1
Page | 1
ATI Med-Surg Proctored Exam 2025–2026 |
200 Questions, Correct Answers & Rationales
Question: A patient with left-sided heart failure is experiencing dyspnea and orthopnea.
Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
A. Administer furosemide
B. Elevate the head of the bed
C. Restrict fluid intake
D. Notify the healthcare provider
✔ Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed immediately improves oxygenation and reduces
pulmonary congestion.
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2.
Question: Which ECG finding is most indicative of a myocardial infarction?
Page | 2 A. Inverted T waves
B. Prolonged PR interval
C. ST-segment elevation
D. U waves
✔ Correct Answer: C
Rationale: ST-segment elevation is a hallmark of acute MI and requires urgent intervention.
3.
Question: A client with COPD is receiving oxygen via nasal cannula at 4 L/min. Which
concern should the nurse monitor for?
A. Carbon dioxide narcosis
B. Respiratory alkalosis
C. Hyperventilation
D. Oxygen toxicity
✔ Correct Answer: A
Rationale: High-flow oxygen in COPD may suppress the hypoxic drive, leading to CO₂
retention (narcosis).
, 3
4.
Question: Which lab finding supports the diagnosis of acute kidney injury (AKI)?
Page | 3 A. Serum potassium 3.5 mEq/L
B. Serum creatinine 2.5 mg/dL
C. BUN 12 mg/dL
D. GFR 100 mL/min
✔ Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Elevated creatinine is a key indicator of reduced kidney function in AKI.
5.
Question: A nurse is caring for a client with increased intracranial pressure. Which finding
requires immediate attention?
A. Glasgow Coma Score of 15
B. Reactive pupils
C. Widening pulse pressure
D. Capillary refill <2 seconds
✔ Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Widening pulse pressure is a late and dangerous sign of increased ICP.
6.
Question: Which symptom would suggest worsening peritonitis?
A. Decreased white blood cell count
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B. Soft, non-distended abdomen
C. Rigid, board-like abdomen
D. Bradycardia
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✔ Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A hard, rigid abdomen indicates peritoneal inflammation or perforation.
7.
Question: What is the most effective way to prevent pressure injuries in immobile clients?
A. Massage bony prominences every 2 hours
B. Use donut cushions under heels
C. Turn and reposition every 2 hours
D. Keep the head of the bed at 90 degrees
✔ Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Frequent repositioning improves circulation and prevents pressure ulcers.
8.
Question: A nurse is assessing a post-op client. Which sign requires immediate intervention?
A. Blood pressure 130/80 mmHg
B. Oxygen saturation 89%
C. Urine output 35 mL/hr
D. Temperature 99°F
✔ Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Oxygen saturation below 90% may indicate hypoxia and needs prompt action.
Page | 1
ATI Med-Surg Proctored Exam 2025–2026 |
200 Questions, Correct Answers & Rationales
Question: A patient with left-sided heart failure is experiencing dyspnea and orthopnea.
Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
A. Administer furosemide
B. Elevate the head of the bed
C. Restrict fluid intake
D. Notify the healthcare provider
✔ Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed immediately improves oxygenation and reduces
pulmonary congestion.
, 2
2.
Question: Which ECG finding is most indicative of a myocardial infarction?
Page | 2 A. Inverted T waves
B. Prolonged PR interval
C. ST-segment elevation
D. U waves
✔ Correct Answer: C
Rationale: ST-segment elevation is a hallmark of acute MI and requires urgent intervention.
3.
Question: A client with COPD is receiving oxygen via nasal cannula at 4 L/min. Which
concern should the nurse monitor for?
A. Carbon dioxide narcosis
B. Respiratory alkalosis
C. Hyperventilation
D. Oxygen toxicity
✔ Correct Answer: A
Rationale: High-flow oxygen in COPD may suppress the hypoxic drive, leading to CO₂
retention (narcosis).
, 3
4.
Question: Which lab finding supports the diagnosis of acute kidney injury (AKI)?
Page | 3 A. Serum potassium 3.5 mEq/L
B. Serum creatinine 2.5 mg/dL
C. BUN 12 mg/dL
D. GFR 100 mL/min
✔ Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Elevated creatinine is a key indicator of reduced kidney function in AKI.
5.
Question: A nurse is caring for a client with increased intracranial pressure. Which finding
requires immediate attention?
A. Glasgow Coma Score of 15
B. Reactive pupils
C. Widening pulse pressure
D. Capillary refill <2 seconds
✔ Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Widening pulse pressure is a late and dangerous sign of increased ICP.
6.
Question: Which symptom would suggest worsening peritonitis?
A. Decreased white blood cell count
, 4
B. Soft, non-distended abdomen
C. Rigid, board-like abdomen
D. Bradycardia
Page | 4
✔ Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A hard, rigid abdomen indicates peritoneal inflammation or perforation.
7.
Question: What is the most effective way to prevent pressure injuries in immobile clients?
A. Massage bony prominences every 2 hours
B. Use donut cushions under heels
C. Turn and reposition every 2 hours
D. Keep the head of the bed at 90 degrees
✔ Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Frequent repositioning improves circulation and prevents pressure ulcers.
8.
Question: A nurse is assessing a post-op client. Which sign requires immediate intervention?
A. Blood pressure 130/80 mmHg
B. Oxygen saturation 89%
C. Urine output 35 mL/hr
D. Temperature 99°F
✔ Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Oxygen saturation below 90% may indicate hypoxia and needs prompt action.
