ATI Testing | Virtual ATI Adult Medical-Surgical Assessment
RN VATI Adult Medical-Surgical Assessment
2026/2027 | Verified Questions
Assessment Technologies Institute | Virtual ATI | Professional Nursing Candidates
250 Verified Questions | 8 Core Domains | Academic Year 2026/2027
Prepared by
ATI Testing | Virtual ATI Adult Medical-Surgical Assessment
RN VATI Adult Medical-Surgical Assessment Actual Exam | Academic Year 2026/2027
RN VATI Adult Medical-Surgical Assessment 2026/2027 | Verified Questions
,INTRODUCTION
This document contains 250 original verified questions that comprehensively cover the full VATI Adult Medical-Surgical
Assessment. The content is organized across eight core domains: Management of Care & Prioritization; Cardiovascular
Disorders; Respiratory Disorders; Neurological Disorders; Gastrointestinal & Renal Disorders; Endocrine &
Musculoskeletal Disorders; Fluid/Electrolyte, Acid-Base & Perioperative Care; and Hematologic, Immunologic &
Oncologic Disorders. Each domain contains questions designed to reinforce the official ATI Virtual ATI Adult Medical-
Surgical course objectives for actual exam readiness and medical-surgical nursing proficiency, aligned to the 2026/2027
academic year. Questions emphasize clinical judgment, prioritization, and evidence-based interventions consistent with
foundational medical-surgical nursing methodology and the NCSBN Clinical Judgment Measurement Model.
ACTUAL QUESTIONS
Domain 1: Management of Care & Prioritization
Question 1. A nurse is planning care for four clients. Which client should the nurse assess first?
A. A client with chronic COPD reporting a productive cough
B. A client who is 1 day post-operative with a pain rating of 6/10
C. A client with new-onset confusion and a respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min
D. A client awaiting discharge teaching after a laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: New-onset confusion with bradypnea signals possible respiratory depression or neurologic deterioration
and requires immediate assessment using ABCs and clinical judgment priorities. The other clients have more stable or
expected findings.
Question 2. Which task is appropriate to delegate to a licensed practical nurse (LPN)?
A. Performing the initial assessment of a newly admitted client
B. Teaching a newly diagnosed diabetic about insulin administration
C. Administering oral antibiotics and performing routine dressing changes for a stable client
D. Evaluating a client's response to a new pain management regimen
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: LPNs may care for stable clients with predictable outcomes, including administering oral medications and
performing routine dressing changes. Assessment, teaching, and evaluation remain RN responsibilities.
Question 3. A client states, 'I am so afraid of the surgery tomorrow.' Which response by the nurse
demonstrates therapeutic communication?
A. Don't worry; everything will be fine.
B. Tell me more about what is making you feel that way.
C. You should focus on the positive aspects of recovery.
D. I will ask the surgeon to speak with you again.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: An open-ended statement invites the client to express concerns and supports therapeutic communication.
Reassurance, advice, and deflection close the conversation.
Question 4. Before administering a medication, the nurse notes that the client's identification band is
missing. What is the priority action?
A. Ask the client to state their name and date of birth, then administer the medication
B. Obtain a new identification band and apply it before administering any medication
C. Administer the medication after verifying the name on the medication administration record
D. Have a family member confirm the client's identity
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Two approved identifiers are required. A missing ID band must be replaced and verified before any
medication is given to prevent errors.
Question 5. Which client is the highest priority for the charge nurse to assign to an experienced RN
rather than a float nurse?
A. A client with stable hypertension receiving oral antihypertensives
B. A client newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes requiring insulin teaching
C. A client with a healing stage 2 pressure injury receiving wound care
RN VATI Adult Medical-Surgical Assessment 2026/2027 | Verified Questions
, D. A client awaiting transport for a routine chest x-ray
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Initial teaching for a newly diagnosed client requires RN-level assessment and education skills. Stable clients
with routine needs can be assigned to other competent staff.
Question 6. A nurse finds a client on the floor after an unwitnessed fall. What is the first action?
A. Help the client back to bed immediately
B. Assess the client for injuries and obtain vital signs
C. Notify the provider and complete an incident report
D. Call for assistance to lift the client
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: After a fall, the priority is to assess for injury and physiologic stability before moving the client. Subsequent
steps follow once safety is established.
Question 7. Which activity may the nurse delegate to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?
A. Evaluating a client's response to ambulation
B. Teaching a client how to use an incentive spirometer
C. Assisting a stable client with morning hygiene and reporting intake and output
D. Assessing a client's pain level after analgesic administration
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: UAPs may assist with activities of daily living and basic data collection for stable clients. Assessment,
teaching, and evaluation are RN responsibilities.
Question 8. A nurse is using the NCSBN Clinical Judgment Measurement Model. After recognizing and
analyzing cues, what is the next step?
A. Take action
B. Generate hypotheses
C. Evaluate outcomes
D. Prioritize hypotheses
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: After analyzing cues, the nurse generates hypotheses about possible client problems before prioritizing and
taking action, following the clinical judgment model sequence.
Question 9. Which client should the nurse see first at the beginning of the shift?
A. A client scheduled for a routine colonoscopy in 2 hours
B. A client reporting new chest pain and diaphoresis
C. A client requesting assistance with ambulation to the bathroom
D. A client whose family is asking about discharge instructions
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: New chest pain with diaphoresis may indicate acute coronary syndrome and takes priority over scheduled
procedures, routine assistance, and teaching.
Question 10. A provider orders a medication that the nurse believes is contraindicated for the client.
What is the appropriate action?
A. Administer the medication as ordered and document the concern
B. Withhold the medication and notify the provider of the concern
C. Ask another nurse to administer the medication
D. Give a reduced dose and monitor the client closely
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Nurses have a duty to question orders that appear unsafe. Withholding the medication and communicating
the concern protects the client and fulfills professional accountability.
Question 11. Which statement by a new nurse indicates correct understanding of prioritization using
Maslow's hierarchy?
A. I will address the client's anxiety before checking oxygen saturation.
B. I will ensure the client's airway and oxygenation needs are met before addressing psychosocial concerns.
C. Psychosocial needs always take precedence over physical needs.
D. Self-actualization needs should be met first in acute care.
RN VATI Adult Medical-Surgical Assessment 2026/2027 | Verified Questions
, Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Physiologic needs such as airway and oxygenation form the foundation of Maslow's hierarchy and must be
addressed before higher-level psychosocial needs in acute settings.
Question 12. A client refuses a prescribed medication. What is the nurse's best action?
A. Document the refusal and notify the provider
B. Insist that the client take the medication for their own good
C. Hide the medication in the client's food
D. Ask the family to persuade the client
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Clients have the right to refuse treatment. The nurse documents the refusal, explores the reason if possible,
and notifies the provider so alternative plans can be considered.
Question 13. Which task is appropriate for the RN to assign to an LPN on a medical-surgical unit?
A. Developing the initial plan of care for a newly admitted client
B. Administering a blood transfusion to a client with anemia
C. Reinforcing teaching about wound care for a stable post-operative client
D. Performing a comprehensive admission assessment
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: LPNs may reinforce previously provided teaching for stable clients. Initial planning, complex procedures
such as blood administration, and comprehensive assessments remain RN responsibilities.
Question 14. A nurse is caring for a group of clients. Which finding requires the most immediate
intervention?
A. A client with a blood pressure of 148/88 mm Hg
B. A client with a temperature of 38.1 °C (100.6 °F)
C. A client with a respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min and SpO2 of 88%
D. A client reporting pain of 5/10
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Bradypnea with hypoxia indicates inadequate ventilation and is a life-threatening finding requiring
immediate intervention per ABC prioritization.
Question 15. When prioritizing care, the nurse applies the ABC framework. Which client problem is
addressed first?
A. A client with a blood pressure of 90/50 mm Hg
B. A client with an obstructed airway
C. A client with a heart rate of 120 beats/min
D. A client with a temperature of 39.5 °C (103.1 °F)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Airway takes precedence over breathing and circulation. An obstructed airway is the highest priority under
the ABC framework.
Question 16. A nurse is preparing to discharge a client. Which action is the priority?
A. Providing a written list of follow-up appointments
B. Ensuring the client can correctly demonstrate medication administration and understand warning signs
C. Arranging transportation home
D. Giving the client a copy of the discharge summary
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Safe discharge requires verification that the client understands and can perform essential self-care, including
medications and recognition of complications. Other tasks support but do not replace this priority.
Question 17. Which client is appropriate to assign to a float nurse from the orthopaedic unit?
A. A client with acute chest pain requiring continuous cardiac monitoring
B. A client with a stable femur fracture awaiting physical therapy
C. A client in diabetic ketoacidosis on an insulin infusion
D. A client with new-onset seizures requiring neurologic checks every hour
Correct Answer: D
RN VATI Adult Medical-Surgical Assessment 2026/2027 | Verified Questions
RN VATI Adult Medical-Surgical Assessment
2026/2027 | Verified Questions
Assessment Technologies Institute | Virtual ATI | Professional Nursing Candidates
250 Verified Questions | 8 Core Domains | Academic Year 2026/2027
Prepared by
ATI Testing | Virtual ATI Adult Medical-Surgical Assessment
RN VATI Adult Medical-Surgical Assessment Actual Exam | Academic Year 2026/2027
RN VATI Adult Medical-Surgical Assessment 2026/2027 | Verified Questions
,INTRODUCTION
This document contains 250 original verified questions that comprehensively cover the full VATI Adult Medical-Surgical
Assessment. The content is organized across eight core domains: Management of Care & Prioritization; Cardiovascular
Disorders; Respiratory Disorders; Neurological Disorders; Gastrointestinal & Renal Disorders; Endocrine &
Musculoskeletal Disorders; Fluid/Electrolyte, Acid-Base & Perioperative Care; and Hematologic, Immunologic &
Oncologic Disorders. Each domain contains questions designed to reinforce the official ATI Virtual ATI Adult Medical-
Surgical course objectives for actual exam readiness and medical-surgical nursing proficiency, aligned to the 2026/2027
academic year. Questions emphasize clinical judgment, prioritization, and evidence-based interventions consistent with
foundational medical-surgical nursing methodology and the NCSBN Clinical Judgment Measurement Model.
ACTUAL QUESTIONS
Domain 1: Management of Care & Prioritization
Question 1. A nurse is planning care for four clients. Which client should the nurse assess first?
A. A client with chronic COPD reporting a productive cough
B. A client who is 1 day post-operative with a pain rating of 6/10
C. A client with new-onset confusion and a respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min
D. A client awaiting discharge teaching after a laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: New-onset confusion with bradypnea signals possible respiratory depression or neurologic deterioration
and requires immediate assessment using ABCs and clinical judgment priorities. The other clients have more stable or
expected findings.
Question 2. Which task is appropriate to delegate to a licensed practical nurse (LPN)?
A. Performing the initial assessment of a newly admitted client
B. Teaching a newly diagnosed diabetic about insulin administration
C. Administering oral antibiotics and performing routine dressing changes for a stable client
D. Evaluating a client's response to a new pain management regimen
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: LPNs may care for stable clients with predictable outcomes, including administering oral medications and
performing routine dressing changes. Assessment, teaching, and evaluation remain RN responsibilities.
Question 3. A client states, 'I am so afraid of the surgery tomorrow.' Which response by the nurse
demonstrates therapeutic communication?
A. Don't worry; everything will be fine.
B. Tell me more about what is making you feel that way.
C. You should focus on the positive aspects of recovery.
D. I will ask the surgeon to speak with you again.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: An open-ended statement invites the client to express concerns and supports therapeutic communication.
Reassurance, advice, and deflection close the conversation.
Question 4. Before administering a medication, the nurse notes that the client's identification band is
missing. What is the priority action?
A. Ask the client to state their name and date of birth, then administer the medication
B. Obtain a new identification band and apply it before administering any medication
C. Administer the medication after verifying the name on the medication administration record
D. Have a family member confirm the client's identity
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Two approved identifiers are required. A missing ID band must be replaced and verified before any
medication is given to prevent errors.
Question 5. Which client is the highest priority for the charge nurse to assign to an experienced RN
rather than a float nurse?
A. A client with stable hypertension receiving oral antihypertensives
B. A client newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes requiring insulin teaching
C. A client with a healing stage 2 pressure injury receiving wound care
RN VATI Adult Medical-Surgical Assessment 2026/2027 | Verified Questions
, D. A client awaiting transport for a routine chest x-ray
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Initial teaching for a newly diagnosed client requires RN-level assessment and education skills. Stable clients
with routine needs can be assigned to other competent staff.
Question 6. A nurse finds a client on the floor after an unwitnessed fall. What is the first action?
A. Help the client back to bed immediately
B. Assess the client for injuries and obtain vital signs
C. Notify the provider and complete an incident report
D. Call for assistance to lift the client
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: After a fall, the priority is to assess for injury and physiologic stability before moving the client. Subsequent
steps follow once safety is established.
Question 7. Which activity may the nurse delegate to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?
A. Evaluating a client's response to ambulation
B. Teaching a client how to use an incentive spirometer
C. Assisting a stable client with morning hygiene and reporting intake and output
D. Assessing a client's pain level after analgesic administration
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: UAPs may assist with activities of daily living and basic data collection for stable clients. Assessment,
teaching, and evaluation are RN responsibilities.
Question 8. A nurse is using the NCSBN Clinical Judgment Measurement Model. After recognizing and
analyzing cues, what is the next step?
A. Take action
B. Generate hypotheses
C. Evaluate outcomes
D. Prioritize hypotheses
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: After analyzing cues, the nurse generates hypotheses about possible client problems before prioritizing and
taking action, following the clinical judgment model sequence.
Question 9. Which client should the nurse see first at the beginning of the shift?
A. A client scheduled for a routine colonoscopy in 2 hours
B. A client reporting new chest pain and diaphoresis
C. A client requesting assistance with ambulation to the bathroom
D. A client whose family is asking about discharge instructions
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: New chest pain with diaphoresis may indicate acute coronary syndrome and takes priority over scheduled
procedures, routine assistance, and teaching.
Question 10. A provider orders a medication that the nurse believes is contraindicated for the client.
What is the appropriate action?
A. Administer the medication as ordered and document the concern
B. Withhold the medication and notify the provider of the concern
C. Ask another nurse to administer the medication
D. Give a reduced dose and monitor the client closely
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Nurses have a duty to question orders that appear unsafe. Withholding the medication and communicating
the concern protects the client and fulfills professional accountability.
Question 11. Which statement by a new nurse indicates correct understanding of prioritization using
Maslow's hierarchy?
A. I will address the client's anxiety before checking oxygen saturation.
B. I will ensure the client's airway and oxygenation needs are met before addressing psychosocial concerns.
C. Psychosocial needs always take precedence over physical needs.
D. Self-actualization needs should be met first in acute care.
RN VATI Adult Medical-Surgical Assessment 2026/2027 | Verified Questions
, Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Physiologic needs such as airway and oxygenation form the foundation of Maslow's hierarchy and must be
addressed before higher-level psychosocial needs in acute settings.
Question 12. A client refuses a prescribed medication. What is the nurse's best action?
A. Document the refusal and notify the provider
B. Insist that the client take the medication for their own good
C. Hide the medication in the client's food
D. Ask the family to persuade the client
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Clients have the right to refuse treatment. The nurse documents the refusal, explores the reason if possible,
and notifies the provider so alternative plans can be considered.
Question 13. Which task is appropriate for the RN to assign to an LPN on a medical-surgical unit?
A. Developing the initial plan of care for a newly admitted client
B. Administering a blood transfusion to a client with anemia
C. Reinforcing teaching about wound care for a stable post-operative client
D. Performing a comprehensive admission assessment
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: LPNs may reinforce previously provided teaching for stable clients. Initial planning, complex procedures
such as blood administration, and comprehensive assessments remain RN responsibilities.
Question 14. A nurse is caring for a group of clients. Which finding requires the most immediate
intervention?
A. A client with a blood pressure of 148/88 mm Hg
B. A client with a temperature of 38.1 °C (100.6 °F)
C. A client with a respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min and SpO2 of 88%
D. A client reporting pain of 5/10
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Bradypnea with hypoxia indicates inadequate ventilation and is a life-threatening finding requiring
immediate intervention per ABC prioritization.
Question 15. When prioritizing care, the nurse applies the ABC framework. Which client problem is
addressed first?
A. A client with a blood pressure of 90/50 mm Hg
B. A client with an obstructed airway
C. A client with a heart rate of 120 beats/min
D. A client with a temperature of 39.5 °C (103.1 °F)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Airway takes precedence over breathing and circulation. An obstructed airway is the highest priority under
the ABC framework.
Question 16. A nurse is preparing to discharge a client. Which action is the priority?
A. Providing a written list of follow-up appointments
B. Ensuring the client can correctly demonstrate medication administration and understand warning signs
C. Arranging transportation home
D. Giving the client a copy of the discharge summary
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Safe discharge requires verification that the client understands and can perform essential self-care, including
medications and recognition of complications. Other tasks support but do not replace this priority.
Question 17. Which client is appropriate to assign to a float nurse from the orthopaedic unit?
A. A client with acute chest pain requiring continuous cardiac monitoring
B. A client with a stable femur fracture awaiting physical therapy
C. A client in diabetic ketoacidosis on an insulin infusion
D. A client with new-onset seizures requiring neurologic checks every hour
Correct Answer: D
RN VATI Adult Medical-Surgical Assessment 2026/2027 | Verified Questions
