ATI RN Comprehensive Predictor 2026 Exit Exam with NGN | 180-
Question Comprehensive Practice Examination | High-Yield
Questions, Answers & Detailed Rationales | Clinical Judgment,
Prioritization, Delegation, Safety & Major NCLEX-RN Client Need
Categories | Ultimate Nursing Exam Prep
Question #1
The nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client prescribed a new
monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) for depression. Which statement by the
client indicates a correct understanding of the dietary restrictions required with
this medication?
A. "I will need to avoid eating aged cheeses and cured meats while taking this
medication."
B. "I can continue to drink my morning coffee, but I should limit it to two cups."
C. "It is safe for me to eat foods containing tyramine as long as I take the
medication with food."
D. "I should increase my intake of foods high in tryptophan, such as turkey and
milk, to enhance the drug's effect."
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: MAOIs block the breakdown of tyramine, which can lead to a
hypertensive crisis if foods high in tyramine (e.g., aged cheeses, cured meats)
,are ingested. Avoiding these foods is a critical safety measure. This question
assesses knowledge of pharmacological therapy.
Question #2
A nurse is preparing to perform a sterile dressing change for a client with a
surgical wound. Which action, if observed by the charge nurse, would
necessitate immediate intervention?
A. The nurse opens the sterile drape and places the flap facing the client.
B. The nurse applies sterile gloves before opening the outer packaging of the
sterile supplies.
C. The nurse sets up the sterile field after positioning the client for the
procedure.
D. The nurse establishes a 1-inch border on the sterile field as the contaminated
zone.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Applying sterile gloves before opening the outer packaging is
incorrect. The outer packaging is not sterile, and sterile gloves should be applied
after the sterile field is set up and just before the procedure begins. The other
actions are correct steps in sterile technique. This question assesses proper
application of infection control practices.
Question #3
,A client who is 12 hours post-operative from an abdominal hysterectomy
complains of severe, sharp pain in the right calf. The nurse notes the client's
right lower leg is swollen, warm to the touch, and tender. What is the nurse's
priority action?
A. Administer the prescribed PRN analgesic.
B. Apply a warm, moist compress to the calf.
C. Instruct the client to perform active range-of-motion exercises.
D. Maintain bed rest and notify the healthcare provider immediately.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The client is exhibiting classic signs of a deep vein thrombosis
(DVT), a serious post-operative complication. The priority action is to prevent
the dislodgement of a potential clot, so the nurse should maintain bed rest and
notify the provider. The other options are inappropriate as they could dislodge
the clot. This question requires clinical reasoning and prioritization.
Question #4
The nurse is caring for a client with a chest tube connected to a water-seal
drainage system. The nurse observes continuous bubbling in the water-seal
chamber. What is the most appropriate initial nursing action?
A. Clamp the chest tube near the insertion site.
B. Assess the system for an air leak.
C. Increase the suction pressure.
, D. Document this as a normal finding.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber indicates an air
leak in the system. The nurse's first action is to assess the system, starting with
the connections and the chest tube insertion site, to locate the source. Clamping
the tube would be a last resort as it increases the risk of tension pneumothorax.
This question evaluates the nurse's ability to identify and analyze a
complication.
Question #5
A client with heart failure is receiving a continuous infusion of dopamine. The
nurse notes that the client's urine output has decreased to 20 mL/hr over the
last two hours and the blood pressure has dropped. Which action should the
nurse take first?
A. Assess the client's apical pulse.
B. Notify the healthcare provider.
C. Increase the infusion rate of dopamine.
D. Check the client's serum potassium level.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Decreased urine output and hypotension in a client on dopamine
suggest worsening renal perfusion or inadequate cardiac output, potentially
Question Comprehensive Practice Examination | High-Yield
Questions, Answers & Detailed Rationales | Clinical Judgment,
Prioritization, Delegation, Safety & Major NCLEX-RN Client Need
Categories | Ultimate Nursing Exam Prep
Question #1
The nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client prescribed a new
monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) for depression. Which statement by the
client indicates a correct understanding of the dietary restrictions required with
this medication?
A. "I will need to avoid eating aged cheeses and cured meats while taking this
medication."
B. "I can continue to drink my morning coffee, but I should limit it to two cups."
C. "It is safe for me to eat foods containing tyramine as long as I take the
medication with food."
D. "I should increase my intake of foods high in tryptophan, such as turkey and
milk, to enhance the drug's effect."
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: MAOIs block the breakdown of tyramine, which can lead to a
hypertensive crisis if foods high in tyramine (e.g., aged cheeses, cured meats)
,are ingested. Avoiding these foods is a critical safety measure. This question
assesses knowledge of pharmacological therapy.
Question #2
A nurse is preparing to perform a sterile dressing change for a client with a
surgical wound. Which action, if observed by the charge nurse, would
necessitate immediate intervention?
A. The nurse opens the sterile drape and places the flap facing the client.
B. The nurse applies sterile gloves before opening the outer packaging of the
sterile supplies.
C. The nurse sets up the sterile field after positioning the client for the
procedure.
D. The nurse establishes a 1-inch border on the sterile field as the contaminated
zone.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Applying sterile gloves before opening the outer packaging is
incorrect. The outer packaging is not sterile, and sterile gloves should be applied
after the sterile field is set up and just before the procedure begins. The other
actions are correct steps in sterile technique. This question assesses proper
application of infection control practices.
Question #3
,A client who is 12 hours post-operative from an abdominal hysterectomy
complains of severe, sharp pain in the right calf. The nurse notes the client's
right lower leg is swollen, warm to the touch, and tender. What is the nurse's
priority action?
A. Administer the prescribed PRN analgesic.
B. Apply a warm, moist compress to the calf.
C. Instruct the client to perform active range-of-motion exercises.
D. Maintain bed rest and notify the healthcare provider immediately.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The client is exhibiting classic signs of a deep vein thrombosis
(DVT), a serious post-operative complication. The priority action is to prevent
the dislodgement of a potential clot, so the nurse should maintain bed rest and
notify the provider. The other options are inappropriate as they could dislodge
the clot. This question requires clinical reasoning and prioritization.
Question #4
The nurse is caring for a client with a chest tube connected to a water-seal
drainage system. The nurse observes continuous bubbling in the water-seal
chamber. What is the most appropriate initial nursing action?
A. Clamp the chest tube near the insertion site.
B. Assess the system for an air leak.
C. Increase the suction pressure.
, D. Document this as a normal finding.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber indicates an air
leak in the system. The nurse's first action is to assess the system, starting with
the connections and the chest tube insertion site, to locate the source. Clamping
the tube would be a last resort as it increases the risk of tension pneumothorax.
This question evaluates the nurse's ability to identify and analyze a
complication.
Question #5
A client with heart failure is receiving a continuous infusion of dopamine. The
nurse notes that the client's urine output has decreased to 20 mL/hr over the
last two hours and the blood pressure has dropped. Which action should the
nurse take first?
A. Assess the client's apical pulse.
B. Notify the healthcare provider.
C. Increase the infusion rate of dopamine.
D. Check the client's serum potassium level.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Decreased urine output and hypotension in a client on dopamine
suggest worsening renal perfusion or inadequate cardiac output, potentially
