ATI Med Surg Exam 1 Practice Questions 2026 |
Questions & Answers | Latest Update | Exam Prep
1. A nurse is providing teaching to a class about transient ischemic attacks.
Which of the following pieces of information should the nurse include in the
teaching?
A TIA can cause irreversible hemiparesis
ATIA can cause cerebral edema
A TIA can precede an ischemic stroke
A TIA can be the result of cerebral bleeding
2. What is a common physical finding associated with cataracts during an eye
examination?
White circle around the outside border of the iris
Opacity visible behind the pupil
Increased intraocular pressure
Pupils nonreactive to light
3. The client with a head injury receives mannitol during surgery to help
decrease intracranial pressure. Which finding indicates that the drug is having
the desired effect?
Pulse rate decreases.
Muscular relaxation increases.
Blood pressure decreases.
Urine output increases.
,4. Why is it important for the nurse to apply pressure to the catheter removal
site after discontinuing an IV in a patient with a platelet count of
50,000/mm^3?
Applying pressure is only needed for patients with high platelet
counts.
Applying pressure is unnecessary if the IV site is clean.
Applying pressure helps prevent bleeding due to the low platelet
count.
Applying pressure can cause more bleeding in patients with low
platelet counts.
5. A patient presents with substernal chest pain and additional symptoms such
as nausea and sweating. What should be the immediate nursing intervention?
Administer oxygen and prepare for further cardiac assessment.
Encourage the patient to walk around to alleviate symptoms.
Schedule a follow-up appointment for next week.
Provide the patient with antacids for relief.
6. What is a common indication for suctioning a client with a tracheostomy?
The client's airway secretions were last suctioned 4 hours ago.
The client is able to speak clearly.
Auscultation of coarse crackles in the lung fields.
The client has a normal respiratory rate.
,7. A client with a diagnosed abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) develops lower
back pain radiating to the groin. What is the nurse's interpretation of this
information?
This is a normal sensation associated with an AAA.
The client feels the inflammation of the aneurysm.
The aneurysm clotted and is obstructing blood flow.
The aneurysm is expanding and is preparing to rupture.
8. Which food option is considered low in cholesterol and suitable for a client
recovering from a myocardial infarction?
Cheese omelet and turkey bacon
Chicken breast and corn on the cob
Shrimp and rice
Liver and onions
9. Which of the following actions should a nurse take after discontinuing IV
therapy for a client with a platelet count of 50,000/mm3?
Apply pressure to the catheter removal site for 5 min.
Monitor the client's vital signs frequently.
Elevate the affected arm.
Restrict movement of the affected limb for 8 hr.
10. Why is the grilled chicken salad with fresh tomatoes a better choice for
managing blood pressure compared to the other options?
It is high in carbohydrates and sugars.
It contains high levels of saturated fats.
, It is a processed food option with added preservatives.
It is low in sodium and high in nutrients that support heart health.
11. Describe the significance of the finding 'opacity visible behind the pupil' in a
patient with cataracts.
The finding suggests normal eye function and no abnormalities.
The finding indicates the presence of cataracts, which can impair
vision by obstructing light passage to the retina.
The finding shows a risk for developing glaucoma.
The finding indicates increased intraocular pressure, which is
unrelated to cataracts.
12. If a nurse observes stridor in a patient after extubation, what should be the
immediate next step in management?
Place the patient in a supine position.
Instruct the patient to cough vigorously.
Monitor the patient for 30 minutes without intervention.
Administer oxygen and prepare for possible reintubation.
13. If a client with thrombocytopenia is advised to avoid certain activities at
home, which of the following actions would be most appropriate for them to
take?
Using sharp kitchen utensils
Participating in vigorous exercise
Avoiding contact sports
Gardening without gloves
Questions & Answers | Latest Update | Exam Prep
1. A nurse is providing teaching to a class about transient ischemic attacks.
Which of the following pieces of information should the nurse include in the
teaching?
A TIA can cause irreversible hemiparesis
ATIA can cause cerebral edema
A TIA can precede an ischemic stroke
A TIA can be the result of cerebral bleeding
2. What is a common physical finding associated with cataracts during an eye
examination?
White circle around the outside border of the iris
Opacity visible behind the pupil
Increased intraocular pressure
Pupils nonreactive to light
3. The client with a head injury receives mannitol during surgery to help
decrease intracranial pressure. Which finding indicates that the drug is having
the desired effect?
Pulse rate decreases.
Muscular relaxation increases.
Blood pressure decreases.
Urine output increases.
,4. Why is it important for the nurse to apply pressure to the catheter removal
site after discontinuing an IV in a patient with a platelet count of
50,000/mm^3?
Applying pressure is only needed for patients with high platelet
counts.
Applying pressure is unnecessary if the IV site is clean.
Applying pressure helps prevent bleeding due to the low platelet
count.
Applying pressure can cause more bleeding in patients with low
platelet counts.
5. A patient presents with substernal chest pain and additional symptoms such
as nausea and sweating. What should be the immediate nursing intervention?
Administer oxygen and prepare for further cardiac assessment.
Encourage the patient to walk around to alleviate symptoms.
Schedule a follow-up appointment for next week.
Provide the patient with antacids for relief.
6. What is a common indication for suctioning a client with a tracheostomy?
The client's airway secretions were last suctioned 4 hours ago.
The client is able to speak clearly.
Auscultation of coarse crackles in the lung fields.
The client has a normal respiratory rate.
,7. A client with a diagnosed abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) develops lower
back pain radiating to the groin. What is the nurse's interpretation of this
information?
This is a normal sensation associated with an AAA.
The client feels the inflammation of the aneurysm.
The aneurysm clotted and is obstructing blood flow.
The aneurysm is expanding and is preparing to rupture.
8. Which food option is considered low in cholesterol and suitable for a client
recovering from a myocardial infarction?
Cheese omelet and turkey bacon
Chicken breast and corn on the cob
Shrimp and rice
Liver and onions
9. Which of the following actions should a nurse take after discontinuing IV
therapy for a client with a platelet count of 50,000/mm3?
Apply pressure to the catheter removal site for 5 min.
Monitor the client's vital signs frequently.
Elevate the affected arm.
Restrict movement of the affected limb for 8 hr.
10. Why is the grilled chicken salad with fresh tomatoes a better choice for
managing blood pressure compared to the other options?
It is high in carbohydrates and sugars.
It contains high levels of saturated fats.
, It is a processed food option with added preservatives.
It is low in sodium and high in nutrients that support heart health.
11. Describe the significance of the finding 'opacity visible behind the pupil' in a
patient with cataracts.
The finding suggests normal eye function and no abnormalities.
The finding indicates the presence of cataracts, which can impair
vision by obstructing light passage to the retina.
The finding shows a risk for developing glaucoma.
The finding indicates increased intraocular pressure, which is
unrelated to cataracts.
12. If a nurse observes stridor in a patient after extubation, what should be the
immediate next step in management?
Place the patient in a supine position.
Instruct the patient to cough vigorously.
Monitor the patient for 30 minutes without intervention.
Administer oxygen and prepare for possible reintubation.
13. If a client with thrombocytopenia is advised to avoid certain activities at
home, which of the following actions would be most appropriate for them to
take?
Using sharp kitchen utensils
Participating in vigorous exercise
Avoiding contact sports
Gardening without gloves
