ATI RN Comprehensive Predictor Questions
and Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. A nurse is caring for a client who has heart failure and is
prescribed furosemide. Which laboratory value should the nurse
monitor most closely?
A. Hemoglobin 15 g/dL
B. Sodium 140 mEq/L
C. Potassium 3.1 mEq/L
D. Platelet count 250,000/mm³
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that increases urinary
potassium excretion. A potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L indicates
hypokalemia, which can lead to dysrhythmias, muscle weakness, and
digitalis toxicity if the client is also taking digoxin. Monitoring
potassium is a priority when administering loop diuretics.
2. A nurse is assessing a client who is experiencing hypoglycemia.
Which finding should the nurse expect?
,A. Bradycardia
B. Diaphoresis
C. Dry skin
D. Kussmaul respirations
Rationale: Hypoglycemia activates the sympathetic nervous system,
causing diaphoresis, tremors, anxiety, tachycardia, and hunger. Dry
skin and Kussmaul respirations are more commonly associated with
hyperglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis.
3. A nurse is teaching a client who has hypertension about lifestyle
modifications. Which statement by the client indicates
understanding?
A. "I will eliminate all sodium from my diet."
B. "I should stop exercising."
C. "I will follow the DASH diet and exercise regularly."
D. "I can smoke as long as I reduce my salt intake."
Rationale: The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet,
combined with regular aerobic exercise, weight management,
smoking cessation, and sodium reduction, effectively lowers blood
pressure. Eliminating sodium completely is unnecessary and
unrealistic.
, 4. A nurse is caring for a client immediately following a
thyroidectomy. Which assessment finding requires immediate
intervention?
A. Hoarse voice
B. Mild neck discomfort
C. Stridor
D. Small amount of drainage
Rationale: Stridor indicates airway obstruction caused by swelling or
bleeding and is a medical emergency. Airway maintenance is always
the priority following thyroid surgery. Mild hoarseness and discomfort
are expected findings.
5. A nurse is caring for a client with bacterial meningitis. Which
action should the nurse implement first?
A. Encourage oral fluids.
B. Place the client in a bright room.
C. Initiate droplet precautions.
D. Encourage ambulation.
, Rationale: Bacterial meningitis is transmitted through respiratory
droplets. Initiating droplet precautions protects healthcare workers
and other clients from infection. Infection control is the priority before
other interventions.
6. A nurse is assessing a newborn. Which finding requires immediate
intervention?
A. Heart rate 140/min
B. Respiratory rate 42/min
C. Central cyanosis
D. Acrocyanosis
Rationale: Central cyanosis indicates inadequate oxygenation and
requires immediate evaluation. Acrocyanosis is a common and
expected finding during the first 24 to 48 hours of life.
7. A nurse is preparing to administer packed red blood cells. Which
action should the nurse perform first?
A. Begin the infusion rapidly.
B. Administer acetaminophen.
and Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. A nurse is caring for a client who has heart failure and is
prescribed furosemide. Which laboratory value should the nurse
monitor most closely?
A. Hemoglobin 15 g/dL
B. Sodium 140 mEq/L
C. Potassium 3.1 mEq/L
D. Platelet count 250,000/mm³
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that increases urinary
potassium excretion. A potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L indicates
hypokalemia, which can lead to dysrhythmias, muscle weakness, and
digitalis toxicity if the client is also taking digoxin. Monitoring
potassium is a priority when administering loop diuretics.
2. A nurse is assessing a client who is experiencing hypoglycemia.
Which finding should the nurse expect?
,A. Bradycardia
B. Diaphoresis
C. Dry skin
D. Kussmaul respirations
Rationale: Hypoglycemia activates the sympathetic nervous system,
causing diaphoresis, tremors, anxiety, tachycardia, and hunger. Dry
skin and Kussmaul respirations are more commonly associated with
hyperglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis.
3. A nurse is teaching a client who has hypertension about lifestyle
modifications. Which statement by the client indicates
understanding?
A. "I will eliminate all sodium from my diet."
B. "I should stop exercising."
C. "I will follow the DASH diet and exercise regularly."
D. "I can smoke as long as I reduce my salt intake."
Rationale: The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet,
combined with regular aerobic exercise, weight management,
smoking cessation, and sodium reduction, effectively lowers blood
pressure. Eliminating sodium completely is unnecessary and
unrealistic.
, 4. A nurse is caring for a client immediately following a
thyroidectomy. Which assessment finding requires immediate
intervention?
A. Hoarse voice
B. Mild neck discomfort
C. Stridor
D. Small amount of drainage
Rationale: Stridor indicates airway obstruction caused by swelling or
bleeding and is a medical emergency. Airway maintenance is always
the priority following thyroid surgery. Mild hoarseness and discomfort
are expected findings.
5. A nurse is caring for a client with bacterial meningitis. Which
action should the nurse implement first?
A. Encourage oral fluids.
B. Place the client in a bright room.
C. Initiate droplet precautions.
D. Encourage ambulation.
, Rationale: Bacterial meningitis is transmitted through respiratory
droplets. Initiating droplet precautions protects healthcare workers
and other clients from infection. Infection control is the priority before
other interventions.
6. A nurse is assessing a newborn. Which finding requires immediate
intervention?
A. Heart rate 140/min
B. Respiratory rate 42/min
C. Central cyanosis
D. Acrocyanosis
Rationale: Central cyanosis indicates inadequate oxygenation and
requires immediate evaluation. Acrocyanosis is a common and
expected finding during the first 24 to 48 hours of life.
7. A nurse is preparing to administer packed red blood cells. Which
action should the nurse perform first?
A. Begin the infusion rapidly.
B. Administer acetaminophen.
