ATI Adult Medical Surgical Nursing (CMS)
Exam Actual Questions and Answers With
Expert Explanation (2026/2027 Update)
Complete A+ Guide
A nurse is caring for a client who was just informed of a new diagnosis of breast
cancer. The nurse evaluates the clients response. Which of the following statements by
the client reflects a lack of understanding of an illness perspective?
A. "I have no family history of breast cancer"
B. "I need a second opinion. There is no lump"
C. "I am glad we live in the city near several large hospitals"
D. "I will schedule surgery next week, over the holidays" - correct answer B. "I need a
second opinion. There is no lump"
,A nurse is caring for a client who is postprocedure following lumbar puncture and
reports a throbbing headache when sitting upright. Which of the following actions
should the nurse take? Select all that apply
A. Use the Glasgow Coma Scale when assessing the client
B. Assist the client to a supine position
C. Administer an opioid medication
D. Encourage the client to increase fluid intake
E. Instruct the client to perform deep breathing and coughing exercises - correct
answer B. Assist the client to a supine position
C. Administer an opioid medication
D. Encourage the client to increase fluid intake
A nurse is caring for a client who experienced a traumatic head injury and has an
intraventricular catheter (ventriculostomy) for ICP monitoring. The nurse should
monitor the client for which of the following complications related to ventriculostomy?
,A. Headache
B. Infection
C. Aphasia
D. Hypertension - correct answer B. Infection
A nurse is assessing the client for changes in the level of consciousness using the
glascow coma scale (GCS). The client opens his eyes when spoken to, speaks
incoherently, and moves his extremities when pain is applied. Which of the following
GCS scores should the nurse document?
A. E2 + V3 + M5 = 10
B. E3 + V4 + M4 = 11
C. E4 + V5 + M6=15
D. E2 + V2 + M4 =8 - correct answer B. E3 + V4 + M4 = 11
, A nurse is developing a plan of care for a client who is scheduled for a cerebral
angiography with contrast media. Which of the following statements by the client
should the nurse report to the provider? Select all that apply
A. "I think I might be pregnant"
B. "I take warfarin"
C. "I take antihypertensive medication"
D. "I am allergic to shrimp"
E. "I ate a light breakfast this morning" - correct answer A. "I think I might be
pregnant"
B. "I take warfarin"
D. "I am allergic to shrimp"
E. "I ate a light breakfast this morning"
Exam Actual Questions and Answers With
Expert Explanation (2026/2027 Update)
Complete A+ Guide
A nurse is caring for a client who was just informed of a new diagnosis of breast
cancer. The nurse evaluates the clients response. Which of the following statements by
the client reflects a lack of understanding of an illness perspective?
A. "I have no family history of breast cancer"
B. "I need a second opinion. There is no lump"
C. "I am glad we live in the city near several large hospitals"
D. "I will schedule surgery next week, over the holidays" - correct answer B. "I need a
second opinion. There is no lump"
,A nurse is caring for a client who is postprocedure following lumbar puncture and
reports a throbbing headache when sitting upright. Which of the following actions
should the nurse take? Select all that apply
A. Use the Glasgow Coma Scale when assessing the client
B. Assist the client to a supine position
C. Administer an opioid medication
D. Encourage the client to increase fluid intake
E. Instruct the client to perform deep breathing and coughing exercises - correct
answer B. Assist the client to a supine position
C. Administer an opioid medication
D. Encourage the client to increase fluid intake
A nurse is caring for a client who experienced a traumatic head injury and has an
intraventricular catheter (ventriculostomy) for ICP monitoring. The nurse should
monitor the client for which of the following complications related to ventriculostomy?
,A. Headache
B. Infection
C. Aphasia
D. Hypertension - correct answer B. Infection
A nurse is assessing the client for changes in the level of consciousness using the
glascow coma scale (GCS). The client opens his eyes when spoken to, speaks
incoherently, and moves his extremities when pain is applied. Which of the following
GCS scores should the nurse document?
A. E2 + V3 + M5 = 10
B. E3 + V4 + M4 = 11
C. E4 + V5 + M6=15
D. E2 + V2 + M4 =8 - correct answer B. E3 + V4 + M4 = 11
, A nurse is developing a plan of care for a client who is scheduled for a cerebral
angiography with contrast media. Which of the following statements by the client
should the nurse report to the provider? Select all that apply
A. "I think I might be pregnant"
B. "I take warfarin"
C. "I take antihypertensive medication"
D. "I am allergic to shrimp"
E. "I ate a light breakfast this morning" - correct answer A. "I think I might be
pregnant"
B. "I take warfarin"
D. "I am allergic to shrimp"
E. "I ate a light breakfast this morning"
