ATI Med-Surg Proctored Exam 2026 (NGN- SCENAREO Style) questions WITH
BEST CORRECT ANSWER💜💜S AND RATIONALE FOR STUDENT EXAM PASS
1. A nurse is assessing a client who is 6 hours post-angiogram via the right
femoral artery. Which finding requires immediate action?
A. A blood pressure of 128/74 mm Hg
B. A heart rate of 86 bpm
C. A small amount of bloody drainage on the pressure dressing
D. A palpable, hard lump at the catheter insertion site
Correct Answer💜💜💜💜: D. A palpable, hard lump at the catheter insertion site
Rationale: A palpable, hard lump (hematoma) at the insertion site indicates active
bleeding into the tissue. This can lead to compromised circulation to the limb and
significant blood loss. The nurse should immediately apply firm pressure proximal
to the site, assess distal pulses, and notify the provider. The other findings are
within normal limits.
2. A nurse is admitting a client who reports chest pain and has been placed on a
telemetry monitor. Which of the following should the nurse analyze to
determine whether the client is experiencing a myocardial infarction?
A. PR interval
,B. QRS duration
C. T wave
D. ST segment
Correct Answer💜💜💜💜: D. ST segment
Rationale: On an ECG, ST segment elevation is a key indicator of an acute
myocardial infarction (MI). ST depression can indicate ischemia. PR interval (A) is
for heart block, QRS duration (B) for ventricular conduction issues, and T wave (C)
changes can indicate ischemia or electrolyte imbalances, but ST elevation is the
hallmark of an MI.
3. A client with a history of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is admitted with
confusion and muscle twitching. Which of the following lab values is most
consistent with this client's presentation?
A. Serum calcium 10.2 mg/dL
B. Serum potassium 5.8 mEq/L
C. Serum sodium 138 mEq/L
D. Serum phosphate 2.5 mg/dL
Correct Answer💜💜💜💜: B. Serum potassium 5.8 mEq/L
Rationale: Clients with CKD are at high risk for hyperkalemia due to the kidneys'
, inability to excrete potassium. Neurological changes like confusion and muscle
twitching are classic manifestations of hyperkalemia. This is a life-threatening
emergency that can lead to cardiac arrest. The other values: calcium (A) is normal,
sodium (C) is normal, and phosphate (D) is low, which is not typical in CKD (where
it is usually high).
4. A client with heart failure reports sudden weight gain of 2 kg (4.4 lb) in 2
days. What is the nurse's priority action?
A. Encourage ambulation
B. Restrict fluids
C. Notify the provider
D. Administer potassium
Correct Answer💜💜💜💜: C. Notify the provider
Rationale: Rapid weight gain indicates fluid overload and a possible exacerbation
of heart failure, requiring immediate provider intervention for diuretic therapy or
other adjustments.
5. Which assessment finding indicates left-sided heart failure?
A. Peripheral edema
B. Jugular vein distention
BEST CORRECT ANSWER💜💜S AND RATIONALE FOR STUDENT EXAM PASS
1. A nurse is assessing a client who is 6 hours post-angiogram via the right
femoral artery. Which finding requires immediate action?
A. A blood pressure of 128/74 mm Hg
B. A heart rate of 86 bpm
C. A small amount of bloody drainage on the pressure dressing
D. A palpable, hard lump at the catheter insertion site
Correct Answer💜💜💜💜: D. A palpable, hard lump at the catheter insertion site
Rationale: A palpable, hard lump (hematoma) at the insertion site indicates active
bleeding into the tissue. This can lead to compromised circulation to the limb and
significant blood loss. The nurse should immediately apply firm pressure proximal
to the site, assess distal pulses, and notify the provider. The other findings are
within normal limits.
2. A nurse is admitting a client who reports chest pain and has been placed on a
telemetry monitor. Which of the following should the nurse analyze to
determine whether the client is experiencing a myocardial infarction?
A. PR interval
,B. QRS duration
C. T wave
D. ST segment
Correct Answer💜💜💜💜: D. ST segment
Rationale: On an ECG, ST segment elevation is a key indicator of an acute
myocardial infarction (MI). ST depression can indicate ischemia. PR interval (A) is
for heart block, QRS duration (B) for ventricular conduction issues, and T wave (C)
changes can indicate ischemia or electrolyte imbalances, but ST elevation is the
hallmark of an MI.
3. A client with a history of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is admitted with
confusion and muscle twitching. Which of the following lab values is most
consistent with this client's presentation?
A. Serum calcium 10.2 mg/dL
B. Serum potassium 5.8 mEq/L
C. Serum sodium 138 mEq/L
D. Serum phosphate 2.5 mg/dL
Correct Answer💜💜💜💜: B. Serum potassium 5.8 mEq/L
Rationale: Clients with CKD are at high risk for hyperkalemia due to the kidneys'
, inability to excrete potassium. Neurological changes like confusion and muscle
twitching are classic manifestations of hyperkalemia. This is a life-threatening
emergency that can lead to cardiac arrest. The other values: calcium (A) is normal,
sodium (C) is normal, and phosphate (D) is low, which is not typical in CKD (where
it is usually high).
4. A client with heart failure reports sudden weight gain of 2 kg (4.4 lb) in 2
days. What is the nurse's priority action?
A. Encourage ambulation
B. Restrict fluids
C. Notify the provider
D. Administer potassium
Correct Answer💜💜💜💜: C. Notify the provider
Rationale: Rapid weight gain indicates fluid overload and a possible exacerbation
of heart failure, requiring immediate provider intervention for diuretic therapy or
other adjustments.
5. Which assessment finding indicates left-sided heart failure?
A. Peripheral edema
B. Jugular vein distention
