ADULT MEDICAL SURGICAL: ATI 2024 PROCTORED EXAM
QUESTIONS WITH COMPLETE SOLUTIONS
1) A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has COPD. Which of the
following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
A) "Schedule controlled coughing exercises after meals."
B) "Consume a diet that is high in calories."
C) "Practice breath-holding."
D) "Perform arm-reaching exercises." -- Correct Answer ✔✔ B)"Consume a
diet that is high in calories."
Dyspnea decreases energy available for eating. Therefore, the nurse should
encourage the client to eat soft, high-calorie and high-protein foods to prevent
weight loss.
2) A nurse is teaching a client about self-management of their halo fixator device.
Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?
A) Give each screw a quarter turn daily using the wrench provided.
B) Apply powder liberally under the chest portion of the halo fixator device.
C) Avoid the use of straws when drinking liquids.
D) Place a small pillow under the head while lying supine. -- Correct Answer
✔✔ D) Place a small pillow under the head while lying supine.
The halo fixator device is worn for a period of 8 to 12 weeks and immobilizes
the cervical spine, preventing flexion and hyperextension of the neck. The use of
a small pillow under the head provides support to the head and neck, preventing
additional discomfort and pressure from the device.
, 3) A home health nurse is inspecting a client's residence for electrical hazards as part of
the agency's quality improvement plan. Which of the following findings should the
nurse identify as a safety hazard?
A) The client's bed has a three-prong plug attached to the electrical cord.
B) A protective cover is inserted into an unused outlet.
C) An IV pump is plugged into an outlet near a sink.
D) An electrical cord is coiled and secured to the floor. -- Correct Answer
✔✔ C)An IV pump is plugged into an outlet near a sink.
The nurse should plug all electrical appliances into outlets away from wet areas.
Water conducts electricity and places the client at risk for electrocution.
4) A nurse is caring for a client who has a small bowel obstruction and an NG tube in
place. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A) Maintain low intermittent suction.
B) Assess patency and irrigate the NG tube every 12 hr.
C) Record gastric output every 8 hr.
D) Fasten the end of the tube to the client's pillowcase. -- Correct Answer
✔✔ A)Maintain low intermittent suction.
The nurse should maintain low intermittent suction to prevent gastric irritation
and ulceration. With a small bowel obstruction, the NG tube removes gastric
secretions and decompresses the bowel.
5) A nurse is assessing a client who has a chest tube connected to a closed water-seal
drainage system. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the
provider?
A) Fluctuation of the water level in the chamber as the client breathes
B) Constant bubbling in the water seal chamber
C) Numerous small blood clots in the drainage tubing
D) Water seal chamber contains 1 cm (0.39 in) of water -- Correct Answer
✔✔ A)Fluctuation of the water level in the chamber as the client breathes
Fluctuation in the water seal chamber with the client's respirations is an expected
finding and indicates a patent drainage system.
QUESTIONS WITH COMPLETE SOLUTIONS
1) A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has COPD. Which of the
following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
A) "Schedule controlled coughing exercises after meals."
B) "Consume a diet that is high in calories."
C) "Practice breath-holding."
D) "Perform arm-reaching exercises." -- Correct Answer ✔✔ B)"Consume a
diet that is high in calories."
Dyspnea decreases energy available for eating. Therefore, the nurse should
encourage the client to eat soft, high-calorie and high-protein foods to prevent
weight loss.
2) A nurse is teaching a client about self-management of their halo fixator device.
Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?
A) Give each screw a quarter turn daily using the wrench provided.
B) Apply powder liberally under the chest portion of the halo fixator device.
C) Avoid the use of straws when drinking liquids.
D) Place a small pillow under the head while lying supine. -- Correct Answer
✔✔ D) Place a small pillow under the head while lying supine.
The halo fixator device is worn for a period of 8 to 12 weeks and immobilizes
the cervical spine, preventing flexion and hyperextension of the neck. The use of
a small pillow under the head provides support to the head and neck, preventing
additional discomfort and pressure from the device.
, 3) A home health nurse is inspecting a client's residence for electrical hazards as part of
the agency's quality improvement plan. Which of the following findings should the
nurse identify as a safety hazard?
A) The client's bed has a three-prong plug attached to the electrical cord.
B) A protective cover is inserted into an unused outlet.
C) An IV pump is plugged into an outlet near a sink.
D) An electrical cord is coiled and secured to the floor. -- Correct Answer
✔✔ C)An IV pump is plugged into an outlet near a sink.
The nurse should plug all electrical appliances into outlets away from wet areas.
Water conducts electricity and places the client at risk for electrocution.
4) A nurse is caring for a client who has a small bowel obstruction and an NG tube in
place. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A) Maintain low intermittent suction.
B) Assess patency and irrigate the NG tube every 12 hr.
C) Record gastric output every 8 hr.
D) Fasten the end of the tube to the client's pillowcase. -- Correct Answer
✔✔ A)Maintain low intermittent suction.
The nurse should maintain low intermittent suction to prevent gastric irritation
and ulceration. With a small bowel obstruction, the NG tube removes gastric
secretions and decompresses the bowel.
5) A nurse is assessing a client who has a chest tube connected to a closed water-seal
drainage system. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the
provider?
A) Fluctuation of the water level in the chamber as the client breathes
B) Constant bubbling in the water seal chamber
C) Numerous small blood clots in the drainage tubing
D) Water seal chamber contains 1 cm (0.39 in) of water -- Correct Answer
✔✔ A)Fluctuation of the water level in the chamber as the client breathes
Fluctuation in the water seal chamber with the client's respirations is an expected
finding and indicates a patent drainage system.
