ATI COMPREHENSIVE PREDICTOR 2023
QUESTIONS AND 100% VERIFIED ANSWERS
WITH RATIONALES GRADED A+
GUARANTEED PASS ON THE FIRST ATTEMPT
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a client who has just returned from surgery with a nasogastric
tube (NG) to suction. The nurse notes a large amount of bright red drainage in the
collection container. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Continue to monitor the NG output.
B. Document the color and amount of drainage.
C. Notify the provider immediately.
D. Irrigate the NG tube with 30 mL of sterile water.
Answer: C. Notify the provider immediately.
Rationale: Bright red drainage indicates active bleeding, which is a potential
emergency after surgery. Immediate notification of the provider is necessary to
prevent further complications such as hypovolemic shock. Monitoring or
documentation alone is insufficient. Irrigating the tube could worsen bleeding.
,Question 2
A client with chronic heart failure is prescribed furosemide. Which electrolyte
imbalance is the nurse most concerned about?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hypercalcemia
Answer: B. Hypokalemia
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that increases excretion of potassium,
sodium, and water. Hypokalemia can lead to arrhythmias and muscle weakness.
Monitoring serum potassium levels is essential.
Question 3
A nurse is preparing to administer morphine to a client for pain management.
Which assessment finding would require the nurse to withhold the medication?
A. Respiratory rate 10 breaths per minute
B. Pain rated at 8/10
C. Heart rate 90 beats per minute
D. Blood pressure 120/70 mmHg
Answer: A. Respiratory rate 10 breaths per minute
Rationale: Morphine can depress the respiratory system. A respiratory rate below
12/min is a contraindication for administration. Pain intensity and normal vital
signs are not reasons to withhold the medication.
,Question 4
A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus is experiencing nausea, vomiting, and
abdominal pain. The nurse notes fruity-smelling breath. Which lab result does the
nurse expect?
A. Blood glucose 80 mg/dL
B. Serum pH 7.25
C. Serum potassium 3.2 mEq/L
D. Urine ketones negative
Answer: B. Serum pH 7.25
Rationale: The client is showing signs of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which is
characterized by hyperglycemia, metabolic acidosis (low pH), ketonuria, and
electrolyte imbalances. Fruity breath is caused by acetone.
Question 5
A nurse is teaching a client about a low-sodium diet. Which food choice indicates
understanding?
A. Canned soup
B. Fresh apple
C. Smoked sausage
D. Pickles
Answer: B. Fresh apple
Rationale: Fresh fruits and vegetables are naturally low in sodium. Canned,
smoked, or pickled foods are high in sodium and should be avoided in a low-
sodium diet.
, Question 6
A client reports sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, and anxiety. Vital signs: BP
90/60 mmHg, HR 120 bpm, RR 28/min, SpO₂ 88%. Which intervention should the
nurse implement first?
A. Administer sublingual nitroglycerin
B. Place the client on supplemental oxygen
C. Prepare the client for ECG
D. Encourage deep breathing exercises
Answer: B. Place the client on supplemental oxygen
Rationale: The client shows signs of hypoxemia. Oxygen therapy is the priority to
stabilize oxygen saturation. Other interventions, including ECG and medications,
are important but secondary to maintaining oxygenation.
Question 7
A nurse is assessing a client who is 2 days post-abdominal surgery. Which finding
indicates a complication?
A. Mild abdominal distention
B. Low-grade temperature of 100°F
C. Serosanguinous drainage on the dressing
D. Abdominal rigidity and rebound tenderness
Answer: D. Abdominal rigidity and rebound tenderness
Rationale: These findings may indicate peritonitis or internal bleeding, which are
surgical emergencies. Mild distention, low-grade temperature, and serosanguinous
drainage are expected early postoperatively.
QUESTIONS AND 100% VERIFIED ANSWERS
WITH RATIONALES GRADED A+
GUARANTEED PASS ON THE FIRST ATTEMPT
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a client who has just returned from surgery with a nasogastric
tube (NG) to suction. The nurse notes a large amount of bright red drainage in the
collection container. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Continue to monitor the NG output.
B. Document the color and amount of drainage.
C. Notify the provider immediately.
D. Irrigate the NG tube with 30 mL of sterile water.
Answer: C. Notify the provider immediately.
Rationale: Bright red drainage indicates active bleeding, which is a potential
emergency after surgery. Immediate notification of the provider is necessary to
prevent further complications such as hypovolemic shock. Monitoring or
documentation alone is insufficient. Irrigating the tube could worsen bleeding.
,Question 2
A client with chronic heart failure is prescribed furosemide. Which electrolyte
imbalance is the nurse most concerned about?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hypercalcemia
Answer: B. Hypokalemia
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that increases excretion of potassium,
sodium, and water. Hypokalemia can lead to arrhythmias and muscle weakness.
Monitoring serum potassium levels is essential.
Question 3
A nurse is preparing to administer morphine to a client for pain management.
Which assessment finding would require the nurse to withhold the medication?
A. Respiratory rate 10 breaths per minute
B. Pain rated at 8/10
C. Heart rate 90 beats per minute
D. Blood pressure 120/70 mmHg
Answer: A. Respiratory rate 10 breaths per minute
Rationale: Morphine can depress the respiratory system. A respiratory rate below
12/min is a contraindication for administration. Pain intensity and normal vital
signs are not reasons to withhold the medication.
,Question 4
A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus is experiencing nausea, vomiting, and
abdominal pain. The nurse notes fruity-smelling breath. Which lab result does the
nurse expect?
A. Blood glucose 80 mg/dL
B. Serum pH 7.25
C. Serum potassium 3.2 mEq/L
D. Urine ketones negative
Answer: B. Serum pH 7.25
Rationale: The client is showing signs of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which is
characterized by hyperglycemia, metabolic acidosis (low pH), ketonuria, and
electrolyte imbalances. Fruity breath is caused by acetone.
Question 5
A nurse is teaching a client about a low-sodium diet. Which food choice indicates
understanding?
A. Canned soup
B. Fresh apple
C. Smoked sausage
D. Pickles
Answer: B. Fresh apple
Rationale: Fresh fruits and vegetables are naturally low in sodium. Canned,
smoked, or pickled foods are high in sodium and should be avoided in a low-
sodium diet.
, Question 6
A client reports sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, and anxiety. Vital signs: BP
90/60 mmHg, HR 120 bpm, RR 28/min, SpO₂ 88%. Which intervention should the
nurse implement first?
A. Administer sublingual nitroglycerin
B. Place the client on supplemental oxygen
C. Prepare the client for ECG
D. Encourage deep breathing exercises
Answer: B. Place the client on supplemental oxygen
Rationale: The client shows signs of hypoxemia. Oxygen therapy is the priority to
stabilize oxygen saturation. Other interventions, including ECG and medications,
are important but secondary to maintaining oxygenation.
Question 7
A nurse is assessing a client who is 2 days post-abdominal surgery. Which finding
indicates a complication?
A. Mild abdominal distention
B. Low-grade temperature of 100°F
C. Serosanguinous drainage on the dressing
D. Abdominal rigidity and rebound tenderness
Answer: D. Abdominal rigidity and rebound tenderness
Rationale: These findings may indicate peritonitis or internal bleeding, which are
surgical emergencies. Mild distention, low-grade temperature, and serosanguinous
drainage are expected early postoperatively.
