Medical-Surgical Nursing Proctored Exam 2023 – ATI Med-Surg Practice Questions with Detailed Explanations!!!!
Page 1
Medical-Surgical Nursing Proctored
Exam 2023 – ATI Med-Surg Practice
Questions with Detailed
Explanations
This document contains a comprehensive collection of Medical-Surgical Nursing practice questions based on the 2023
ATI Med-Surg proctored exam topics. It includes multiple-choice questions with correct answers and concise
explanations covering burns, cardiac conditions, shock, respiratory disorders, renal complications, pharmacology,
and emergency nursing interventions. The material is designed to reinforce clinical reasoning, improve exam
readiness, and support nursing students preparing for ATI or NCLEX-style assessments.
Question 1
A nurse in a burn treatment center is caring for a client admitted with severe burns to both
lower extremities who is scheduled for an escharotomy. The client’s spouse asks what the
procedure involves. Which statement by the nurse is appropriate?
A. Large incisions will be made in the eschar to improve circulation
B. I can call the provider to explain the procedure if you would like
C. A section of healthy skin will be grafted over the burned area
D. Dead tissue will be surgically removed
Correct Answer: A. Large incisions will be made in the eschar to improve circulation
Explanation:
An escharotomy involves making surgical incisions through the tough burned tissue (eschar)
to relieve pressure and restore circulation and tissue perfusion. Circumferential burns can
restrict blood flow and breathing due to swelling. Skin grafting and debridement are different
procedures.
Question 2
A nurse is monitoring fluid replacement for a client who sustained major burns. Which IV
fluid is commonly administered during the first 24 hours following a burn injury?
A. 5% dextrose in water
B. 5% dextrose in normal saline
C. Normal saline
D. Lactated Ringer’s solution
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,Medical-Surgical Nursing Proctored Exam 2023 – ATI Med-Surg Practice Questions with Detailed Explanations!!!!
Page 2
Correct Answer: D. Lactated Ringer’s solution
Explanation:
Lactated Ringer’s solution is the preferred fluid for initial burn resuscitation because it closely
resembles plasma and helps restore circulating volume. It replaces fluids lost due to capillary
leakage after burns.
Question 3
A nurse is caring for a client with full-thickness burns over 75% of the body. Which method
provides the most accurate assessment of the client’s cardiovascular status?
A. Noninvasive blood pressure monitoring
B. Palpation of peripheral pulses
C. Measurement of central venous pressure (CVP)
D. Monitoring pulmonary artery pressure
Correct Answer: C. Measurement of central venous pressure (CVP)
Explanation:
Severe burns cause major fluid shifts and circulatory instability. Monitoring central venous
pressure provides a reliable indicator of circulating blood volume and fluid status, guiding
fluid resuscitation.
Question 4
A nurse is assessing a client with severe burns on the face, neck, and upper extremities.
Which factor should the nurse assess first when determining burn severity?
A. Age of the client
B. Medical history
C. Location of the burn
D. Cause of the burn
Correct Answer: D. Cause of the burn
Explanation:
The cause of the burn (thermal, chemical, electrical, or radiation) determines the depth of
injury and potential complications. For example, electrical burns may cause internal tissue
damage while chemical burns require immediate decontamination.
Question 5
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, Medical-Surgical Nursing Proctored Exam 2023 – ATI Med-Surg Practice Questions with Detailed Explanations!!!!
Page 3
A client arrives at the emergency department after a chemical plant explosion with deep
partial-thickness burns over more than 25% of the body. What is the nurse’s priority
intervention?
A. Initiate fluid resuscitation
B. Administer pain medication
C. Administer antibiotics
D. Maintain a patent airway
Correct Answer: D. Maintain a patent airway
Explanation:
Airway management is the highest priority according to the ABCs (Airway, Breathing,
Circulation) of emergency care. Burn patients, especially those exposed to explosions or
smoke, are at risk for airway edema and inhalation injury.
Question 6
A client with suspected myocardial infarction asks the nurse what the troponin blood test
measures. What is the best response?
A. An enzyme that indicates damage to brain, heart, and skeletal muscle
B. A protein indicating risk for coronary artery disease
C. A heart muscle protein released into the bloodstream when cardiac cells are damaged
D. A protein that transports oxygen through the bloodstream
Correct Answer: C. A heart muscle protein released into the bloodstream when cardiac
cells are damaged
Explanation:
Troponin is a cardiac-specific protein released into the bloodstream when myocardial cells
are injured. Elevated troponin levels are a key diagnostic marker for myocardial infarction.
Question 7
A nurse assessing a client with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) should expect
which finding?
A. Excessive clotting and bleeding simultaneously
B. Increased platelet production
C. Sodium and fluid retention
D. Increased clotting factors
Correct Answer: A. Excessive clotting and bleeding simultaneously
3/11/2026 3/11/2026 3/11/2026
Page 1
Medical-Surgical Nursing Proctored
Exam 2023 – ATI Med-Surg Practice
Questions with Detailed
Explanations
This document contains a comprehensive collection of Medical-Surgical Nursing practice questions based on the 2023
ATI Med-Surg proctored exam topics. It includes multiple-choice questions with correct answers and concise
explanations covering burns, cardiac conditions, shock, respiratory disorders, renal complications, pharmacology,
and emergency nursing interventions. The material is designed to reinforce clinical reasoning, improve exam
readiness, and support nursing students preparing for ATI or NCLEX-style assessments.
Question 1
A nurse in a burn treatment center is caring for a client admitted with severe burns to both
lower extremities who is scheduled for an escharotomy. The client’s spouse asks what the
procedure involves. Which statement by the nurse is appropriate?
A. Large incisions will be made in the eschar to improve circulation
B. I can call the provider to explain the procedure if you would like
C. A section of healthy skin will be grafted over the burned area
D. Dead tissue will be surgically removed
Correct Answer: A. Large incisions will be made in the eschar to improve circulation
Explanation:
An escharotomy involves making surgical incisions through the tough burned tissue (eschar)
to relieve pressure and restore circulation and tissue perfusion. Circumferential burns can
restrict blood flow and breathing due to swelling. Skin grafting and debridement are different
procedures.
Question 2
A nurse is monitoring fluid replacement for a client who sustained major burns. Which IV
fluid is commonly administered during the first 24 hours following a burn injury?
A. 5% dextrose in water
B. 5% dextrose in normal saline
C. Normal saline
D. Lactated Ringer’s solution
3/11/2026 3/11/2026 3/11/2026
,Medical-Surgical Nursing Proctored Exam 2023 – ATI Med-Surg Practice Questions with Detailed Explanations!!!!
Page 2
Correct Answer: D. Lactated Ringer’s solution
Explanation:
Lactated Ringer’s solution is the preferred fluid for initial burn resuscitation because it closely
resembles plasma and helps restore circulating volume. It replaces fluids lost due to capillary
leakage after burns.
Question 3
A nurse is caring for a client with full-thickness burns over 75% of the body. Which method
provides the most accurate assessment of the client’s cardiovascular status?
A. Noninvasive blood pressure monitoring
B. Palpation of peripheral pulses
C. Measurement of central venous pressure (CVP)
D. Monitoring pulmonary artery pressure
Correct Answer: C. Measurement of central venous pressure (CVP)
Explanation:
Severe burns cause major fluid shifts and circulatory instability. Monitoring central venous
pressure provides a reliable indicator of circulating blood volume and fluid status, guiding
fluid resuscitation.
Question 4
A nurse is assessing a client with severe burns on the face, neck, and upper extremities.
Which factor should the nurse assess first when determining burn severity?
A. Age of the client
B. Medical history
C. Location of the burn
D. Cause of the burn
Correct Answer: D. Cause of the burn
Explanation:
The cause of the burn (thermal, chemical, electrical, or radiation) determines the depth of
injury and potential complications. For example, electrical burns may cause internal tissue
damage while chemical burns require immediate decontamination.
Question 5
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, Medical-Surgical Nursing Proctored Exam 2023 – ATI Med-Surg Practice Questions with Detailed Explanations!!!!
Page 3
A client arrives at the emergency department after a chemical plant explosion with deep
partial-thickness burns over more than 25% of the body. What is the nurse’s priority
intervention?
A. Initiate fluid resuscitation
B. Administer pain medication
C. Administer antibiotics
D. Maintain a patent airway
Correct Answer: D. Maintain a patent airway
Explanation:
Airway management is the highest priority according to the ABCs (Airway, Breathing,
Circulation) of emergency care. Burn patients, especially those exposed to explosions or
smoke, are at risk for airway edema and inhalation injury.
Question 6
A client with suspected myocardial infarction asks the nurse what the troponin blood test
measures. What is the best response?
A. An enzyme that indicates damage to brain, heart, and skeletal muscle
B. A protein indicating risk for coronary artery disease
C. A heart muscle protein released into the bloodstream when cardiac cells are damaged
D. A protein that transports oxygen through the bloodstream
Correct Answer: C. A heart muscle protein released into the bloodstream when cardiac
cells are damaged
Explanation:
Troponin is a cardiac-specific protein released into the bloodstream when myocardial cells
are injured. Elevated troponin levels are a key diagnostic marker for myocardial infarction.
Question 7
A nurse assessing a client with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) should expect
which finding?
A. Excessive clotting and bleeding simultaneously
B. Increased platelet production
C. Sodium and fluid retention
D. Increased clotting factors
Correct Answer: A. Excessive clotting and bleeding simultaneously
3/11/2026 3/11/2026 3/11/2026
