ATI Med Surg Proctored Exam 2026 — Complete Guide with NGN Questions

The ATI Medical Surgical Proctored Exam is one of the most comprehensive nursing assessments. Here is everything you need to pass in 2026 including NGN format questions. ## What is the ATI Med Surg Proctored Exam? The ATI RN Medical Surgical Proctored Exam tests clinical knowledge across all major body systems. It is used by nursing schools to predict NCLEX success and must be passed to progress in most nursing programs. ## Major Body Systems Tested **Cardiovascular System** - Heart failure — HFrEF vs HFpEF, BNP levels, treatment - Myocardial infarction — STEMI vs NSTEMI, troponin, interventions - Dysrhythmias — A-fib, V-tach, V-fib, treatment priorities - Hypertensive crisis — BP thresholds, medications, nursing care **Respiratory System** - COPD — GOLD guidelines, pursed lip breathing, O2 therapy - Pneumonia — assessment findings, antibiotics, positioning - Asthma — peak flow monitoring, rescue vs controller inhalers - ARDS — prone positioning, mechanical ventilation settings - Pulmonary embolism — Virchow triad, D-dimer, heparin therapy **Neurological System** - Stroke — FAST acronym, tPA criteria, time window - Increased ICP — positioning, osmotic therapy, ventriculostomy - Seizures — seizure precautions, post-ictal phase care - Meningitis — droplet precautions, lumbar puncture, antibiotics **Endocrine System** - Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) — HHNS vs DKA, insulin drip - Hypoglycemia — 15-15 rule, glucagon administration - Addisonian crisis — cortisol replacement, fluid resuscitation - Thyroid storm — cooling measures, beta blockers, PTU ## Sample ATI Med Surg NGN Questions Q: A nurse is assessing a client who has heart failure. Which finding requires IMMEDIATE intervention? A: SpO2 of 88% requires immediate intervention — normal SpO2 is 95-100%. Position the client upright, apply oxygen, and notify the provider. Q: A nurse is caring for a client with COPD who has an order for oxygen therapy. What is the appropriate oxygen delivery method and flow rate? A: 1-2 L/min via nasal cannula. High-flow oxygen in COPD patients can suppress the hypoxic drive, causing respiratory depression. ## Study Strategy 1. Study by body system — complete one system before moving to next 2. Focus on priority assessments — what to check FIRST 3. Know your lab values — normal ranges and critical values 4. Practice delegation — what can be delegated to UAP vs RN only 5. Use ATI practice assessments to identify weak areas Browse verified ATI Med Surg exam materials on Studyrift! 💊