PN MED SURG PROCTORED /ATI PN MEDICAL SURGICAL EXAM LATEST VERSIONS AND
PRACTICE EXAM COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS/NEWEST
UPDATE!!
Question 1
A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who has a new prescription for morphine for
post-operative pain. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider as an
adverse effect of the medication?
A) Increased bowel sounds
B) Tachypnea
C) Urinary retention
D) Hypertension
E) Dilated pupils
Correct Answer: C) Urinary retention
Rationale: Morphine is an opioid analgesic that causes a decrease in the sensitivity of the
bladder to fullness and increases the tone of the urinary sphincter, leading to urinary
retention. Opioids typically cause constipation (decreased bowel sounds), respiratory
depression (bradypnea), and miosis (pinpoint pupils).
Question 2
A nurse is caring for a client who is at high risk for developing pressure ulcers. Which of the
following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?
A) Massaging reddened areas over bony prominences
B) Placing the client in a high-Fowler’s position for most of the day
C) Position pillows between the bony prominences
D) Using a donut-shaped cushion when the client is sitting
E) Limiting fluid intake to reduce incontinence episodes
Correct Answer: C) Position pillows between the bony prominences
Rationale: Placing pillows between bony prominences, such as the knees or ankles when
side-lying, reduces friction and prevents skin-to-skin contact that can lead to breakdown.
Reddened areas should never be massaged, and high-Fowler’s increases shear force on the
sacrum.
Question 3
A nurse is administering an IV infusion of cefazolin to a postoperative client. Ten minutes after
the start of the infusion, the client reports intense itching and a scratchy throat. Which of the
following actions should the nurse take first?
A) Notify the charge nurse
B) Administer diphenhydramine
C) Stop the medication infusion
D) Increase the primary IV fluid rate
E) Assess the client's lung sounds
Correct Answer: C) Stop the medication infusion
, 2
Rationale: The client is exhibiting signs of an allergic reaction or potential anaphylaxis. The
priority action in any infusion-related reaction is to stop the administration of the offending
agent immediately to prevent further exposure.
Question 4
A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has been diagnosed with gonorrhea. Which of
the following information should the nurse include?
A) Infertility is only a risk if the infection is left untreated
B) The infection is transmitted through respiratory droplets
C) You are at risk for infertility with this infection, regardless of treatment
D) You will develop permanent immunity after the first infection
E) Treatment requires a 30-day course of oral antibiotics
Correct Answer: C) You are at risk for infertility with this infection, regardless of treatment
Rationale: Gonorrhea can cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) in women and
epididymitis in men, both of which can lead to scarring and permanent infertility, even if
the acute infection is eventually cured with antibiotics.
Question 5
A nurse is examining a client's IV site and notes a red line traveling up the client's arm. The
client reports a throbbing, burning pain at the site. The nurse should document this finding as
which of the following complications?
A) Infiltration
B) Extravasation
C) Thrombophlebitis
D) Hematoma
E) Venous Spasm
Correct Answer: C) Thrombophlebitis
Rationale: Thrombophlebitis is characterized by inflammation of the vein with clot
formation, presenting as redness, warmth, a "cord-like" vein, and a red line streaking up
the arm. Infiltration involves coolness and swelling without the red streak.
Question 6
A nurse is providing health education to an adolescent regarding testicular self-examination
(TSE). Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the
teaching?
A) "I should perform the exam once every year."
B) "I should look for a lump that is very painful."
C) "I understand that testicular cancer is painless."
D) "I should use cold water to perform the exam."
E) "The best time to do this is right before I go to bed."
Correct Answer: C) I understand that testicular cancer is painless
, 3
Rationale: Testicular cancer typically presents as a firm, painless mass. The TSE should be
performed monthly, preferably during or after a warm shower when the scrotum is
relaxed.
Question 7
A nurse in a long-term care facility is collecting data from a client who reports fullness in the
rectum and abdominal cramping. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an
indicator of fecal impaction?
A) Large, hard, formed stools
B) Increased flatulence
C) Small liquid stools
D) Absent bowel sounds in all quadrants
E) Projectile vomiting
Correct Answer: C) Small liquid stools
Rationale: When a client has a fecal impaction, liquid stool from higher in the colon can
seep around the hardened mass, leading to small amounts of liquid "overflow" diarrhea.
This is a classic sign of an underlying impaction.
Question 8
A nurse is reinforcing teaching about Mohs surgery with a client who has a newly diagnosed
basal cell carcinoma. Which of the following information should the nurse include?
A) The procedure involves freezing the tumor with liquid nitrogen
B) Mohs surgery is a horizontal shaving of thin layers of the tumor
C) The surgery requires a 5-day hospital stay
D) The surgeon uses high-energy radiation to kill the cells
E) This procedure is only used for internal organ cancers
Correct Answer: B) Mohs surgery is a horizontal shaving of thin layers of the tumor
Rationale: Mohs micrographic surgery involves removing thin layers of skin one at a time
and examining them immediately under a microscope until only cancer-free tissue remains.
This maximizes the preservation of healthy tissue.
Question 9
A nurse is reinforcing teaching regarding lifestyle modifications for Gastroesophageal Reflux
Disease (GERD). Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding?
A) "I should eat a large snack right before bed."
B) "I should lie flat on my back after eating."
C) "I should wait at least 2 hours after eating before going to bed"
D) "I should drink orange juice with every meal."
E) "I should wear a tight-fitting belt to support my stomach."
Correct Answer: C) I should wait at least 2 hours after eating before going to bed
Rationale: Lying down too soon after eating increases the risk of gastric contents refluxing
, 4
into the esophagus. Waiting at least 2-3 hours allows the stomach to empty, reducing the
risk of reflux symptoms.
Question 10
A client is receiving 0.9% sodium chloride by continuous IV infusion and reports pain and
swelling at the IV site. After checking the site, in what order should the nurse perform the
following steps?
1. Withdraw the IV catheter
2. Stop the infusion
3. Notify the charge nurse
4. Elevate the affected arm
A) 1, 2, 4, 3
B) 2, 1, 4, 3
C) 3, 2, 1, 4
D) 2, 4, 1, 3
E) 4, 2, 1, 3
Correct Answer: B) Check the IV site, stop the infusion, withdraw the IV catheter,
elevate the affected arm, notify the charge nurse
Rationale: The nurse first identifies the problem (checking the site), then stops the
source of the pain (infusion), removes the catheter, uses gravity to reduce swelling
(elevation), and finally reports the incident.
Question 11
Which of the following interventions should the nurse recommend for an older adult client to
prevent bone loss associated with osteoporosis?
A) Swimming for 30 minutes daily
B) Increasing intake of vitamin C
C) Encourage weight bearing exercises
D) High-protein, low-calcium diet
E) Resting in a recliner for several hours a day
Correct Answer: C) Encourage weight bearing exercises
Rationale: Weight-bearing exercises (such as walking or light aerobics) stimulate bone cells
to maintain density. While swimming is good for cardiovascular health, it is non-weight-
bearing and does not significantly prevent bone loss.
Question 12
A nurse is assisting with the care of a client following a cardiac catheterization through the right
femoral artery. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A) Encourage the client to sit up in a chair immediately
PRACTICE EXAM COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS/NEWEST
UPDATE!!
Question 1
A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who has a new prescription for morphine for
post-operative pain. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider as an
adverse effect of the medication?
A) Increased bowel sounds
B) Tachypnea
C) Urinary retention
D) Hypertension
E) Dilated pupils
Correct Answer: C) Urinary retention
Rationale: Morphine is an opioid analgesic that causes a decrease in the sensitivity of the
bladder to fullness and increases the tone of the urinary sphincter, leading to urinary
retention. Opioids typically cause constipation (decreased bowel sounds), respiratory
depression (bradypnea), and miosis (pinpoint pupils).
Question 2
A nurse is caring for a client who is at high risk for developing pressure ulcers. Which of the
following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?
A) Massaging reddened areas over bony prominences
B) Placing the client in a high-Fowler’s position for most of the day
C) Position pillows between the bony prominences
D) Using a donut-shaped cushion when the client is sitting
E) Limiting fluid intake to reduce incontinence episodes
Correct Answer: C) Position pillows between the bony prominences
Rationale: Placing pillows between bony prominences, such as the knees or ankles when
side-lying, reduces friction and prevents skin-to-skin contact that can lead to breakdown.
Reddened areas should never be massaged, and high-Fowler’s increases shear force on the
sacrum.
Question 3
A nurse is administering an IV infusion of cefazolin to a postoperative client. Ten minutes after
the start of the infusion, the client reports intense itching and a scratchy throat. Which of the
following actions should the nurse take first?
A) Notify the charge nurse
B) Administer diphenhydramine
C) Stop the medication infusion
D) Increase the primary IV fluid rate
E) Assess the client's lung sounds
Correct Answer: C) Stop the medication infusion
, 2
Rationale: The client is exhibiting signs of an allergic reaction or potential anaphylaxis. The
priority action in any infusion-related reaction is to stop the administration of the offending
agent immediately to prevent further exposure.
Question 4
A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has been diagnosed with gonorrhea. Which of
the following information should the nurse include?
A) Infertility is only a risk if the infection is left untreated
B) The infection is transmitted through respiratory droplets
C) You are at risk for infertility with this infection, regardless of treatment
D) You will develop permanent immunity after the first infection
E) Treatment requires a 30-day course of oral antibiotics
Correct Answer: C) You are at risk for infertility with this infection, regardless of treatment
Rationale: Gonorrhea can cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) in women and
epididymitis in men, both of which can lead to scarring and permanent infertility, even if
the acute infection is eventually cured with antibiotics.
Question 5
A nurse is examining a client's IV site and notes a red line traveling up the client's arm. The
client reports a throbbing, burning pain at the site. The nurse should document this finding as
which of the following complications?
A) Infiltration
B) Extravasation
C) Thrombophlebitis
D) Hematoma
E) Venous Spasm
Correct Answer: C) Thrombophlebitis
Rationale: Thrombophlebitis is characterized by inflammation of the vein with clot
formation, presenting as redness, warmth, a "cord-like" vein, and a red line streaking up
the arm. Infiltration involves coolness and swelling without the red streak.
Question 6
A nurse is providing health education to an adolescent regarding testicular self-examination
(TSE). Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the
teaching?
A) "I should perform the exam once every year."
B) "I should look for a lump that is very painful."
C) "I understand that testicular cancer is painless."
D) "I should use cold water to perform the exam."
E) "The best time to do this is right before I go to bed."
Correct Answer: C) I understand that testicular cancer is painless
, 3
Rationale: Testicular cancer typically presents as a firm, painless mass. The TSE should be
performed monthly, preferably during or after a warm shower when the scrotum is
relaxed.
Question 7
A nurse in a long-term care facility is collecting data from a client who reports fullness in the
rectum and abdominal cramping. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an
indicator of fecal impaction?
A) Large, hard, formed stools
B) Increased flatulence
C) Small liquid stools
D) Absent bowel sounds in all quadrants
E) Projectile vomiting
Correct Answer: C) Small liquid stools
Rationale: When a client has a fecal impaction, liquid stool from higher in the colon can
seep around the hardened mass, leading to small amounts of liquid "overflow" diarrhea.
This is a classic sign of an underlying impaction.
Question 8
A nurse is reinforcing teaching about Mohs surgery with a client who has a newly diagnosed
basal cell carcinoma. Which of the following information should the nurse include?
A) The procedure involves freezing the tumor with liquid nitrogen
B) Mohs surgery is a horizontal shaving of thin layers of the tumor
C) The surgery requires a 5-day hospital stay
D) The surgeon uses high-energy radiation to kill the cells
E) This procedure is only used for internal organ cancers
Correct Answer: B) Mohs surgery is a horizontal shaving of thin layers of the tumor
Rationale: Mohs micrographic surgery involves removing thin layers of skin one at a time
and examining them immediately under a microscope until only cancer-free tissue remains.
This maximizes the preservation of healthy tissue.
Question 9
A nurse is reinforcing teaching regarding lifestyle modifications for Gastroesophageal Reflux
Disease (GERD). Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding?
A) "I should eat a large snack right before bed."
B) "I should lie flat on my back after eating."
C) "I should wait at least 2 hours after eating before going to bed"
D) "I should drink orange juice with every meal."
E) "I should wear a tight-fitting belt to support my stomach."
Correct Answer: C) I should wait at least 2 hours after eating before going to bed
Rationale: Lying down too soon after eating increases the risk of gastric contents refluxing
, 4
into the esophagus. Waiting at least 2-3 hours allows the stomach to empty, reducing the
risk of reflux symptoms.
Question 10
A client is receiving 0.9% sodium chloride by continuous IV infusion and reports pain and
swelling at the IV site. After checking the site, in what order should the nurse perform the
following steps?
1. Withdraw the IV catheter
2. Stop the infusion
3. Notify the charge nurse
4. Elevate the affected arm
A) 1, 2, 4, 3
B) 2, 1, 4, 3
C) 3, 2, 1, 4
D) 2, 4, 1, 3
E) 4, 2, 1, 3
Correct Answer: B) Check the IV site, stop the infusion, withdraw the IV catheter,
elevate the affected arm, notify the charge nurse
Rationale: The nurse first identifies the problem (checking the site), then stops the
source of the pain (infusion), removes the catheter, uses gravity to reduce swelling
(elevation), and finally reports the incident.
Question 11
Which of the following interventions should the nurse recommend for an older adult client to
prevent bone loss associated with osteoporosis?
A) Swimming for 30 minutes daily
B) Increasing intake of vitamin C
C) Encourage weight bearing exercises
D) High-protein, low-calcium diet
E) Resting in a recliner for several hours a day
Correct Answer: C) Encourage weight bearing exercises
Rationale: Weight-bearing exercises (such as walking or light aerobics) stimulate bone cells
to maintain density. While swimming is good for cardiovascular health, it is non-weight-
bearing and does not significantly prevent bone loss.
Question 12
A nurse is assisting with the care of a client following a cardiac catheterization through the right
femoral artery. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A) Encourage the client to sit up in a chair immediately
