ATI RN
Medical Surgical ATI Proctored Exam Questions
Question 1 of 9
Sam is diagnosed with having a myocardial infarction after experiencing chest pain and pain radiating to his arms, jaw, and back. He asks what a myocardial infarction is. You respond by saying
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A myocardial infarction occurs when blood flow to the heart is obstructed.
Question 2 of 9
Anne asks how she developed iron deficiency anemia. You respond by saying
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Iron deficiency anemia is commonly caused by blood loss or insufficient dietary intake.
Question 3 of 9
During an admission assessment of a client with COPD and emphysema complaining of a frequent productive cough and shortness of breath, what assessment finding should the nurse anticipate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Increased anteroposterior diameter of the chest. In COPD and emphysema, the lungs lose their elasticity, causing the chest to become barrel-shaped with an increased anteroposterior diameter. This occurs due to hyperinflation of the lungs. This finding is known as "barrel chest" and is a classic sign of advanced COPD. A: Respiratory alkalosis is not typically associated with COPD and emphysema. C: An oxygen saturation level of 96% is within the normal range and does not specifically relate to the assessment findings in COPD and emphysema. D: Petechiae on the chest are not typically associated with COPD and emphysema; they may be indicative of other conditions such as bleeding disorders.
Question 4 of 9
Which patient is ready for discharge from Phase I PACU care to the clinical unit?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Stable vital signs, intact dressing, and adequate oxygenation indicate readiness for transfer.
Question 5 of 9
What best evaluates Mrs. West’s situation with wound separation and purulent drainage?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Inflammatory signs suggest infection, requiring further evaluation and treatment.
Question 6 of 9
Bob, who has Huntington's disease, tells you that he sees the same symptoms of the disease in his 13-year-old son. You respond by saying
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Huntington's disease typically manifests in adulthood, but genetic testing can confirm early cases.
Question 7 of 9
You are caring for a patient with Sophaged cancer. Which task could be delegated to the nursing assistant?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Oral hygiene is a basic care task that can be safely performed by a nursing assistant, while the other options require more advanced clinical judgment.
Question 8 of 9
A client reports a headache and vertigo after turning on his furnace for the first time this season. The nurse should suspect which of the following conditions?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Carbon monoxide poisoning. When the furnace is turned on for the first time, it may release carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas that can cause headaches and vertigo. Carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin, reducing oxygen delivery to tissues, leading to symptoms. Heat stroke (B) is caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures. Hypersensitivity reactions (C) involve the immune system's response to an allergen. Oxygen toxicity (D) occurs with prolonged exposure to high levels of oxygen.
Question 9 of 9
Your postoperative patient develops a cellulitis in her leg. Your nursing treatments would include
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Elevation helps reduce swelling and improve circulation in cellulitis.