ATI RN COMPREHENSIVE PRACTICE
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is in the active phase of labor and has a fetal heart rate
(FHR) tracing showing late decelerations. Which of the following actions should the nurse
take first?
A. Administer oxygen via a nonrebreather mask at 10 L/min.
B. Increase the rate of the maintenance intravenous fluid.
C. Notify the primary care provider.
D. Assist the client into a side-lying position.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Late decelerations indicate uteroplacental insufficiency. The
priority action is to improve placental perfusion, which is best achieved by repositioning
the client to a side-lying position to remove pressure from the inferior vena cava.
,2. A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for digoxin 0.25 mg PO daily. Which of
the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing digoxin
toxicity?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Tachycardia
C. Increased appetite
D. Visual disturbances
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Common signs of digoxin toxicity include gastrointestinal upset
(anorexia, nausea, vomiting), neurological symptoms, and visual disturbances such as
seeing yellow-green halos.
3. A nurse is preparing to administer a blood transfusion to a client. Which of the following
actions should the nurse take first?
A. Verify the blood type with another nurse.
B. Obtain the client’s vital signs.
C. Prime the tubing with 0.9% sodium chloride.
D. Insert a large-bore IV catheter.
Answer: B
, Conceptual Explanation: The nurse must establish a baseline for vital signs before
starting a blood transfusion to monitor for potential transfusion reactions later.
4. A nurse is planning care for a client who has anorexia nervosa. Which of the following
interventions should the nurse include in the plan?
A. Allow the client to choose their own meal times.
B. Schedule physical activity immediately after meals.
C. Weigh the client daily in the morning after voiding.
D. Provide the client with a high-fiber diet.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Clients with anorexia nervosa should be weighed daily under
standardized conditions (same time, same clothing) to monitor nutritional progress and
prevent fluid weight manipulation.
5. A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for lithium carbonate to treat
bipolar disorder. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
A. Limit sodium intake to 1,500 mg per day.
B. Maintain a consistent fluid intake of 2 to 3 liters per day.
C. Take the medication on an empty stomach.
D. Discontinue the medication if hand tremors occur.
Answer: B
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is in the active phase of labor and has a fetal heart rate
(FHR) tracing showing late decelerations. Which of the following actions should the nurse
take first?
A. Administer oxygen via a nonrebreather mask at 10 L/min.
B. Increase the rate of the maintenance intravenous fluid.
C. Notify the primary care provider.
D. Assist the client into a side-lying position.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Late decelerations indicate uteroplacental insufficiency. The
priority action is to improve placental perfusion, which is best achieved by repositioning
the client to a side-lying position to remove pressure from the inferior vena cava.
,2. A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for digoxin 0.25 mg PO daily. Which of
the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing digoxin
toxicity?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Tachycardia
C. Increased appetite
D. Visual disturbances
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Common signs of digoxin toxicity include gastrointestinal upset
(anorexia, nausea, vomiting), neurological symptoms, and visual disturbances such as
seeing yellow-green halos.
3. A nurse is preparing to administer a blood transfusion to a client. Which of the following
actions should the nurse take first?
A. Verify the blood type with another nurse.
B. Obtain the client’s vital signs.
C. Prime the tubing with 0.9% sodium chloride.
D. Insert a large-bore IV catheter.
Answer: B
, Conceptual Explanation: The nurse must establish a baseline for vital signs before
starting a blood transfusion to monitor for potential transfusion reactions later.
4. A nurse is planning care for a client who has anorexia nervosa. Which of the following
interventions should the nurse include in the plan?
A. Allow the client to choose their own meal times.
B. Schedule physical activity immediately after meals.
C. Weigh the client daily in the morning after voiding.
D. Provide the client with a high-fiber diet.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Clients with anorexia nervosa should be weighed daily under
standardized conditions (same time, same clothing) to monitor nutritional progress and
prevent fluid weight manipulation.
5. A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for lithium carbonate to treat
bipolar disorder. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
A. Limit sodium intake to 1,500 mg per day.
B. Maintain a consistent fluid intake of 2 to 3 liters per day.
C. Take the medication on an empty stomach.
D. Discontinue the medication if hand tremors occur.
Answer: B
