ATI Medical-Surgical (Med-Surg) Proctored Exam | Complete Test Bank, Practice Questions, Answer Key, and Detailed Rationales for Nursing Students (Latest 2025–2026 Edition Study Guide)

Comprehensive ATI Med-Surg Proctored Exam
Resource with Verified Questions, Correct Answers, and
Explanations | NCLEX, Nursing School, and Clinical
Exam Preparation (Updated 2025–2026 Academic
Year)


Question 1
Which of the following is a priority assessment for a patient with chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?
(A) Blood pressure
(B) Respiratory rate
(C) Pulse
(D) Temperature
Correct Option: (B)
Rationale: Assessing the respiratory rate is crucial for patients with COPD due to their
compromised respiratory function.


Question 2
What is the most appropriate nursing action for a patient experiencing chest pain?
(A) Administer aspirin
(B) Obtain vital signs
(C) Call a code
(D) Apply a cold compress
Correct Option: (B)
Rationale: Obtaining vital signs is essential to assess the patient's condition before
taking further action.


Question 3
A nurse is caring for a patient with heart failure. Which finding would indicate
worsening heart failure?
(A) Weight loss
(B) Increased peripheral edema
(C) Improved exercise tolerance
(D) Normal respiratory rate
Correct Option: (B)
Rationale: Increased peripheral edema indicates worsening heart failure due to fluid
retention.

,Question 4
What dietary modification is most important for a patient with hypertension?
(A) Increase protein intake
(B) Reduce sodium intake
(C) Increase carbohydrates
(D) Decrease fiber intake
Correct Option: (B)
Rationale: Reducing sodium intake is critical for managing hypertension.


Question 5
Which of the following is a common side effect of opioid analgesics?
(A) Hypertension
(B) Constipation
(C) Diarrhea
(D) Increased appetite
Correct Option: (B)
Rationale: Constipation is a well-known side effect of opioid use due to their effects on
the gastrointestinal tract.


Question 6
What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient with a newly placed
tracheostomy?
(A) Suction the tracheostomy tube
(B) Ensure the patient can speak
(C) Monitor oxygen saturation
(D) Assess the stoma site
Correct Option: (C)
Rationale: Monitoring oxygen saturation is critical to ensure adequate oxygenation.


Question 7
A nurse is caring for a patient with diabetes mellitus who is experiencing
hypoglycemia. What is the best initial action?
(A) Administer insulin
(B) Give fast-acting carbohydrates
(C) Call the physician
(D) Provide a protein snack

,Correct Option: (B)
Rationale: Fast-acting carbohydrates are essential for quickly raising blood glucose
levels during hypoglycemia.


Question 8
What is the most important nursing action when administering a blood
transfusion?
(A) Monitor the patient for reactions
(B) Administer the blood quickly
(C) Use a small-bore needle
(D) Pre-medicate with antihistamines
Correct Option: (A)
Rationale: Monitoring for transfusion reactions is crucial for patient safety.


Question 9
Which lab value is most indicative of renal function?
(A) Blood glucose
(B) Serum creatinine
(C) Serum calcium
(D) Hemoglobin
Correct Option: (B)
Rationale: Serum creatinine is a key indicator of kidney function.


Question 10
A patient presents with a severe headache and blurred vision. What condition
should the nurse suspect?
(A) Migraine
(B) Hypertensive crisis
(C) Tension headache
(D) Cluster headache
Correct Option: (B)
Rationale: Severe headache and blurred vision can indicate a hypertensive crisis,
requiring immediate assessment and intervention.


Question 11

, Which patient would be at the highest risk for developing a pressure ulcer?
(A) A patient with diabetes
(B) A patient who is immobile
(C) A patient with hypertension
(D) A patient with a history of smoking
Correct Option: (B)
Rationale: Immobility is a significant risk factor for the development of pressure ulcers
due to prolonged pressure on the skin.


Question 12
What is the best position for a patient experiencing respiratory distress?
(A) Supine
(B) High Fowler's
(C) Prone
(D) Lateral
Correct Option: (B)
Rationale: The High Fowler's position promotes lung expansion and aids in breathing.


Question 13
Which of the following assessment findings would indicate the need for immediate
intervention in a patient with a history of heart failure?
(A) Mild edema
(B) Sudden weight gain of 3 pounds in one day
(C) Increased fatigue
(D) Slight shortness of breath
Correct Option: (B)
Rationale: A sudden weight gain indicates fluid retention, which can be a sign of
worsening heart failure.


Question 14
What is the first action a nurse should take when a patient is found unresponsive?
(A) Call for help
(B) Check for responsiveness
(C) Administer oxygen
(D) Begin CPR