ATI Adult Medical-Surgical Proctored
Exam V3 | 2026 Q&A with Rationale (ATI
Adult Med-Surg Proctored Exam 2026)
1. A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for a magnesium sulfate IV bolus for
hypomagnesemia. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an adverse
effect of the medication?
A. Hyperreflexia
B. Tachycardia
C. Increased urinary output
D. Respiratory depression
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Magnesium sulfate is a central nervous system depressant. Signs of toxicity
include respiratory depression, loss of deep tendon reflexes, and hypotension. The nurse
should monitor the client’s respiratory rate and have calcium gluconate available as an
antidote.
2. A nurse is assessing a client who is 12 hr postoperative following a total thyroidectomy.
Which of the following findings is the priority for the nurse to report to the provider?
A. Client reports a sore throat when swallowing.
B. Plasma calcium level of 9.2 mg/dL.
,C. Laryngeal stridor is noted on inspiration.
D. Pain rating of 5 on a scale of 0 to 10.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Laryngeal stridor indicates airway obstruction, which is a life-threatening
complication following thyroid surgery. This can be caused by laryngeal nerve damage or
hypocalcemia-induced tetany. The nurse must prioritize airway patency above expected
postoperative discomfort.
3. A nurse is teaching a client who has chronic kidney disease (CKD) about dietary restrictions.
Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
A. Use salt substitutes to season food.
B. Increase intake of dairy products.
C. Limit potassium-rich foods like bananas and spinach.
D. Consume a high-protein diet to prevent muscle wasting.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In CKD, the kidneys cannot effectively excrete potassium, leading to
hyperkalemia and potential cardiac dysrhythmias. Salt substitutes often contain potassium
chloride and should be avoided. Protein and phosphorus (found in dairy) are also typically
restricted to prevent further renal damage.
, 4. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client following a gastrectomy. Which of the
following instructions should the nurse include to prevent dumping syndrome?
A. Drink at least 240 mL of water with each meal.
B. Consume a diet high in simple carbohydrates.
C. Eat three large meals per day.
D. Lie down for 30 minutes after eating.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Lying down after meals slows the movement of food from the stomach into the
small intestine. Clients should also consume small, frequent meals rather than large ones.
Fluids should be consumed between meals rather than with them to prevent rapid gastric
emptying.
5. A nurse is caring for a client who is in the compensatory stage of shock. Which of the
following findings should the nurse expect?
A. Metabolic acidosis
B. Decreased level of consciousness
C. Cold, clammy skin
D. Tachycardia
Correct Answer: D
Exam V3 | 2026 Q&A with Rationale (ATI
Adult Med-Surg Proctored Exam 2026)
1. A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for a magnesium sulfate IV bolus for
hypomagnesemia. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an adverse
effect of the medication?
A. Hyperreflexia
B. Tachycardia
C. Increased urinary output
D. Respiratory depression
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Magnesium sulfate is a central nervous system depressant. Signs of toxicity
include respiratory depression, loss of deep tendon reflexes, and hypotension. The nurse
should monitor the client’s respiratory rate and have calcium gluconate available as an
antidote.
2. A nurse is assessing a client who is 12 hr postoperative following a total thyroidectomy.
Which of the following findings is the priority for the nurse to report to the provider?
A. Client reports a sore throat when swallowing.
B. Plasma calcium level of 9.2 mg/dL.
,C. Laryngeal stridor is noted on inspiration.
D. Pain rating of 5 on a scale of 0 to 10.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Laryngeal stridor indicates airway obstruction, which is a life-threatening
complication following thyroid surgery. This can be caused by laryngeal nerve damage or
hypocalcemia-induced tetany. The nurse must prioritize airway patency above expected
postoperative discomfort.
3. A nurse is teaching a client who has chronic kidney disease (CKD) about dietary restrictions.
Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
A. Use salt substitutes to season food.
B. Increase intake of dairy products.
C. Limit potassium-rich foods like bananas and spinach.
D. Consume a high-protein diet to prevent muscle wasting.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In CKD, the kidneys cannot effectively excrete potassium, leading to
hyperkalemia and potential cardiac dysrhythmias. Salt substitutes often contain potassium
chloride and should be avoided. Protein and phosphorus (found in dairy) are also typically
restricted to prevent further renal damage.
, 4. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client following a gastrectomy. Which of the
following instructions should the nurse include to prevent dumping syndrome?
A. Drink at least 240 mL of water with each meal.
B. Consume a diet high in simple carbohydrates.
C. Eat three large meals per day.
D. Lie down for 30 minutes after eating.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Lying down after meals slows the movement of food from the stomach into the
small intestine. Clients should also consume small, frequent meals rather than large ones.
Fluids should be consumed between meals rather than with them to prevent rapid gastric
emptying.
5. A nurse is caring for a client who is in the compensatory stage of shock. Which of the
following findings should the nurse expect?
A. Metabolic acidosis
B. Decreased level of consciousness
C. Cold, clammy skin
D. Tachycardia
Correct Answer: D
