8: Peripheral Arterial Disease
A patient reports leg pain with walking that resolves with rest. This is documented as:
A. Rest pain
B. Intermittent claudication
C. Dependent rubor
D. Paresthesia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Intermittent claudication is the classic symptom of peripheral arterial disease.
Q9: Heart Failure Daily Weight
A patient with heart failure should report which finding immediately?
A. Weight gain of 2 lb in one day
B. Weight loss of 1 lb in one week
C. Stable weight for 5 days
D. Weight gain of 1 lb over 3 days
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A 2–3 lb weight gain in one day indicates fluid retention and worsening heart failure.
Q10: Heparin Monitoring
Which laboratory value monitors heparin therapy?
SURGICAL PRACTICE EXAM
2026/2027 | NURSING | MED
SURG | 80 VERIFIED Q&A |
DETAILED RATIONALES |
NGN-ALIGNED | PASS
GUARANTEED – A+ GRADED
STUDYGUIDESOLUTIONS
,1
ATI ADULT MEDICAL-SURGICAL PRACTICE EXAM 2026/2027 | NURSING |
MED SURG | 80 VERIFIED Q&A | DETAILED RATIONALES | NGN-ALIGNED |
PASS GUARANTEED – A+ GRADED
SECTION 1: CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM – Questions 1-10
Q1: Acute Myocardial Infarction Priority
A patient arrives with crushing chest pain, diaphoresis, and BP 88/56 mmHg. Which action is the
nurse’s priority?
A. Administer sublingual nitroglycerin
B. Obtain a 12-lead ECG within 10 minutes
C. Start oxygen at 2 L/min
D. Insert a large-bore IV
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A 12-lead ECG within 10 minutes identifies STEMI versus NSTEMI and guides reperfusion.
Nitroglycerin is contraindicated with hypotension.
Q2: Heart Failure and Hypokalemia
A patient on furosemide has a potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L. What should the nurse do FIRST?
A. Hold furosemide and notify the provider
B. Administer potassium 20 mEq orally
C. Increase fluid intake
D. Continue furosemide and recheck in 24 hours
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Hypokalemia increases dysrhythmia risk. Hold the loop diuretic and notify the provider
before replacement.
Q3: Warfarin Teaching
Which statement by a patient on warfarin indicates correct understanding?
A. “I will avoid all green vegetables.”
B. “I will keep my vitamin K intake consistent.”
C. “I can eat unlimited spinach.”
D. “I will stop all leafy greens permanently.”
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Consistent vitamin K intake is essential; sudden changes alter INR.
Q4: Digoxin Toxicity
Which finding requires immediate attention in a patient taking digoxin?
A. Heart rate 72 bpm
B. Nausea and visual halos
C. BP 118/76 mmHg
D. Potassium 4.2 mEq/L
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Nausea and visual disturbances are classic signs of digoxin toxicity.
, 2
Q5: Atrial Fibrillation Rate Control
A patient with atrial fibrillation has HR 148 bpm. Which medication does the nurse anticipate?
A. Adenosine
B. Diltiazem
C. Atropine
D. Epinephrine
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker used for rate control in atrial fibrillation.
Q6: DVT Prevention
Which intervention is most effective for preventing DVT postoperatively?
A. Bed rest with pillows under knees
B. Early ambulation and compression devices
C. Leg massage every 4 hours
D. Strict bed rest
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Early ambulation and sequential compression devices prevent venous stasis.
Q7: Lisinopril Side Effect
Which side effect should the nurse include when teaching about lisinopril?
A. Dry cough
B. Tachycardia
C. Constipation
D. Hyperkalemia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: ACE inhibitors commonly cause a persistent dry cough due to bradykinin accumulation.
Q8: Peripheral Arterial Disease
A patient reports leg pain with walking that resolves with rest. This is documented as:
A. Rest pain
B. Intermittent claudication
C. Dependent rubor
D. Paresthesia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Intermittent claudication is the classic symptom of peripheral arterial disease.
Q9: Heart Failure Daily Weight
A patient with heart failure should report which finding immediately?
A. Weight gain of 2 lb in one day
B. Weight loss of 1 lb in one week
C. Stable weight for 5 days
D. Weight gain of 1 lb over 3 days
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A 2–3 lb weight gain in one day indicates fluid retention and worsening heart failure.
Q10: Heparin Monitoring
Which laboratory value monitors heparin therapy?
