ATI RN MED SURG CMS Proctored Exam Practice Questions and Answers with Rationale 2026
ATI RN MED SURG CMS Proctored Exam
Practice Questions and Answers with
Rationale ATI Exam 2026 Nclex Questions
Q1. Priority Action (Post-op Hemorrhage)
A nurse is caring for a client 6 hours post abdominal surgery. Which finding requires immediate
action?
A. Pain rated 6/10
B. Urine output 30 mL/hr
C. BP 88/54 mmHg, HR 124 bpm
D. Temp 37.6°C
✔ Answer: C
Rationale: Hypotension + tachycardia indicates possible hemorrhagic shock. This is a life-
threatening priority (circulation first).
Q2. COPD Oxygen Therapy
A client with COPD is receiving oxygen. Which prescription is appropriate?
A. 1–2 L/min nasal cannula
B. 6 L/min nasal cannula
C. 10 L non-rebreather
D. Room air only
✔ Answer: A
Rationale: COPD patients retain CO₂; high oxygen can suppress hypoxic drive. Target low-flow
oxygen (1–2 L/min).
Q3. Heart Failure Finding
Which assessment finding indicates worsening left-sided heart failure?
,ATI RN MED SURG CMS Proctored Exam Practice Questions and Answers with Rationale 2026
A. Peripheral edema
B. Jugular vein distension
C. Crackles in lungs
D. Ascites
✔ Answer: C
Rationale: Left-sided HF causes pulmonary congestion → crackles, dyspnea.
Q4. Electrolytes – Hyperkalemia
Which ECG change suggests hyperkalemia?
A. U waves
B. Peaked T waves
C. ST depression
D. Prolonged QT
✔ Answer: B
Rationale: Hyperkalemia causes tall peaked T waves → risk of dysrhythmias.
Q5. Stroke Priority
A client arrives with suspected ischemic stroke. What is the nurse’s priority?
A. Give aspirin
B. Check swallowing ability
C. Obtain CT scan
D. Lower BP immediately
✔ Answer: C
Rationale: CT scan must confirm ischemic vs hemorrhagic stroke before treatment.
Q6. Diabetes Hypoglycemia
Which symptom indicates hypoglycemia?
, ATI RN MED SURG CMS Proctored Exam Practice Questions and Answers with Rationale 2026
A. Fruity breath
B. Dry skin
C. Diaphoresis and tremors
D. Polyuria
✔ Answer: C
Rationale: Hypoglycemia activates sympathetic response → sweating, tremors, anxiety.
Q7. Chest Tube Care
Which action is correct for a client with a chest tube?
A. Clamp tube routinely
B. Keep drainage system below chest level
C. Strip tubing every hour
D. Milk tubing aggressively
✔ Answer: B
Rationale: Prevents backflow of fluid/air into pleural space.
Q8. Infection Control (Neutropenia)
Which precaution is appropriate for neutropenic clients?
A. Fresh flowers allowed
B. Raw fruits permitted
C. Private room with strict hand hygiene
D. No mask required for visitors
✔ Answer: C
Rationale: Neutropenic patients need infection protection (reverse isolation principles).
Q9. Priority Delegation
Which task can be delegated to UAP?
ATI RN MED SURG CMS Proctored Exam
Practice Questions and Answers with
Rationale ATI Exam 2026 Nclex Questions
Q1. Priority Action (Post-op Hemorrhage)
A nurse is caring for a client 6 hours post abdominal surgery. Which finding requires immediate
action?
A. Pain rated 6/10
B. Urine output 30 mL/hr
C. BP 88/54 mmHg, HR 124 bpm
D. Temp 37.6°C
✔ Answer: C
Rationale: Hypotension + tachycardia indicates possible hemorrhagic shock. This is a life-
threatening priority (circulation first).
Q2. COPD Oxygen Therapy
A client with COPD is receiving oxygen. Which prescription is appropriate?
A. 1–2 L/min nasal cannula
B. 6 L/min nasal cannula
C. 10 L non-rebreather
D. Room air only
✔ Answer: A
Rationale: COPD patients retain CO₂; high oxygen can suppress hypoxic drive. Target low-flow
oxygen (1–2 L/min).
Q3. Heart Failure Finding
Which assessment finding indicates worsening left-sided heart failure?
,ATI RN MED SURG CMS Proctored Exam Practice Questions and Answers with Rationale 2026
A. Peripheral edema
B. Jugular vein distension
C. Crackles in lungs
D. Ascites
✔ Answer: C
Rationale: Left-sided HF causes pulmonary congestion → crackles, dyspnea.
Q4. Electrolytes – Hyperkalemia
Which ECG change suggests hyperkalemia?
A. U waves
B. Peaked T waves
C. ST depression
D. Prolonged QT
✔ Answer: B
Rationale: Hyperkalemia causes tall peaked T waves → risk of dysrhythmias.
Q5. Stroke Priority
A client arrives with suspected ischemic stroke. What is the nurse’s priority?
A. Give aspirin
B. Check swallowing ability
C. Obtain CT scan
D. Lower BP immediately
✔ Answer: C
Rationale: CT scan must confirm ischemic vs hemorrhagic stroke before treatment.
Q6. Diabetes Hypoglycemia
Which symptom indicates hypoglycemia?
, ATI RN MED SURG CMS Proctored Exam Practice Questions and Answers with Rationale 2026
A. Fruity breath
B. Dry skin
C. Diaphoresis and tremors
D. Polyuria
✔ Answer: C
Rationale: Hypoglycemia activates sympathetic response → sweating, tremors, anxiety.
Q7. Chest Tube Care
Which action is correct for a client with a chest tube?
A. Clamp tube routinely
B. Keep drainage system below chest level
C. Strip tubing every hour
D. Milk tubing aggressively
✔ Answer: B
Rationale: Prevents backflow of fluid/air into pleural space.
Q8. Infection Control (Neutropenia)
Which precaution is appropriate for neutropenic clients?
A. Fresh flowers allowed
B. Raw fruits permitted
C. Private room with strict hand hygiene
D. No mask required for visitors
✔ Answer: C
Rationale: Neutropenic patients need infection protection (reverse isolation principles).
Q9. Priority Delegation
Which task can be delegated to UAP?
