RN ATI Adult Medical-Surgical Nursing | 200+ Verified Exam & Practice Questions with Detailed Answers and Rationales | Fall Semester 2025/2026 | Updated 2026 Edition | Comprehensive NCLEX & ATI Prep Study Guide

• RN ATI Adult Medical-Surgical Nursing | 200+
Verified Exam & Practice Questions with
Detailed Answers and Rationales | Fall
Semester 2025/2026 | Updated 2026 Edition |
Comprehensive NCLEX & ATI Prep Study Guide

Question 1
What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient experiencing chest pain?
A) Administer analgesics
B) Obtain an ECG (Correct Option)
C) Provide emotional support
D) Encourage deep breathing
Rationale: Obtaining an ECG is critical to assess the heart's condition and identify any
potential myocardial infarction.


Question 2
Which laboratory value is most significant in diagnosing a myocardial infarction?
A) Blood glucose
B) Troponin levels (Correct Option)
C) Complete blood count
D) B-type natriuretic peptide
Rationale: Troponin levels are specific indicators of myocardial damage and are crucial
for diagnosing myocardial infarction.


Question 3
What is the primary purpose of administering aspirin to a patient with acute
coronary syndrome?
A) To relieve pain
B) To inhibit platelet aggregation (Correct Option)
C) To lower blood pressure
D) To reduce anxiety
Rationale: Aspirin inhibits platelet aggregation, reducing the risk of further clot
formation and minimizing damage to the heart.


Question 4
Which of the following is a common symptom of heart failure?
A) Shortness of breath (Correct Option)
B) Increased appetite

,C) High energy levels
D) Weight loss
Rationale: Shortness of breath is a hallmark symptom of heart failure due to fluid
overload and pulmonary congestion.


Question 5
What is a key nursing action when caring for a patient with a newly inserted central
venous catheter (CVC)?
A) Change the dressing every day
B) Maintain sterile technique when accessing the catheter (Correct Option)
C) Flush the catheter with normal saline only
D) Remove the catheter if there is resistance
Rationale: Maintaining sterile technique is essential to prevent infection when
accessing the central venous catheter.


Question 6
Which assessment finding is most concerning in a patient with pneumonia?
A) Cough with sputum production
B) Decreased oxygen saturation (Correct Option)
C) Chest pain upon breathing
D) Increased respiratory rate
Rationale: Decreased oxygen saturation indicates impaired gas exchange and requires
immediate intervention.


Question 7
What is the primary function of the kidneys?
A) Hormone production
B) Regulation of fluid and electrolyte balance (Correct Option)
C) Digestion of food
D) Production of bile
Rationale: The kidneys are responsible for filtering blood, regulating fluid and
electrolyte balance, and excreting waste.


Question 8
What is the most appropriate nursing action for a patient experiencing a
hypertensive crisis?
A) Administer oral antihypertensives
B) Administer IV antihypertensives as ordered (Correct Option)

,C) Encourage fluid intake
D) Monitor blood glucose levels
Rationale: In a hypertensive crisis, intravenous antihypertensives are necessary for
rapid control of blood pressure.


Question 9
What is the best position for a patient experiencing acute shortness of breath?
A) Supine
B) High Fowler's position (Correct Option)
C) Prone
D) Trendelenburg
Rationale: High Fowler's position helps maximize lung expansion and improve
oxygenation in patients with respiratory distress.


Question 10
Which of the following is a sign of dehydration?
A) Weight gain
B) Dry mucous membranes (Correct Option)
C) Decreased heart rate
D) Increased urine output
Rationale: Dry mucous membranes are a common indicator of dehydration, reflecting
inadequate fluid intake.


Question 11
What is the priority nursing diagnosis for a patient with acute pancreatitis?
A) Risk for infection
B) Acute pain (Correct Option)
C) Imbalanced nutrition
D) Anxiety
Rationale: Acute pain is the priority diagnosis due to the severe discomfort associated
with pancreatitis.


Question 12
Which of the following dietary modifications is recommended for a patient with
chronic kidney disease (CKD)?
A) High protein intake
B) Low sodium intake (Correct Option)

, C) High potassium intake
D) Increased fluid intake
Rationale: A low sodium diet helps manage fluid retention and hypertension in patients
with chronic kidney disease.


Question 13
What is the primary action of beta-blockers in the management of hypertension?
A) Diuresis
B) Reduction of heart rate and contractility (Correct Option)
C) Vasodilation
D) Increased cardiac output
Rationale: Beta-blockers reduce heart rate and myocardial contractility, leading to
decreased blood pressure.


Question 14
What is the most appropriate nursing intervention for a patient post-surgery who is
at risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
A) Encourage prolonged bed rest
B) Encourage early ambulation (Correct Option)
C) Apply warm compresses to the legs
D) Increase fluid intake only
Rationale: Early ambulation reduces the risk of developing DVT by promoting
circulation and venous return.


Question 15
What is the most common cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD)?
A) Allergies
B) Smoking (Correct Option)
C) Air pollution
D) Occupational exposure
Rationale: Smoking is the leading cause of COPD, contributing to airway inflammation
and lung damage.


Question 16
Which of the following is a sign of hypoglycemia?
A) Increased thirst
B) Sweating and tremors (Correct Option)