ATI Medical-Surgical Proctored Exam V3 |
2026 Q&A with Rationale (ATI Medical-
Surgical Proctored Exam 2026)
1. A nurse is assessing a client who is post-operative following a thyroidectomy. Which of the
following findings is the priority for the nurse to report to the provider?
A. A hoarse voice when speaking
B. Tingling in the hands and around the mouth
C. Laryngeal stridor heard upon inspiration
D. Pain level of 5 on a scale of 0 to 10
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Laryngeal stridor indicates an acute airway obstruction, which is a life-
threatening emergency following a thyroidectomy. The nurse must prioritize ABCs
(Airway, Breathing, Circulation) when evaluating post-operative complications. While
hoarseness and tingling are important to monitor, stridor signifies immediate respiratory
distress.
2. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which of the
following actions should the nurse take to prevent a common complication of TPN?
A. Accelerate the infusion rate if it falls behind schedule
B. Change the TPN infusion set every 72 hours
,C. Check the client’s blood glucose every 4 to 6 hours
D. Maintain the client in a supine position during the infusion
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: TPN contains high concentrations of glucose, putting the client at risk for
hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia if the rate is changed abruptly. Monitoring blood glucose
levels every 4 to 6 hours is essential for early detection and management of metabolic
imbalances. The infusion set should be changed every 24 hours to prevent infection, and
the rate should never be adjusted to ‘catch up.’
3. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a new prescription for warfarin.
Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A. ‘I will increase my intake of spinach and kale to improve my vitamin levels.’
B. ‘I will use an electric razor for shaving.’
C. ‘I will take aspirin if I develop a headache.’
D. ‘I do not need regular blood tests once my dose is stabilized.’
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Clients taking anticoagulants like warfarin are at an increased risk for bleeding
and should use an electric razor to prevent cuts. Vitamin K found in green leafy vegetables
can interfere with warfarin’s effectiveness, so intake should remain consistent rather than
increased. Aspirin should be avoided as it increases the risk of hemorrhage.
, 4. A nurse is caring for a client who has a chest tube connected to a water-seal drainage
system. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
A. Fluctuation in the water level with inspiration and expiration
B. Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber
C. 50 mL of serosanguineous drainage in the collection chamber
D. Presence of subcutaneous emphysema around the insertion site
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber indicates an air leak in the
system, which requires immediate intervention. Normal findings include tidaling
(fluctuation with breathing) and a small amount of drainage. While subcutaneous
emphysema should be monitored, an active air leak is a priority mechanical failure that
affects lung re-expansion.
5. A nurse is assessing a client who has hypermagnesemia. Which of the following clinical
manifestations should the nurse expect?
A. Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes
B. Tachycardia
C. Depressed deep tendon reflexes
D. Increased blood pressure
Correct Answer: C
2026 Q&A with Rationale (ATI Medical-
Surgical Proctored Exam 2026)
1. A nurse is assessing a client who is post-operative following a thyroidectomy. Which of the
following findings is the priority for the nurse to report to the provider?
A. A hoarse voice when speaking
B. Tingling in the hands and around the mouth
C. Laryngeal stridor heard upon inspiration
D. Pain level of 5 on a scale of 0 to 10
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Laryngeal stridor indicates an acute airway obstruction, which is a life-
threatening emergency following a thyroidectomy. The nurse must prioritize ABCs
(Airway, Breathing, Circulation) when evaluating post-operative complications. While
hoarseness and tingling are important to monitor, stridor signifies immediate respiratory
distress.
2. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which of the
following actions should the nurse take to prevent a common complication of TPN?
A. Accelerate the infusion rate if it falls behind schedule
B. Change the TPN infusion set every 72 hours
,C. Check the client’s blood glucose every 4 to 6 hours
D. Maintain the client in a supine position during the infusion
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: TPN contains high concentrations of glucose, putting the client at risk for
hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia if the rate is changed abruptly. Monitoring blood glucose
levels every 4 to 6 hours is essential for early detection and management of metabolic
imbalances. The infusion set should be changed every 24 hours to prevent infection, and
the rate should never be adjusted to ‘catch up.’
3. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a new prescription for warfarin.
Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A. ‘I will increase my intake of spinach and kale to improve my vitamin levels.’
B. ‘I will use an electric razor for shaving.’
C. ‘I will take aspirin if I develop a headache.’
D. ‘I do not need regular blood tests once my dose is stabilized.’
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Clients taking anticoagulants like warfarin are at an increased risk for bleeding
and should use an electric razor to prevent cuts. Vitamin K found in green leafy vegetables
can interfere with warfarin’s effectiveness, so intake should remain consistent rather than
increased. Aspirin should be avoided as it increases the risk of hemorrhage.
, 4. A nurse is caring for a client who has a chest tube connected to a water-seal drainage
system. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
A. Fluctuation in the water level with inspiration and expiration
B. Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber
C. 50 mL of serosanguineous drainage in the collection chamber
D. Presence of subcutaneous emphysema around the insertion site
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber indicates an air leak in the
system, which requires immediate intervention. Normal findings include tidaling
(fluctuation with breathing) and a small amount of drainage. While subcutaneous
emphysema should be monitored, an active air leak is a priority mechanical failure that
affects lung re-expansion.
5. A nurse is assessing a client who has hypermagnesemia. Which of the following clinical
manifestations should the nurse expect?
A. Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes
B. Tachycardia
C. Depressed deep tendon reflexes
D. Increased blood pressure
Correct Answer: C
