ATI Medical-Surgical Proctored Exam V2 |
2026 Q&A with Rationale (ATI Medical-
Surgical Proctored Exam 2026)
1. A nurse is assessing a client who has a blood glucose level of 52 mg/dL. Which of the
following manifestations should the nurse expect?
A. Hot, dry skin
B. Bradycardia
C. Diaphoresis
D. Polyuria
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A blood glucose of 52 mg/dL indicates hypoglycemia, which triggers the
sympathetic nervous system. Diaphoresis, tremors, and tachycardia are common early
signs of a drop in blood sugar. Conversely, hot, dry skin and polyuria are manifestations of
hyperglycemia.
2. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a new prescription for digoxin.
Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
A. Contact the provider if you experience yellow-tinged vision.
B. Increase intake of dietary fiber.
C. Take the medication with an antacid to prevent GI upset.
,D. Expect a heart rate of less than 50 beats per minute.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Visual disturbances, such as yellow or green halos, are classic signs of digoxin
toxicity. The nurse must emphasize that the client should report these symptoms
immediately. Antacids should be avoided as they can interfere with the absorption of the
medication.
3. A nurse is caring for a client who is post-operative following a thyroidectomy. Which of the
following is the priority assessment?
A. Laryngeal stridor
B. Urinary output
C. Humidified oxygen saturation
D. Incisional pain level
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Laryngeal stridor indicates an airway obstruction, which is a life-threatening
complication following thyroid surgery. This can occur due to laryngeal nerve damage or
swelling. Assessing for airway patency takes priority over pain management or urinary
output based on the ABC framework.
4. A nurse is planning care for a client who has right-sided heart failure. Which of the
following findings should the nurse expect? (Select All That Apply)
A. Jugular venous distention
, B. Crackles in the lungs
C. Dependent edema
D. Hepatomegaly
E. Orthopnea
F. Weight gain
Correct Answer: ACDF
Rationale: Right-sided heart failure causes systemic venous congestion, leading to jugular
venous distention, peripheral edema, and liver enlargement. Weight gain is also a common
finding due to fluid retention. Crackles and orthopnea are more commonly associated with
left-sided heart failure and pulmonary congestion.
5. A nurse is reviewing the arterial blood gas (ABG) results of a client: pH 7.30, PaCO2 55 mm
Hg, HCO3 26 mEq/L. Which of the following acid-base imbalances is occurring?
A. Metabolic acidosis
B. Respiratory alkalosis
C. Metabolic alkalosis
D. Respiratory acidosis
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The pH is below the normal range (7.35-7.45), indicating acidosis. The PaCO2 is
elevated above the normal range (35-45 mm Hg), which confirms the cause is respiratory
2026 Q&A with Rationale (ATI Medical-
Surgical Proctored Exam 2026)
1. A nurse is assessing a client who has a blood glucose level of 52 mg/dL. Which of the
following manifestations should the nurse expect?
A. Hot, dry skin
B. Bradycardia
C. Diaphoresis
D. Polyuria
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A blood glucose of 52 mg/dL indicates hypoglycemia, which triggers the
sympathetic nervous system. Diaphoresis, tremors, and tachycardia are common early
signs of a drop in blood sugar. Conversely, hot, dry skin and polyuria are manifestations of
hyperglycemia.
2. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a new prescription for digoxin.
Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
A. Contact the provider if you experience yellow-tinged vision.
B. Increase intake of dietary fiber.
C. Take the medication with an antacid to prevent GI upset.
,D. Expect a heart rate of less than 50 beats per minute.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Visual disturbances, such as yellow or green halos, are classic signs of digoxin
toxicity. The nurse must emphasize that the client should report these symptoms
immediately. Antacids should be avoided as they can interfere with the absorption of the
medication.
3. A nurse is caring for a client who is post-operative following a thyroidectomy. Which of the
following is the priority assessment?
A. Laryngeal stridor
B. Urinary output
C. Humidified oxygen saturation
D. Incisional pain level
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Laryngeal stridor indicates an airway obstruction, which is a life-threatening
complication following thyroid surgery. This can occur due to laryngeal nerve damage or
swelling. Assessing for airway patency takes priority over pain management or urinary
output based on the ABC framework.
4. A nurse is planning care for a client who has right-sided heart failure. Which of the
following findings should the nurse expect? (Select All That Apply)
A. Jugular venous distention
, B. Crackles in the lungs
C. Dependent edema
D. Hepatomegaly
E. Orthopnea
F. Weight gain
Correct Answer: ACDF
Rationale: Right-sided heart failure causes systemic venous congestion, leading to jugular
venous distention, peripheral edema, and liver enlargement. Weight gain is also a common
finding due to fluid retention. Crackles and orthopnea are more commonly associated with
left-sided heart failure and pulmonary congestion.
5. A nurse is reviewing the arterial blood gas (ABG) results of a client: pH 7.30, PaCO2 55 mm
Hg, HCO3 26 mEq/L. Which of the following acid-base imbalances is occurring?
A. Metabolic acidosis
B. Respiratory alkalosis
C. Metabolic alkalosis
D. Respiratory acidosis
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The pH is below the normal range (7.35-7.45), indicating acidosis. The PaCO2 is
elevated above the normal range (35-45 mm Hg), which confirms the cause is respiratory
