ATI PN Adult Medical Surgical 2026

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Sample questions from ATI PN Adult Medical Surgical 2026

This material has 90 questions with answers and rationales. Here are the first 5.

1. 1.A nurse is caring for a client with heart failure who reports increased shortness of breath. Which finding should the nurse report to the provider immediately?

   • A.Weight gain of 0.5 kg (1.1 lb) over 1 week
   • B.New crackles and oxygen saturation of 88%
   • C.Bilateral ankle edema at the end of the day
   • D.Urine output of 900 mL over 8 hours

   Rationale: New crackles with oxygen saturation of 88% can indicate acute pulmonary edema and impaired gas exchange, requiring prompt intervention. A small weight gain over a week and dependent ankle edema warrant monitoring but are not as immediately dangerous. A urine output of 900 mL over 8 hours is generally adequate. The exam takeaway is to prioritize acute respiratory compromise over less urgent chronic fluid-retention findings.

2. 2.A nurse is teaching a client with heart failure who takes furosemide. Which instruction should the nurse include?

   • A.Take the medication at bedtime.
   • B.Increase intake of foods high in potassium unless contraindicated.
   • C.Stop the medication when ankle swelling improves.
   • D.Avoid weighing yourself more than once per week.

   Rationale: Furosemide can cause potassium loss, so clients should follow guidance about potassium-rich foods and have electrolytes monitored. Taking it at bedtime can cause nighttime urination, and stopping it when symptoms improve can lead to fluid retention. Daily weights are useful for detecting fluid changes early. The exam takeaway is to teach safe timing, ongoing adherence, and monitoring with loop diuretics.

3. 3.A client with stable angina reports chest discomfort while walking. Which action should the nurse instruct the client to take first?

   • A.Stop activity and sit down.
   • B.Take an antacid and continue walking.
   • C.Lie flat with the legs elevated.
   • D.Wait 30 minutes to see whether the pain resolves.

   Rationale: Stopping activity reduces myocardial oxygen demand and is the first action for angina. An antacid does not treat myocardial ischemia, and continuing to walk may worsen the oxygen imbalance. Waiting without using the client's prescribed plan can delay treatment; lying flat is not necessary and may worsen breathing in some clients. The exam takeaway is to stop exertion and follow the prescribed nitroglycerin and emergency plan.

4. 4.A nurse is caring for a client with suspected acute myocardial infarction who reports chest pressure and nausea. Which action is the priority?

   • A.Obtain a 12-lead electrocardiogram.
   • B.Offer a meal to prevent hypoglycemia.
   • C.Encourage the client to walk to reduce anxiety.
   • D.Document the symptoms and reassess in 1 hour.

   Answer and rationale are in the full material.

5. 5.A nurse is reviewing discharge instructions with a client taking warfarin. Which statement indicates understanding?

   • A.I will use an electric razor.
   • B.I will double my next dose if I miss one.
   • C.I will stop eating all foods containing vitamin K.
   • D.I can take ibuprofen for minor aches without checking.

   Answer and rationale are in the full material.