ATI RN Comprehensive Predictor 2025 - Full Practice Exam (180 Questions)
MANAGEMENT OF CARE
A nurse is receiving change-of-shift report for four clients. Which of the following
clients should the nurse assess first?
A) A client who is scheduled for a CT scan with contrast and has a reported allergy
to shellfish.
B) A client who is 1 day postoperative following a colectomy and has a new onset of
confusion.
C) A client who has a prescription for discharge and is waiting for transport to the
car.
D) A client who is 2 days postoperative following a right total hip arthroplasty and
reports pain at a 4 on a scale of 0 to 10.
Answer: B
1. Rationale: The nurse should use the acute-versus-chronic framework to
prioritize client care. New onset of confusion in an older adult is often the only
sign of an acute complication, such as infection, hypoxia, or electrolyte
imbalance, and requires immediate assessment. The other clients have stable
or non-urgent situations.
A nurse is caring for a client who has a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
The nurse should identify that which of the following statements by the client
indicates a need for further teaching?
A) "I will check my feet every day for cuts or blisters."
B) "I will drink a glass of water when I feel thirsty."
C) "I will eat a diet that is low in refined carbohydrates."
D) "I will plan to exercise at least 30 minutes most days of the week."
Answer: B
2. Rationale: Clients who have diabetes mellitus are at risk for impaired thirst
mechanism and should not rely solely on thirst to determine fluid intake. The
client should drink at least 1.5 to 2 L of water daily. Checking feet daily, eating
a low refined-carb diet, and exercising are all correct self-management
activities.
A charge nurse is assigning client care tasks to an assistive personnel (AP). Which
of the following tasks is appropriate for the charge nurse to delegate to the AP?
A) Performing a sterile dressing change for a client who has a central venous
catheter.
B) Measuring the output from a client's indwelling urinary catheter.
C) Assessing a client's ability to swallow following a stroke.
D) Instructing a client on how to use an incentive spirometer.
Answer: B
, 3. Rationale: The nurse should delegate tasks that are routine, do not require
clinical judgment, and have a predictable outcome. Measuring urinary output
is within the scope of practice of an AP. Sterile dressing changes, swallowing
assessments, and client teaching require the education and scope of a
licensed nurse.
A nurse is preparing to obtain informed consent from a client who is scheduled for a
colonoscopy. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A) Ensure the client understands the risks and benefits of the procedure.
B) Explain the specifics of the surgical procedure to the client.
C) Tell the client it is their responsibility to read the consent form.
D) Witness the client's signature on the consent form after the provider has
explained the procedure.
Answer: D
4. Rationale: The nurse's role in informed consent is to witness the client's
signature on the consent form after ensuring the provider has explained the
procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives. The provider is responsible for
explaining the specifics of the procedure and ensuring understanding.
A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving continuous enteral feedings via a
nasogastric tube. The nurse should monitor for which of the following complications?
A) Hypoglycemia
B) Hypercalcemia
C) Aspiration
D) Constipation
Answer: C
5. Rationale: A primary complication of enteral feedings is aspiration, especially
if the tube becomes displaced or if the client has a high residual volume. The
nurse should monitor for signs of aspiration, such as coughing, choking, or
decreased oxygen saturation, and check gastric residual volumes before
feedings.
A nurse manager is implementing a quality improvement (QI) program on a
medical-surgical unit. Which of the following actions should the nurse manager take
first?
A) Formulate a multidisciplinary team to identify specific unit problems.
B) Establish a timeline for completing the QI project.
C) Collect data to identify areas of improvement on the unit.
D) Determine the financial resources needed for the project.
Answer: C
6. Rationale: The first step in a quality improvement project is to gather baseline
data to identify exactly what needs to be improved. Without data, the team
, cannot accurately target a problem. Forming teams, setting timelines, and
determining finances occur after the problem is identified through data
collection.
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 eat a consistent amount of leafy green vegetables each day."
B) "I will take an aspirin if I get a headache."
C) "I will use a straight razor to shave."
D) "I will increase my intake of cranberry juice."
Answer: A
7. Rationale: Clients taking warfarin should maintain a consistent intake of foods
high in vitamin K, such as leafy green vegetables, because sudden changes
can alter the medication's effectiveness. Aspirin should be avoided due to
bleeding risk. Straight razors should be avoided to prevent cuts. Cranberry
juice can potentiate warfarin's effects.
A nurse is caring for a client who has just been told by the provider that their cancer
has returned. The client says, "I don't know what to do. How am I going to tell my
family?" Which of the following responses by the nurse is an example of therapeutic
communication?
A) "You sound overwhelmed. Would you like to talk about how you are feeling?"
B) "Most people find it helpful to tell their family right away."
C) "I can call your family for you if you want me to."
D) "Don't worry, the doctor will explain the treatment plan."
Answer: A
8. Rationale: This response uses the therapeutic technique of reflecting and
exploring. It acknowledges the client's feelings and invites them to express
their emotions further. Giving advice (option B) or shifting focus away from the
client's feelings (options C and D) are non-therapeutic.
A nurse is creating a plan of care for a client who has anorexia nervosa. Which of the
following interventions should the nurse include?
A) Allow the client to choose their own mealtimes.
B) Observe the client for 1 hr after meals.
C) Weigh the client weekly to minimize anxiety.
D) Restrict the client's physical activity.
Answer: B
9. Rationale: Clients with anorexia nervosa may purge after eating. The nurse
should observe the client during and for at least 1 hour after meals to prevent
self-induced vomiting or disposing of food. Mealtimes should be structured,
, not chosen by the client. The client should be weighed daily, not weekly.
Physical activity should be limited based on vital signs, not strictly restricted.
A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who
is taking digoxin. Which of the following results should the nurse report to the
provider immediately?
A) Potassium 3.2 mEq/L
B) Sodium 140 mEq/L
C) Calcium 9.5 mg/dL
D) Magnesium 2.0 mEq/L
Answer: A
10.Rationale: Hypokalemia (potassium less than 3.5 mEq/L) increases the risk of
digoxin toxicity because potassium competes with digoxin for binding sites.
The nurse should report this finding immediately so it can be corrected. The
other laboratory values are within the expected reference ranges.
A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing acute alcohol withdrawal. Which of
the following medications should the nurse anticipate administering?
A) Methadone
B) Naloxone
C) Chlordiazepoxide
D) Disulfiram
Answer: C
11.Rationale: Chlordiazepoxide, a benzodiazepine, is the medication of choice to
manage the symptoms of acute alcohol withdrawal, such as tremors, anxiety,
and seizures, by depressing the central nervous system. Methadone is for
opioid withdrawal. Naloxone is for opioid overdose. Disulfiram is for alcohol
aversion therapy, not withdrawal.
A nurse is caring for a client who has a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order. The client's
family members become upset and demand that the nurse "do everything" when the
client stops breathing. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A) Call the hospital ethics committee to intervene immediately.
B) Follow the family's demands and initiate CPR.
C) Explain that the client's wishes as outlined in the DNR must be followed.
D) Contact the provider to have the DNR order revoked.
Answer: C
12.Rationale: A DNR order is a legal document reflecting the client's autonomous
wishes regarding end-of-life care. The nurse must advocate for the client and
follow the DNR order. The nurse should communicate this respectfully to the
family but cannot violate the client's legal directive.
MANAGEMENT OF CARE
A nurse is receiving change-of-shift report for four clients. Which of the following
clients should the nurse assess first?
A) A client who is scheduled for a CT scan with contrast and has a reported allergy
to shellfish.
B) A client who is 1 day postoperative following a colectomy and has a new onset of
confusion.
C) A client who has a prescription for discharge and is waiting for transport to the
car.
D) A client who is 2 days postoperative following a right total hip arthroplasty and
reports pain at a 4 on a scale of 0 to 10.
Answer: B
1. Rationale: The nurse should use the acute-versus-chronic framework to
prioritize client care. New onset of confusion in an older adult is often the only
sign of an acute complication, such as infection, hypoxia, or electrolyte
imbalance, and requires immediate assessment. The other clients have stable
or non-urgent situations.
A nurse is caring for a client who has a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
The nurse should identify that which of the following statements by the client
indicates a need for further teaching?
A) "I will check my feet every day for cuts or blisters."
B) "I will drink a glass of water when I feel thirsty."
C) "I will eat a diet that is low in refined carbohydrates."
D) "I will plan to exercise at least 30 minutes most days of the week."
Answer: B
2. Rationale: Clients who have diabetes mellitus are at risk for impaired thirst
mechanism and should not rely solely on thirst to determine fluid intake. The
client should drink at least 1.5 to 2 L of water daily. Checking feet daily, eating
a low refined-carb diet, and exercising are all correct self-management
activities.
A charge nurse is assigning client care tasks to an assistive personnel (AP). Which
of the following tasks is appropriate for the charge nurse to delegate to the AP?
A) Performing a sterile dressing change for a client who has a central venous
catheter.
B) Measuring the output from a client's indwelling urinary catheter.
C) Assessing a client's ability to swallow following a stroke.
D) Instructing a client on how to use an incentive spirometer.
Answer: B
, 3. Rationale: The nurse should delegate tasks that are routine, do not require
clinical judgment, and have a predictable outcome. Measuring urinary output
is within the scope of practice of an AP. Sterile dressing changes, swallowing
assessments, and client teaching require the education and scope of a
licensed nurse.
A nurse is preparing to obtain informed consent from a client who is scheduled for a
colonoscopy. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A) Ensure the client understands the risks and benefits of the procedure.
B) Explain the specifics of the surgical procedure to the client.
C) Tell the client it is their responsibility to read the consent form.
D) Witness the client's signature on the consent form after the provider has
explained the procedure.
Answer: D
4. Rationale: The nurse's role in informed consent is to witness the client's
signature on the consent form after ensuring the provider has explained the
procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives. The provider is responsible for
explaining the specifics of the procedure and ensuring understanding.
A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving continuous enteral feedings via a
nasogastric tube. The nurse should monitor for which of the following complications?
A) Hypoglycemia
B) Hypercalcemia
C) Aspiration
D) Constipation
Answer: C
5. Rationale: A primary complication of enteral feedings is aspiration, especially
if the tube becomes displaced or if the client has a high residual volume. The
nurse should monitor for signs of aspiration, such as coughing, choking, or
decreased oxygen saturation, and check gastric residual volumes before
feedings.
A nurse manager is implementing a quality improvement (QI) program on a
medical-surgical unit. Which of the following actions should the nurse manager take
first?
A) Formulate a multidisciplinary team to identify specific unit problems.
B) Establish a timeline for completing the QI project.
C) Collect data to identify areas of improvement on the unit.
D) Determine the financial resources needed for the project.
Answer: C
6. Rationale: The first step in a quality improvement project is to gather baseline
data to identify exactly what needs to be improved. Without data, the team
, cannot accurately target a problem. Forming teams, setting timelines, and
determining finances occur after the problem is identified through data
collection.
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 eat a consistent amount of leafy green vegetables each day."
B) "I will take an aspirin if I get a headache."
C) "I will use a straight razor to shave."
D) "I will increase my intake of cranberry juice."
Answer: A
7. Rationale: Clients taking warfarin should maintain a consistent intake of foods
high in vitamin K, such as leafy green vegetables, because sudden changes
can alter the medication's effectiveness. Aspirin should be avoided due to
bleeding risk. Straight razors should be avoided to prevent cuts. Cranberry
juice can potentiate warfarin's effects.
A nurse is caring for a client who has just been told by the provider that their cancer
has returned. The client says, "I don't know what to do. How am I going to tell my
family?" Which of the following responses by the nurse is an example of therapeutic
communication?
A) "You sound overwhelmed. Would you like to talk about how you are feeling?"
B) "Most people find it helpful to tell their family right away."
C) "I can call your family for you if you want me to."
D) "Don't worry, the doctor will explain the treatment plan."
Answer: A
8. Rationale: This response uses the therapeutic technique of reflecting and
exploring. It acknowledges the client's feelings and invites them to express
their emotions further. Giving advice (option B) or shifting focus away from the
client's feelings (options C and D) are non-therapeutic.
A nurse is creating a plan of care for a client who has anorexia nervosa. Which of the
following interventions should the nurse include?
A) Allow the client to choose their own mealtimes.
B) Observe the client for 1 hr after meals.
C) Weigh the client weekly to minimize anxiety.
D) Restrict the client's physical activity.
Answer: B
9. Rationale: Clients with anorexia nervosa may purge after eating. The nurse
should observe the client during and for at least 1 hour after meals to prevent
self-induced vomiting or disposing of food. Mealtimes should be structured,
, not chosen by the client. The client should be weighed daily, not weekly.
Physical activity should be limited based on vital signs, not strictly restricted.
A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who
is taking digoxin. Which of the following results should the nurse report to the
provider immediately?
A) Potassium 3.2 mEq/L
B) Sodium 140 mEq/L
C) Calcium 9.5 mg/dL
D) Magnesium 2.0 mEq/L
Answer: A
10.Rationale: Hypokalemia (potassium less than 3.5 mEq/L) increases the risk of
digoxin toxicity because potassium competes with digoxin for binding sites.
The nurse should report this finding immediately so it can be corrected. The
other laboratory values are within the expected reference ranges.
A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing acute alcohol withdrawal. Which of
the following medications should the nurse anticipate administering?
A) Methadone
B) Naloxone
C) Chlordiazepoxide
D) Disulfiram
Answer: C
11.Rationale: Chlordiazepoxide, a benzodiazepine, is the medication of choice to
manage the symptoms of acute alcohol withdrawal, such as tremors, anxiety,
and seizures, by depressing the central nervous system. Methadone is for
opioid withdrawal. Naloxone is for opioid overdose. Disulfiram is for alcohol
aversion therapy, not withdrawal.
A nurse is caring for a client who has a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order. The client's
family members become upset and demand that the nurse "do everything" when the
client stops breathing. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A) Call the hospital ethics committee to intervene immediately.
B) Follow the family's demands and initiate CPR.
C) Explain that the client's wishes as outlined in the DNR must be followed.
D) Contact the provider to have the DNR order revoked.
Answer: C
12.Rationale: A DNR order is a legal document reflecting the client's autonomous
wishes regarding end-of-life care. The nurse must advocate for the client and
follow the DNR order. The nurse should communicate this respectfully to the
family but cannot violate the client's legal directive.
