2026/2027
Capstone ATI Medical Surgical
Assessment 1 & 2 Exam Preparation
Guide 2026/2027: Comprehensive
Practice Questions, Test Bank
Review, Clinical Scenarios, and
Study Strategies
Question 1
A postpartum nurse is teaching a new mother about proper umbilical cord care for her
newborn. Which instruction should the nurse include?
A. Clean the cord stump with alcohol every diaper change
B. Keep the cord stump clean and dry and expose it to air when possible
C. Cover the cord stump tightly with a sterile dressing
D. Apply antibiotic ointment to the cord stump daily
Correct Answer: B. Keep the cord stump clean and dry and expose it to air when
possible
Rationale: Proper umbilical cord care involves keeping the cord stump clean, dry, and
exposed to air to promote natural drying and separation. The diaper should be folded
below the stump to prevent moisture accumulation. Routine alcohol cleansing is no
longer universally recommended unless prescribed. Covering the stump or applying
ointments can delay healing and increase infection risk.
Question 2
A nurse admits an older adult client to the medical unit. Which action fulfills the
requirements of the Patient Self-Determination Act regarding advance directives?
A. Advising the client to complete a living will before discharge
B. Documenting whether the client has advance directives upon admission
C. Requesting family members to make future healthcare decisions
D. Explaining only do-not-resuscitate orders
Correct Answer: B. Documenting whether the client has advance directives upon
admission
,2026/2027
Rationale: The Patient Self-Determination Act requires healthcare facilities to ask
clients whether they have advance directives and document the response during
admission. Clients must also receive information regarding their rights to make
healthcare decisions. The law does not require completion of an advance directive,
only that information and documentation be provided.
Question 3
A nurse is discussing healthcare delivery methods with a client who lives in a rural
area. Which statement best describes telehealth services?
A. In-person consultations provided at community clinics
B. Emergency transportation for critically ill clients
C. Remote healthcare consultations using electronic communication technology
D. Home visits performed exclusively by physicians
Correct Answer: C. Remote healthcare consultations using electronic
communication technology
Rationale: Telehealth uses telecommunications technology such as video
conferencing, mobile applications, and remote monitoring systems to provide
healthcare services at a distance. This approach improves access to healthcare,
particularly for clients in remote locations. The other options do not accurately
describe telehealth services.
Question 4
A nurse is providing dietary teaching to a client with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Which
meal selection demonstrates appropriate understanding?
A. White bread with sweetened fruit juice
B. Corn tortilla with black beans
C. Pancakes with syrup
D. Fried potatoes and soda
Correct Answer: B. Corn tortilla with black beans
Rationale: Corn tortillas and black beans provide complex carbohydrates, fiber, and
protein, which help promote stable blood glucose levels. Foods high in refined sugars
and simple carbohydrates, such as syrup, soda, and sweetened beverages, can
contribute to hyperglycemia and are less desirable choices for diabetic meal planning.
Question 5
A nurse is teaching the parent of a preschool child diagnosed with celiac disease.
Which food selection should the nurse recommend?
,2026/2027
A. Whole-wheat crackers
B. Barley cereal
C. Rye bread
D. Rice and fresh fruit
Correct Answer: D. Rice and fresh fruit
Rationale: Celiac disease requires lifelong avoidance of gluten, a protein found in
wheat, barley, and rye. Rice and fresh fruit are naturally gluten-free and safe for
children with celiac disease. The other foods contain gluten and can trigger intestinal
inflammation and malabsorption.
Question 6
A nurse assesses a client for orthostatic hypotension. Which finding indicates the
presence of this condition?
A. Heart rate decreases by 10 beats/min when standing
B. Diastolic blood pressure increases by 15 mm Hg
C. Systolic blood pressure drops by 25 mm Hg upon sitting
D. Temperature rises by 1°C after ambulation
Correct Answer: C. Systolic blood pressure drops by 25 mm Hg upon sitting
Rationale: Orthostatic hypotension occurs when blood pressure falls significantly
during position changes. A drop in systolic pressure of 20 mm Hg or more is
considered clinically significant. Such decreases can cause dizziness, syncope, and
falls. The other findings are not diagnostic criteria for orthostatic hypotension.
Question 7
A client receiving mechanical ventilation triggers a high-pressure alarm. What is the
nurse's priority interpretation?
A. The client requires increased oxygen concentration
B. The airway may be obstructed
C. The humidifier has malfunctioned
D. The ventilator battery is low
Correct Answer: B. The airway may be obstructed
Rationale: A high-pressure alarm commonly indicates increased resistance within the
ventilator circuit. Causes include airway obstruction from secretions, kinking of
tubing, biting the endotracheal tube, or bronchospasm. The nurse should immediately
assess the airway and breathing status to identify and correct the cause.
Question 8
, 2026/2027
A nurse is selecting foods for a client recovering from a stroke who has dysphagia.
Which food is most appropriate?
A. Dry toast
B. Raw carrots
C. Scrambled eggs
D. Mixed nuts
Correct Answer: C. Scrambled eggs
Rationale: Clients with dysphagia require soft, moist foods that are easier to chew and
swallow safely. Scrambled eggs meet these criteria and reduce aspiration risk. Dry,
hard, or crunchy foods such as toast, carrots, and nuts are more difficult to swallow
and may increase choking hazards.
Question 9
A nurse is preparing to insert an indwelling urinary catheter into a female client.
Which action should the nurse perform after positioning the client?
A. Inflate the catheter balloon
B. Position a sterile drape exposing the perineum
C. Insert the catheter immediately
D. Attach the drainage bag
Correct Answer: B. Position a sterile drape exposing the perineum
Rationale: Maintaining sterile technique is essential during catheter insertion. After
positioning the client and opening sterile supplies, the nurse places a sterile drape to
expose the perineum while preserving sterility. Inflating the balloon occurs only after
urine return confirms correct placement.
Question 10
A client develops chills, fever, and chest tightness shortly after a blood transfusion
begins. Which transfusion reaction should the nurse suspect?
A. Allergic reaction
B. Acute hemolytic reaction
C. Circulatory overload
D. Iron toxicity
Correct Answer: B. Acute hemolytic reaction
Rationale: Acute hemolytic reactions are serious transfusion complications
characterized by fever, chills, chest or back pain, hypotension, and hemoglobinuria.
They result from incompatible blood administration. Immediate cessation of the
Capstone ATI Medical Surgical
Assessment 1 & 2 Exam Preparation
Guide 2026/2027: Comprehensive
Practice Questions, Test Bank
Review, Clinical Scenarios, and
Study Strategies
Question 1
A postpartum nurse is teaching a new mother about proper umbilical cord care for her
newborn. Which instruction should the nurse include?
A. Clean the cord stump with alcohol every diaper change
B. Keep the cord stump clean and dry and expose it to air when possible
C. Cover the cord stump tightly with a sterile dressing
D. Apply antibiotic ointment to the cord stump daily
Correct Answer: B. Keep the cord stump clean and dry and expose it to air when
possible
Rationale: Proper umbilical cord care involves keeping the cord stump clean, dry, and
exposed to air to promote natural drying and separation. The diaper should be folded
below the stump to prevent moisture accumulation. Routine alcohol cleansing is no
longer universally recommended unless prescribed. Covering the stump or applying
ointments can delay healing and increase infection risk.
Question 2
A nurse admits an older adult client to the medical unit. Which action fulfills the
requirements of the Patient Self-Determination Act regarding advance directives?
A. Advising the client to complete a living will before discharge
B. Documenting whether the client has advance directives upon admission
C. Requesting family members to make future healthcare decisions
D. Explaining only do-not-resuscitate orders
Correct Answer: B. Documenting whether the client has advance directives upon
admission
,2026/2027
Rationale: The Patient Self-Determination Act requires healthcare facilities to ask
clients whether they have advance directives and document the response during
admission. Clients must also receive information regarding their rights to make
healthcare decisions. The law does not require completion of an advance directive,
only that information and documentation be provided.
Question 3
A nurse is discussing healthcare delivery methods with a client who lives in a rural
area. Which statement best describes telehealth services?
A. In-person consultations provided at community clinics
B. Emergency transportation for critically ill clients
C. Remote healthcare consultations using electronic communication technology
D. Home visits performed exclusively by physicians
Correct Answer: C. Remote healthcare consultations using electronic
communication technology
Rationale: Telehealth uses telecommunications technology such as video
conferencing, mobile applications, and remote monitoring systems to provide
healthcare services at a distance. This approach improves access to healthcare,
particularly for clients in remote locations. The other options do not accurately
describe telehealth services.
Question 4
A nurse is providing dietary teaching to a client with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Which
meal selection demonstrates appropriate understanding?
A. White bread with sweetened fruit juice
B. Corn tortilla with black beans
C. Pancakes with syrup
D. Fried potatoes and soda
Correct Answer: B. Corn tortilla with black beans
Rationale: Corn tortillas and black beans provide complex carbohydrates, fiber, and
protein, which help promote stable blood glucose levels. Foods high in refined sugars
and simple carbohydrates, such as syrup, soda, and sweetened beverages, can
contribute to hyperglycemia and are less desirable choices for diabetic meal planning.
Question 5
A nurse is teaching the parent of a preschool child diagnosed with celiac disease.
Which food selection should the nurse recommend?
,2026/2027
A. Whole-wheat crackers
B. Barley cereal
C. Rye bread
D. Rice and fresh fruit
Correct Answer: D. Rice and fresh fruit
Rationale: Celiac disease requires lifelong avoidance of gluten, a protein found in
wheat, barley, and rye. Rice and fresh fruit are naturally gluten-free and safe for
children with celiac disease. The other foods contain gluten and can trigger intestinal
inflammation and malabsorption.
Question 6
A nurse assesses a client for orthostatic hypotension. Which finding indicates the
presence of this condition?
A. Heart rate decreases by 10 beats/min when standing
B. Diastolic blood pressure increases by 15 mm Hg
C. Systolic blood pressure drops by 25 mm Hg upon sitting
D. Temperature rises by 1°C after ambulation
Correct Answer: C. Systolic blood pressure drops by 25 mm Hg upon sitting
Rationale: Orthostatic hypotension occurs when blood pressure falls significantly
during position changes. A drop in systolic pressure of 20 mm Hg or more is
considered clinically significant. Such decreases can cause dizziness, syncope, and
falls. The other findings are not diagnostic criteria for orthostatic hypotension.
Question 7
A client receiving mechanical ventilation triggers a high-pressure alarm. What is the
nurse's priority interpretation?
A. The client requires increased oxygen concentration
B. The airway may be obstructed
C. The humidifier has malfunctioned
D. The ventilator battery is low
Correct Answer: B. The airway may be obstructed
Rationale: A high-pressure alarm commonly indicates increased resistance within the
ventilator circuit. Causes include airway obstruction from secretions, kinking of
tubing, biting the endotracheal tube, or bronchospasm. The nurse should immediately
assess the airway and breathing status to identify and correct the cause.
Question 8
, 2026/2027
A nurse is selecting foods for a client recovering from a stroke who has dysphagia.
Which food is most appropriate?
A. Dry toast
B. Raw carrots
C. Scrambled eggs
D. Mixed nuts
Correct Answer: C. Scrambled eggs
Rationale: Clients with dysphagia require soft, moist foods that are easier to chew and
swallow safely. Scrambled eggs meet these criteria and reduce aspiration risk. Dry,
hard, or crunchy foods such as toast, carrots, and nuts are more difficult to swallow
and may increase choking hazards.
Question 9
A nurse is preparing to insert an indwelling urinary catheter into a female client.
Which action should the nurse perform after positioning the client?
A. Inflate the catheter balloon
B. Position a sterile drape exposing the perineum
C. Insert the catheter immediately
D. Attach the drainage bag
Correct Answer: B. Position a sterile drape exposing the perineum
Rationale: Maintaining sterile technique is essential during catheter insertion. After
positioning the client and opening sterile supplies, the nurse places a sterile drape to
expose the perineum while preserving sterility. Inflating the balloon occurs only after
urine return confirms correct placement.
Question 10
A client develops chills, fever, and chest tightness shortly after a blood transfusion
begins. Which transfusion reaction should the nurse suspect?
A. Allergic reaction
B. Acute hemolytic reaction
C. Circulatory overload
D. Iron toxicity
Correct Answer: B. Acute hemolytic reaction
Rationale: Acute hemolytic reactions are serious transfusion complications
characterized by fever, chills, chest or back pain, hypotension, and hemoglobinuria.
They result from incompatible blood administration. Immediate cessation of the
