ATI Adult Medical-Surgical Proctored
Exam V1 | 2026 Q&A with Rationale (ATI
Adult Med-Surg Proctored Exam 2026)
1. A nurse is assessing a client who has a prescription for digoxin. Which of the following
findings should the nurse identify as an early indication of digoxin toxicity?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypertension
C. Anorexia
D. Tachycardia
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Anorexia, nausea, and vomiting are typically the earliest signs of digoxin
toxicity. Fatigue and visual disturbances, such as yellow-green halos, can also occur as
levels rise. The nurse must monitor serum digoxin levels and electrolyte balances,
particularly potassium, during therapy.
2. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a total hip arthroplasty. Which
of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent hip dislocation?
A. Instruct the client to lean forward when sitting in a chair.
B. Encourage the client to cross their legs at the ankles.
C. Maintain the client’s hip in a flexed position of 110 degrees.
,D. Place an abduction wedge between the client’s legs.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The use of an abduction wedge or pillow prevents the legs from crossing the
midline, which protects the hip joint from dislocation. Hip flexion should be kept at less
than 90 degrees to maintain joint stability. These precautions are essential during the
initial postoperative healing phase to ensure proper prosthesis alignment.
3. A nurse is providing discharge teaching for a client who has a new prescription for warfarin.
Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
A. Increase intake of dark green leafy vegetables.
B. Use an electric razor for shaving.
C. Take ibuprofen for minor aches and pains.
D. Expect the urine to be pink-tinged.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Warfarin is an anticoagulant that increases the risk of bleeding; therefore, the
client should use an electric razor to minimize the risk of skin nicks. Consuming large
amounts of Vitamin K (found in leafy greens) can decrease the effectiveness of the drug.
The client should also avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen, which can further increase bleeding
risk.
, 4. A nurse is assessing a client who has hyperthyroidism. Which of the following clinical
manifestations should the nurse expect?
A. Heat intolerance
B. Weight gain
C. Bradycardia
D. Constipation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Heat intolerance is a classic sign of hyperthyroidism due to the increased
metabolic rate. Patients often experience weight loss despite increased appetite and
tachycardia rather than bradycardia. These symptoms result from the overproduction of
thyroid hormones affecting multiple body systems.
5. A nurse is planning care for a client who has a chest tube connected to a water-seal
drainage system. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan?
A. Strip the chest tube every 4 hours to maintain patency.
B. Observe for fluctuations in the water-seal chamber with respirations.
C. Maintain the drainage system above the level of the client’s chest.
D. Clamp the chest tube whenever the client is ambulating.
Correct Answer: B
Exam V1 | 2026 Q&A with Rationale (ATI
Adult Med-Surg Proctored Exam 2026)
1. A nurse is assessing a client who has a prescription for digoxin. Which of the following
findings should the nurse identify as an early indication of digoxin toxicity?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypertension
C. Anorexia
D. Tachycardia
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Anorexia, nausea, and vomiting are typically the earliest signs of digoxin
toxicity. Fatigue and visual disturbances, such as yellow-green halos, can also occur as
levels rise. The nurse must monitor serum digoxin levels and electrolyte balances,
particularly potassium, during therapy.
2. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a total hip arthroplasty. Which
of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent hip dislocation?
A. Instruct the client to lean forward when sitting in a chair.
B. Encourage the client to cross their legs at the ankles.
C. Maintain the client’s hip in a flexed position of 110 degrees.
,D. Place an abduction wedge between the client’s legs.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The use of an abduction wedge or pillow prevents the legs from crossing the
midline, which protects the hip joint from dislocation. Hip flexion should be kept at less
than 90 degrees to maintain joint stability. These precautions are essential during the
initial postoperative healing phase to ensure proper prosthesis alignment.
3. A nurse is providing discharge teaching for a client who has a new prescription for warfarin.
Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
A. Increase intake of dark green leafy vegetables.
B. Use an electric razor for shaving.
C. Take ibuprofen for minor aches and pains.
D. Expect the urine to be pink-tinged.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Warfarin is an anticoagulant that increases the risk of bleeding; therefore, the
client should use an electric razor to minimize the risk of skin nicks. Consuming large
amounts of Vitamin K (found in leafy greens) can decrease the effectiveness of the drug.
The client should also avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen, which can further increase bleeding
risk.
, 4. A nurse is assessing a client who has hyperthyroidism. Which of the following clinical
manifestations should the nurse expect?
A. Heat intolerance
B. Weight gain
C. Bradycardia
D. Constipation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Heat intolerance is a classic sign of hyperthyroidism due to the increased
metabolic rate. Patients often experience weight loss despite increased appetite and
tachycardia rather than bradycardia. These symptoms result from the overproduction of
thyroid hormones affecting multiple body systems.
5. A nurse is planning care for a client who has a chest tube connected to a water-seal
drainage system. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan?
A. Strip the chest tube every 4 hours to maintain patency.
B. Observe for fluctuations in the water-seal chamber with respirations.
C. Maintain the drainage system above the level of the client’s chest.
D. Clamp the chest tube whenever the client is ambulating.
Correct Answer: B
