ATI MEDICAL-SURGICAL – QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF.
CORE DOMAINS
• Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Imbalances
• Medical-Surgical Nursing Care of the Cardiovascular System
• Management of Respiratory Disorders and Gas Exchange
• Gastrointestinal and Metabolic Alterations
• Perioperative Nursing Care and Safety Standards
• Neurological Assessment and Acute Intervention
• Renal and Genitourinary Pathophysiology
• Endocrine System Disorders and Pharmacological Management
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this comprehensive assessment is to evaluate the student's mastery
of medical-surgical nursing concepts and the application of the nursing process. This
examination assesses critical thinking skills, clinical judgment, and the ability to
prioritize care for adult clients with complex physiological needs. The exam utilizes a
blend of foundational theory and scenario-based questions to mirror real-world
,clinical environments. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in safety protocols,
ethical decision-making, and evidence-based practice. By focusing on high-stakes
clinical scenarios, this assessment prepares learners for professional licensure and
ensures readiness for the dynamic demands of a medical-surgical unit.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is 24 hours postoperative following a
cholecystectomy. The client reports pain in the right shoulder. Which of the
following actions should the nurse take?
A. Apply a cold compress to the shoulder
B. Assist the client to a side-lying position
🟢 C. Encourage early ambulation
D. Prepare the client for an ultrasound of the shoulder
🔴 RATIONALE: Shoulder pain following laparoscopic surgery is common due to
CO2 gas used during the procedure irritating the diaphragm. Ambulation stimulates
peristalsis and helps the body resorb the gas.
2. A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who has heart failure and
is taking furosemide. Which of the following results should the nurse report to
, the provider?
🟢 A. Potassium 3.2 mEq/L
B. Sodium 140 mEq/L
C. Glucose 110 mg/dL
D. Calcium 9.5 mg/dL
🔴 RATIONALE: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes the excretion of
potassium. A level of 3.2 mEq/L is below the expected reference range of 3.5 to 5.0
mEq/L and increases the risk of cardiac dysrhythmias.
3. A nurse is assessing a client who has a chest tube connected to a water-seal
drainage system. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the
provider?
A. Fluctuations in the water-seal chamber with respiration
🟢 B. Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber
C. 50 mL of serosanguineous drainage in the collection chamber
D. Constant bubbling in the suction control chamber
🔴 RATIONALE: Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber indicates an air leak
in the system, which requires immediate intervention. Fluctuations (tidaling) are
, normal.
4. A nurse is caring for a client who is in the oliguric phase of acute kidney injury.
Which of the following metabolic states should the nurse anticipate?
A. Metabolic alkalosis
🟢 B. Metabolic acidosis
C. Respiratory alkalosis
D. Respiratory acidosis
🔴 RATIONALE: In the oliguric phase of AKI, the kidneys are unable to excrete
hydrogen ions or reabsorb bicarbonate, leading to a build-up of acid in the blood
(metabolic acidosis).
5. A nurse is teaching a client who has a new diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes
Mellitus about foot care. Which of the following statements by the client
indicates an understanding of the teaching?
🟢 A. I will wear cotton socks to keep my feet dry.
B. I will use a heating pad to keep my feet warm at night.
C. I will trim my toenails in a curved shape.
D. I will apply lotion between my toes after bathing.
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF.
CORE DOMAINS
• Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Imbalances
• Medical-Surgical Nursing Care of the Cardiovascular System
• Management of Respiratory Disorders and Gas Exchange
• Gastrointestinal and Metabolic Alterations
• Perioperative Nursing Care and Safety Standards
• Neurological Assessment and Acute Intervention
• Renal and Genitourinary Pathophysiology
• Endocrine System Disorders and Pharmacological Management
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this comprehensive assessment is to evaluate the student's mastery
of medical-surgical nursing concepts and the application of the nursing process. This
examination assesses critical thinking skills, clinical judgment, and the ability to
prioritize care for adult clients with complex physiological needs. The exam utilizes a
blend of foundational theory and scenario-based questions to mirror real-world
,clinical environments. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in safety protocols,
ethical decision-making, and evidence-based practice. By focusing on high-stakes
clinical scenarios, this assessment prepares learners for professional licensure and
ensures readiness for the dynamic demands of a medical-surgical unit.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is 24 hours postoperative following a
cholecystectomy. The client reports pain in the right shoulder. Which of the
following actions should the nurse take?
A. Apply a cold compress to the shoulder
B. Assist the client to a side-lying position
🟢 C. Encourage early ambulation
D. Prepare the client for an ultrasound of the shoulder
🔴 RATIONALE: Shoulder pain following laparoscopic surgery is common due to
CO2 gas used during the procedure irritating the diaphragm. Ambulation stimulates
peristalsis and helps the body resorb the gas.
2. A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who has heart failure and
is taking furosemide. Which of the following results should the nurse report to
, the provider?
🟢 A. Potassium 3.2 mEq/L
B. Sodium 140 mEq/L
C. Glucose 110 mg/dL
D. Calcium 9.5 mg/dL
🔴 RATIONALE: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes the excretion of
potassium. A level of 3.2 mEq/L is below the expected reference range of 3.5 to 5.0
mEq/L and increases the risk of cardiac dysrhythmias.
3. A nurse is assessing a client who has a chest tube connected to a water-seal
drainage system. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the
provider?
A. Fluctuations in the water-seal chamber with respiration
🟢 B. Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber
C. 50 mL of serosanguineous drainage in the collection chamber
D. Constant bubbling in the suction control chamber
🔴 RATIONALE: Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber indicates an air leak
in the system, which requires immediate intervention. Fluctuations (tidaling) are
, normal.
4. A nurse is caring for a client who is in the oliguric phase of acute kidney injury.
Which of the following metabolic states should the nurse anticipate?
A. Metabolic alkalosis
🟢 B. Metabolic acidosis
C. Respiratory alkalosis
D. Respiratory acidosis
🔴 RATIONALE: In the oliguric phase of AKI, the kidneys are unable to excrete
hydrogen ions or reabsorb bicarbonate, leading to a build-up of acid in the blood
(metabolic acidosis).
5. A nurse is teaching a client who has a new diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes
Mellitus about foot care. Which of the following statements by the client
indicates an understanding of the teaching?
🟢 A. I will wear cotton socks to keep my feet dry.
B. I will use a heating pad to keep my feet warm at night.
C. I will trim my toenails in a curved shape.
D. I will apply lotion between my toes after bathing.
