ATI RN MEDICAL SURGICAL III ACTUAL EXAM
PAPER 2026 QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS
GRADED A+
◉ Postoperative lab values.
Answer: Report Hgb level of 8 g/dL to provider as an indicator of
postoperative hemorrhage or anemia.
◉ ESWL procedure.
Answer: Expect stone fragments in the urine after extracorporeal
shock wave lithotripsy.
◉ Airborne precautions.
Answer: Initiate airborne precautions for a client with anorexia, low-
grade fever, night sweats, and productive cough, as these are
manifestations of tuberculosis.
◉ TPN administration.
Answer: Administer dextrose 10% in water until new TPN bag
arrives to avoid drop in blood glucose level.
◉ Levothyroxine interaction.
,Answer: Instruct client to avoid taking calcium within 4 hr of
levothyroxine administration, as calcium can interfere with the
effectiveness of the medication.
◉ Mechanical ventilation anxiety.
Answer: Instruct client to allow the machine to breathe for them to
reduce anxiety and restlessness associated with fighting the
ventilator.
◉ Adverse effect of enalapril.
Answer: Identify orthostatic hypotension as an adverse effect of
enalapril.
◉ Delayed wound healing.
Answer: Identify urine output of 25 mL/hr as a finding that
contributes to delayed wound healing.
◉ Hypothyroidism and opioid analgesic.
Answer: Instruct client to void every 4 hours to decrease the risk of
urinary retention, which is an adverse effect of opioid analgesics.
◉ Portal hypertension.
, Answer: Obtain vital signs first when caring for a client who is
vomiting blood mixed with food after a meal, as this indicates a
potential rupture of esophageal varices.
◉ Gastrectomy postoperative instructions.
Answer: Instruct client to avoid drinking fluids with meals, eat
several small meals per day, consume high-protein snacks, and avoid
highly seasoned foods.
◉ Cushing's triad.
Answer: Identify bradycardia as a component of Cushing's triad in a
client with increased intracranial pressure from a traumatic brain
injury.
◉ Client coping with diabetes diagnosis.
Answer: Recognize the client's change in behavior of inspecting feet
daily as an indication of successful coping with the diagnosis.
◉ Inguinal hernia assessment.
Answer: Palpate location C to verify the presence of an inguinal
hernia.
◉ Rattlesnake bite treatment.
PAPER 2026 QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS
GRADED A+
◉ Postoperative lab values.
Answer: Report Hgb level of 8 g/dL to provider as an indicator of
postoperative hemorrhage or anemia.
◉ ESWL procedure.
Answer: Expect stone fragments in the urine after extracorporeal
shock wave lithotripsy.
◉ Airborne precautions.
Answer: Initiate airborne precautions for a client with anorexia, low-
grade fever, night sweats, and productive cough, as these are
manifestations of tuberculosis.
◉ TPN administration.
Answer: Administer dextrose 10% in water until new TPN bag
arrives to avoid drop in blood glucose level.
◉ Levothyroxine interaction.
,Answer: Instruct client to avoid taking calcium within 4 hr of
levothyroxine administration, as calcium can interfere with the
effectiveness of the medication.
◉ Mechanical ventilation anxiety.
Answer: Instruct client to allow the machine to breathe for them to
reduce anxiety and restlessness associated with fighting the
ventilator.
◉ Adverse effect of enalapril.
Answer: Identify orthostatic hypotension as an adverse effect of
enalapril.
◉ Delayed wound healing.
Answer: Identify urine output of 25 mL/hr as a finding that
contributes to delayed wound healing.
◉ Hypothyroidism and opioid analgesic.
Answer: Instruct client to void every 4 hours to decrease the risk of
urinary retention, which is an adverse effect of opioid analgesics.
◉ Portal hypertension.
, Answer: Obtain vital signs first when caring for a client who is
vomiting blood mixed with food after a meal, as this indicates a
potential rupture of esophageal varices.
◉ Gastrectomy postoperative instructions.
Answer: Instruct client to avoid drinking fluids with meals, eat
several small meals per day, consume high-protein snacks, and avoid
highly seasoned foods.
◉ Cushing's triad.
Answer: Identify bradycardia as a component of Cushing's triad in a
client with increased intracranial pressure from a traumatic brain
injury.
◉ Client coping with diabetes diagnosis.
Answer: Recognize the client's change in behavior of inspecting feet
daily as an indication of successful coping with the diagnosis.
◉ Inguinal hernia assessment.
Answer: Palpate location C to verify the presence of an inguinal
hernia.
◉ Rattlesnake bite treatment.
