ATI Capstone Medical-Surgical Comprehensive Review 2026 –
Advanced Med-Surgery Nursing Study Guide, Priority-Based
Practice Questions, Rationales & NCLEX-RN Success Strategy
ATI Capstone Medical-Surgical Exam
Question 1:
What is the primary concern for a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD) experiencing increased shortness of breath?
A) Developing pneumonia
B) Increased risk of respiratory failure (Correct)
C) Pulmonary embolism
D) Acute bronchitis
Correct Option: B) Increased risk of respiratory failure
Rationale: Patients with COPD are at higher risk for respiratory failure due to their
compromised lung function and inability to sufficiently oxygenate the blood.
Question 2:
Which laboratory value is most indicative of heart failure?
A) Elevated creatinine
B) Elevated B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) (Correct)
C) Increased hemoglobin
D) Decreased potassium
Correct Option: B) Elevated B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP)
Rationale: BNP levels are elevated in heart failure, indicating increased cardiac stress and
volume overload.
Question 3:
Which assessment finding would be most concerning for a patient scheduled for a total hip
arthroplasty?
A) Clear lung sounds
B) Active infection at the surgical site (Correct)
C) Stable vital signs
D) Ability to move lower extremities
, ATI Capstone Medical-Surgical Comprehensive Review 2026 –
Advanced Med-Surgery Nursing Study Guide, Priority-Based
Practice Questions, Rationales & NCLEX-RN Success Strategy
Correct Option: B) Active infection at the surgical site
Rationale: An active infection poses a significant risk for complications during and after
surgery, including sepsis or wound infection.
Question 4:
What is the priority nursing action for a patient in the postpartum period who is
experiencing heavy vaginal bleeding?
A) Perform a fundal massage
B) Administer pain medication
C) Document the bleeding
D) Assess vital signs (Correct)
Correct Option: D) Assess vital signs
Rationale: Assessing vital signs is critical to evaluate the patient's hemodynamic status and
determine if the bleeding is causing instability.
Question 5:
In managing a patient with diabetes mellitus undergoing surgery, what is the most
important consideration?
A) Timing of insulin administration (Correct)
B) Ensuring the patient fasts for 24 hours
C) Providing a high-carbohydrate diet
D) Monitoring for signs of infection
Correct Option: A) Timing of insulin administration
Rationale: Proper timing and adjustment of insulin are crucial to maintain blood glucose levels
within target ranges, especially during fasting periods related to surgery.
Question 6:
Advanced Med-Surgery Nursing Study Guide, Priority-Based
Practice Questions, Rationales & NCLEX-RN Success Strategy
ATI Capstone Medical-Surgical Exam
Question 1:
What is the primary concern for a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD) experiencing increased shortness of breath?
A) Developing pneumonia
B) Increased risk of respiratory failure (Correct)
C) Pulmonary embolism
D) Acute bronchitis
Correct Option: B) Increased risk of respiratory failure
Rationale: Patients with COPD are at higher risk for respiratory failure due to their
compromised lung function and inability to sufficiently oxygenate the blood.
Question 2:
Which laboratory value is most indicative of heart failure?
A) Elevated creatinine
B) Elevated B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) (Correct)
C) Increased hemoglobin
D) Decreased potassium
Correct Option: B) Elevated B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP)
Rationale: BNP levels are elevated in heart failure, indicating increased cardiac stress and
volume overload.
Question 3:
Which assessment finding would be most concerning for a patient scheduled for a total hip
arthroplasty?
A) Clear lung sounds
B) Active infection at the surgical site (Correct)
C) Stable vital signs
D) Ability to move lower extremities
, ATI Capstone Medical-Surgical Comprehensive Review 2026 –
Advanced Med-Surgery Nursing Study Guide, Priority-Based
Practice Questions, Rationales & NCLEX-RN Success Strategy
Correct Option: B) Active infection at the surgical site
Rationale: An active infection poses a significant risk for complications during and after
surgery, including sepsis or wound infection.
Question 4:
What is the priority nursing action for a patient in the postpartum period who is
experiencing heavy vaginal bleeding?
A) Perform a fundal massage
B) Administer pain medication
C) Document the bleeding
D) Assess vital signs (Correct)
Correct Option: D) Assess vital signs
Rationale: Assessing vital signs is critical to evaluate the patient's hemodynamic status and
determine if the bleeding is causing instability.
Question 5:
In managing a patient with diabetes mellitus undergoing surgery, what is the most
important consideration?
A) Timing of insulin administration (Correct)
B) Ensuring the patient fasts for 24 hours
C) Providing a high-carbohydrate diet
D) Monitoring for signs of infection
Correct Option: A) Timing of insulin administration
Rationale: Proper timing and adjustment of insulin are crucial to maintain blood glucose levels
within target ranges, especially during fasting periods related to surgery.
Question 6:
