ATI Medical-Surgical Retake Exam Guide – Latest 2025/2026
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
100% Verified Correct Revised Edition
fj fj fj fj fj
1. A nurse is caring for a client who has a closed head injury and has an intraventricular catheter placed. Which ofthe
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj jf
following findings indicates that the client is experiencing increased ICP?
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
a. Flat jugular veins fj fj
b. GCS score of 15 fj fj fj
c. Sleepiness exhibited by the client fj fj fj fj
d. Widening pulse pressure fj fj
e. Decerebrateposturing jf
f. Flat jugular veins is incorrect. With increased ICP, the jugular veins are typically distended.
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj jf fj fj fj fj
A Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15 is incorrect. A Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15 indicates
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
neurological functioning within the expected reference range for eye opening, motor,and verbal
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj jf jf fj
response.
fj
Sleepiness exhibited by the client is correct. Sleepiness or difficulty arousing the client fromsleep fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj jf
is an indication of increased ICP.
fj fj fj fj fj fj
Widening pulse pressure is correct.Awidening pulse pressure (increase in systolic withconcurrent
fj fj fj fj fj jf fj fj fj fj fj fj jf
decrease in diastolic blood pressure) is an indication of increased ICP.
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
Decerebrate posturing is correct. Both decerebrate and decorticate posturing indicateincreased fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj jf
ICP. fj
2. A nurse ispreparing aclient whohas supraventriculartachycardia forelective cardioversion. Which of the
fj fj fj fj jf fj fj fj jf fj jf fj jf fj fj
following prescribed medications should the nurse instruct the clients to withhold for 48hr prior to
jf fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
cardioversion?
fj
a. Enoxaparin
b. Metformin
c. Diazepam
d. Digoxin
e. Anticoagulants can be beneficial during cardioversion due to their ability to prevent fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
blood clots that can be released into the client's circulatory system after cardioversion.
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
fj This medication should not be withheld. fj fj fj fj fj
f. Metformin
g. Metformin might be withheld for a client scheduled for cardiac catheterization or fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
fj other procedures involving contrast dye in order to prevent damage to the kidneys.
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
However, metformin should not be withheld prior to cardioversion.
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
h. Diazepam
i. Sedatives are generally administered to clients prior to cardioversion to reduce anxiety fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
fj and minimize the discomfort associated with the procedure. This medicationshould
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
fj not be withheld. fj fj
j. Digoxin:ANSWER jf
k. Cardiac glycosides, such as digoxin, are withheld prior to cardioversion. These
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
medications can increase ventricular irritability and put the client at risk for
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
fj ventricular fibrillation after the synchronized countershock of cardioversion. fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
,ATI Medical-Surgical Retake Exam Guide – Latest 2025/2026
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
100% Verified Correct Revised Edition
fj fj fj fj fj
3. A nurse is assessing a client who has acute cholecystitis. which of the following findings is the nurse’s priority?
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
,ATI Medical-Surgical Retake Exam Guide – Latest 2025/2026
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
100% Verified Correct Revised Edition
fj fj fj fj fj
a. Anorexia
b. Abdominal pain radiating to the right shoulder fj fj fj fj fj fj
c. Tachycardia
d. Rebound abdominal tenderness fj fj
i.
Anorexia
ii. Anorexia is nonurgent because it is an expected finding for a client who has fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
acute cholecystitis. Therefore, there is another finding that is the nurse's
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
fj priority.
iii. Abdominal pain radiating to the right shoulder fj fj fj fj fj fj
iv. MY ANSWER fj
v. Abdominal pain radiating to the right shoulder is nonurgent because it is an fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
fj expected finding for a client who has acute cholecystitis. Therefore, there is fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
another finding that is the nurse's priority.
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
vi. Tachycardia
vii. When using the urgent vs. nonurgent approach to client care, the nurse should
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
fj determine that the priority finding is tachycardia. Tachycardia is a fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
fj manifestation of biliary colic, which can lead to shock. The nurse should fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
fj position the head of the client's bed flat and report this finding immediatelyto fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
fj the provider. fj
viii. Rebound abdominal tenderness fj fj
ix. Rebound abdominal tenderness is nonurgent because it is an expected fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
fj finding for a client who has acute cholecystitis. Therefore, there is another
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
finding that is the nurse's priority.
fj fj fj fj fj fj
4. A nurse is preparing to admit a client who has dysphagia. The nurse should plant to place which of the followingitems
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj jf
at the client’s bedside?
fj fj fj fj
a. Suction machine fj
b. Wirecutters jf
c. Padded clamp fj
d. Communicationboard jf
e. Suction machine: ANSWERThe nurse should ensure that a suction machine is at the
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
bedside of a client who has dysphagia to clear the client's airway as needed and
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
reduce the risk for aspiration.
fj fj fj fj fj
f. Wire cutters: The nurse should ensure wire cutters are at the bedside of a client who
jf jf fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
fj has an inner maxillary fixation to cut the wires in case the client vomits. This enables
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
fj the client to clear their airway and reduce the risk for aspiration.
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
g. Padded clamp: The nurse should ensure a padded clamp is at the bedside of a
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
client who has a chest tube to clamp the tube and prevent air from entering the
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
fj client's chest if there is an interruption in the sealed drainage system.
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
, ATI Medical-Surgical Retake Exam Guide – Latest 2025/2026
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
100% Verified Correct Revised Edition
fj fj fj fj fj
h. Communicationboard:The nurse should ensure a communication board is at the jf jf fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
bedside of a client who has aphasia to assist the client with communicating.
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
5. A nurse is caring for a client who is having a seizure. Which of the following intervention is the nurse’s priority?
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
a. Loosen the clothing around the client’s neck fj fj fj fj fj fj
b. Check the client’s pupillary response fj fj fj fj
c. Turn the client to the side. fj fj fj fj fj
d. Move furniture away from the client fj fj fj jf fj
i. Loosen the clothing around the client's neck: The nurse should loosen any fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
restrictive clothing the client is wearing to prevent injury to the client.
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
fj However, another action is the priority. fj fj fj fj fj
ii. Check the client's pupillary response: The nurse should perform neurologic fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
fj checks after the seizure to monitor the client's recovery. However, another
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
action is the priority.
fj fj fj fj
iii. Turn the client to the side.: The greatest risk to this client is hypoxia from an
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
fj impaired airway. Therefore, the priority intervention the nurse should take is to fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
fj place the client in a side-lying position to prevent aspiration.
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
iv. Move furniture away from the client.: AThe nurse should move furniture away fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
fj from the client to prevent self-injury. However, another action is the
f j fj f j f j fj fj fj f j f j fj
fj priority.
6. A nurse is providing teaching to aclientwho has hypothyroidism and is receiving levothyroxine. The nurse should
fj fj fj fj fj fj jf fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
instruct the client that which of the following supplements can interfere with the effectiveness of the medication?
jf fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
a. Ginkgo biloba fj
b. Glucosamine
c. Calcium
d. Vitamin C fj
i.
Ginkgo biloba fj
ii. Ginkgo biloba reduces the pain associated with peripheral vascular disease fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
fj by promoting vasodilation. It can interact with medications that have
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
fj anticoagulant properties, but it is not known to interfere with the absorptionof fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
fj levothyroxine.
iii. Glucosamine:Glucosamine treats osteoarthritis by decreasing inflammation jf fj fj fj fj fj
and stimulating the body's production of synovial fluid and cartilage. It can
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
fj interact with medications that have antiplatelet or anticoagulant properties, fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
fj but it is not known to interfere with the absorption of levothyroxine.
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
iv. Calcium:NSWER
v. Calcium limits the development of osteoporosis in clients who are fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
100% Verified Correct Revised Edition
fj fj fj fj fj
1. A nurse is caring for a client who has a closed head injury and has an intraventricular catheter placed. Which ofthe
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj jf
following findings indicates that the client is experiencing increased ICP?
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
a. Flat jugular veins fj fj
b. GCS score of 15 fj fj fj
c. Sleepiness exhibited by the client fj fj fj fj
d. Widening pulse pressure fj fj
e. Decerebrateposturing jf
f. Flat jugular veins is incorrect. With increased ICP, the jugular veins are typically distended.
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj jf fj fj fj fj
A Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15 is incorrect. A Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15 indicates
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
neurological functioning within the expected reference range for eye opening, motor,and verbal
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj jf jf fj
response.
fj
Sleepiness exhibited by the client is correct. Sleepiness or difficulty arousing the client fromsleep fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj jf
is an indication of increased ICP.
fj fj fj fj fj fj
Widening pulse pressure is correct.Awidening pulse pressure (increase in systolic withconcurrent
fj fj fj fj fj jf fj fj fj fj fj fj jf
decrease in diastolic blood pressure) is an indication of increased ICP.
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
Decerebrate posturing is correct. Both decerebrate and decorticate posturing indicateincreased fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj jf
ICP. fj
2. A nurse ispreparing aclient whohas supraventriculartachycardia forelective cardioversion. Which of the
fj fj fj fj jf fj fj fj jf fj jf fj jf fj fj
following prescribed medications should the nurse instruct the clients to withhold for 48hr prior to
jf fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
cardioversion?
fj
a. Enoxaparin
b. Metformin
c. Diazepam
d. Digoxin
e. Anticoagulants can be beneficial during cardioversion due to their ability to prevent fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
blood clots that can be released into the client's circulatory system after cardioversion.
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
fj This medication should not be withheld. fj fj fj fj fj
f. Metformin
g. Metformin might be withheld for a client scheduled for cardiac catheterization or fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
fj other procedures involving contrast dye in order to prevent damage to the kidneys.
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
However, metformin should not be withheld prior to cardioversion.
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
h. Diazepam
i. Sedatives are generally administered to clients prior to cardioversion to reduce anxiety fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
fj and minimize the discomfort associated with the procedure. This medicationshould
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
fj not be withheld. fj fj
j. Digoxin:ANSWER jf
k. Cardiac glycosides, such as digoxin, are withheld prior to cardioversion. These
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
medications can increase ventricular irritability and put the client at risk for
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
fj ventricular fibrillation after the synchronized countershock of cardioversion. fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
,ATI Medical-Surgical Retake Exam Guide – Latest 2025/2026
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
100% Verified Correct Revised Edition
fj fj fj fj fj
3. A nurse is assessing a client who has acute cholecystitis. which of the following findings is the nurse’s priority?
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
,ATI Medical-Surgical Retake Exam Guide – Latest 2025/2026
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
100% Verified Correct Revised Edition
fj fj fj fj fj
a. Anorexia
b. Abdominal pain radiating to the right shoulder fj fj fj fj fj fj
c. Tachycardia
d. Rebound abdominal tenderness fj fj
i.
Anorexia
ii. Anorexia is nonurgent because it is an expected finding for a client who has fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
acute cholecystitis. Therefore, there is another finding that is the nurse's
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
fj priority.
iii. Abdominal pain radiating to the right shoulder fj fj fj fj fj fj
iv. MY ANSWER fj
v. Abdominal pain radiating to the right shoulder is nonurgent because it is an fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
fj expected finding for a client who has acute cholecystitis. Therefore, there is fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
another finding that is the nurse's priority.
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
vi. Tachycardia
vii. When using the urgent vs. nonurgent approach to client care, the nurse should
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
fj determine that the priority finding is tachycardia. Tachycardia is a fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
fj manifestation of biliary colic, which can lead to shock. The nurse should fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
fj position the head of the client's bed flat and report this finding immediatelyto fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
fj the provider. fj
viii. Rebound abdominal tenderness fj fj
ix. Rebound abdominal tenderness is nonurgent because it is an expected fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
fj finding for a client who has acute cholecystitis. Therefore, there is another
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
finding that is the nurse's priority.
fj fj fj fj fj fj
4. A nurse is preparing to admit a client who has dysphagia. The nurse should plant to place which of the followingitems
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj jf
at the client’s bedside?
fj fj fj fj
a. Suction machine fj
b. Wirecutters jf
c. Padded clamp fj
d. Communicationboard jf
e. Suction machine: ANSWERThe nurse should ensure that a suction machine is at the
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
bedside of a client who has dysphagia to clear the client's airway as needed and
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
reduce the risk for aspiration.
fj fj fj fj fj
f. Wire cutters: The nurse should ensure wire cutters are at the bedside of a client who
jf jf fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
fj has an inner maxillary fixation to cut the wires in case the client vomits. This enables
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
fj the client to clear their airway and reduce the risk for aspiration.
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
g. Padded clamp: The nurse should ensure a padded clamp is at the bedside of a
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
client who has a chest tube to clamp the tube and prevent air from entering the
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
fj client's chest if there is an interruption in the sealed drainage system.
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
, ATI Medical-Surgical Retake Exam Guide – Latest 2025/2026
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
100% Verified Correct Revised Edition
fj fj fj fj fj
h. Communicationboard:The nurse should ensure a communication board is at the jf jf fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
bedside of a client who has aphasia to assist the client with communicating.
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
5. A nurse is caring for a client who is having a seizure. Which of the following intervention is the nurse’s priority?
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
a. Loosen the clothing around the client’s neck fj fj fj fj fj fj
b. Check the client’s pupillary response fj fj fj fj
c. Turn the client to the side. fj fj fj fj fj
d. Move furniture away from the client fj fj fj jf fj
i. Loosen the clothing around the client's neck: The nurse should loosen any fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
restrictive clothing the client is wearing to prevent injury to the client.
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
fj However, another action is the priority. fj fj fj fj fj
ii. Check the client's pupillary response: The nurse should perform neurologic fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
fj checks after the seizure to monitor the client's recovery. However, another
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
action is the priority.
fj fj fj fj
iii. Turn the client to the side.: The greatest risk to this client is hypoxia from an
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
fj impaired airway. Therefore, the priority intervention the nurse should take is to fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
fj place the client in a side-lying position to prevent aspiration.
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
iv. Move furniture away from the client.: AThe nurse should move furniture away fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
fj from the client to prevent self-injury. However, another action is the
f j fj f j f j fj fj fj f j f j fj
fj priority.
6. A nurse is providing teaching to aclientwho has hypothyroidism and is receiving levothyroxine. The nurse should
fj fj fj fj fj fj jf fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
instruct the client that which of the following supplements can interfere with the effectiveness of the medication?
jf fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
a. Ginkgo biloba fj
b. Glucosamine
c. Calcium
d. Vitamin C fj
i.
Ginkgo biloba fj
ii. Ginkgo biloba reduces the pain associated with peripheral vascular disease fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
fj by promoting vasodilation. It can interact with medications that have
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
fj anticoagulant properties, but it is not known to interfere with the absorptionof fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
fj levothyroxine.
iii. Glucosamine:Glucosamine treats osteoarthritis by decreasing inflammation jf fj fj fj fj fj
and stimulating the body's production of synovial fluid and cartilage. It can
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
fj interact with medications that have antiplatelet or anticoagulant properties, fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
fj but it is not known to interfere with the absorption of levothyroxine.
fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
iv. Calcium:NSWER
v. Calcium limits the development of osteoporosis in clients who are fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj fj
