ATI CRITICAL THINKING ENTRANCE/EXIT EXAM– QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | VERIFIED AND WELL DETAILED
ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES | DOWNLOAD AND PASS | LATEST EXAM UPDATE 2026/2027
Core Domains
Foundational Nursing Theory and Practice
Medical-Surgical Nursing
Maternal and Newborn Nursing
Pediatric Nursing
Mental Health Nursing
Pharmacology and Medication Administration
Legal, Ethical, and Professional Standards
Leadership and Management
Nutrition and Hydration
Safety and Infection Control
Introduction
This comprehensive examination is designed to rigorously assess the critical thinking and clinical judgment skills
essential for success in nursing education and practice. It evaluates your ability to apply foundational knowledge,
,analyze complex patient scenarios, and make sound decisions in a variety of healthcare settings. The exam utilizes
multiple-choice and scenario-based questions to challenge your understanding of core principles, from pathophysiology
and pharmacology to ethical dilemmas and professional standards. Emphasis is placed on real-world application,
requiring you to synthesize information, prioritize care, and anticipate patient needs. This assessment is a vital tool for
preparing you to navigate the dynamic and demanding environment of professional nursing.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1 – 50
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is post-operative following a hip arthroplasty. Which of the following findings
is the earliest indicator of a potential deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
A. Calf pain and tenderness
B. Positive Homans' sign
C. Unilateral leg swelling
D. Warmth and erythema of the affected leg
🟢 Correct Answer: A. Calf pain and tenderness
🔴 Explanation: While all options are signs of DVT, calf pain and tenderness are often the earliest and most subtle
findings. Unilateral swelling, warmth, and a positive Homans' sign are later, more definitive signs, but the question
,asks for the earliest indicator, making pain and tenderness the correct choice.
2. A client with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is receiving oxygen therapy at 2 L/min
via nasal cannula. The nurse observes the client's respiratory rate has decreased to 8 breaths/min. Which of the
following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Place the client in a high-Fowler's position.
B. Prepare for intubation.
C. Decrease the oxygen flow rate.
D. Auscultate the client's lung sounds.
🟢 Correct Answer: C. Decrease the oxygen flow rate.
🔴 Explanation: Clients with COPD often rely on a hypoxic drive to breathe. A decreased respiratory rate indicates
they may be receiving too much oxygen, which can suppress their primary drive to breathe. The priority action is to
decrease the oxygen flow rate to prevent respiratory arrest.
3. A nurse is preparing to administer a blood transfusion to a client. The client reports a history of allergic
reactions to blood products. Which of the following pre-medications is most appropriate to administer prior to
the transfusion to mitigate this risk?
A. Acetaminophen
B. Diphenhydramine
, C. Furosemide
D. Hydrocortisone
🟢 Correct Answer: B. Diphenhydramine
🔴 Explanation: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is an antihistamine that is commonly administered as a pre-medication
to prevent or reduce mild allergic reactions to blood products. While steroids like hydrocortisone can also be used,
diphenhydramine is the most typical and direct pre-medication for this purpose.
4. A nurse is assessing a client who is 2 days post-partum. The client reports swelling and tenderness in her right
breast, along with a fever of 101.2°F (38.4°C). The nurse suspects mastitis. Which of the following is a priority
intervention?
A. Encourage the client to stop breastfeeding from the affected breast.
B. Apply warm compresses to the affected breast.
C. Administer oral antibiotics as prescribed.
D. Instruct the client to wear a tight-fitting bra to reduce milk supply.
🟢 Correct Answer: B. Apply warm compresses to the affected breast.
🔴 Explanation: Mastitis is an infection of the breast tissue. The priority nursing interventions are to promote
comfort and facilitate milk flow. Applying warm compresses to the affected breast before feeding can help with this.
ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES | DOWNLOAD AND PASS | LATEST EXAM UPDATE 2026/2027
Core Domains
Foundational Nursing Theory and Practice
Medical-Surgical Nursing
Maternal and Newborn Nursing
Pediatric Nursing
Mental Health Nursing
Pharmacology and Medication Administration
Legal, Ethical, and Professional Standards
Leadership and Management
Nutrition and Hydration
Safety and Infection Control
Introduction
This comprehensive examination is designed to rigorously assess the critical thinking and clinical judgment skills
essential for success in nursing education and practice. It evaluates your ability to apply foundational knowledge,
,analyze complex patient scenarios, and make sound decisions in a variety of healthcare settings. The exam utilizes
multiple-choice and scenario-based questions to challenge your understanding of core principles, from pathophysiology
and pharmacology to ethical dilemmas and professional standards. Emphasis is placed on real-world application,
requiring you to synthesize information, prioritize care, and anticipate patient needs. This assessment is a vital tool for
preparing you to navigate the dynamic and demanding environment of professional nursing.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1 – 50
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is post-operative following a hip arthroplasty. Which of the following findings
is the earliest indicator of a potential deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
A. Calf pain and tenderness
B. Positive Homans' sign
C. Unilateral leg swelling
D. Warmth and erythema of the affected leg
🟢 Correct Answer: A. Calf pain and tenderness
🔴 Explanation: While all options are signs of DVT, calf pain and tenderness are often the earliest and most subtle
findings. Unilateral swelling, warmth, and a positive Homans' sign are later, more definitive signs, but the question
,asks for the earliest indicator, making pain and tenderness the correct choice.
2. A client with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is receiving oxygen therapy at 2 L/min
via nasal cannula. The nurse observes the client's respiratory rate has decreased to 8 breaths/min. Which of the
following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Place the client in a high-Fowler's position.
B. Prepare for intubation.
C. Decrease the oxygen flow rate.
D. Auscultate the client's lung sounds.
🟢 Correct Answer: C. Decrease the oxygen flow rate.
🔴 Explanation: Clients with COPD often rely on a hypoxic drive to breathe. A decreased respiratory rate indicates
they may be receiving too much oxygen, which can suppress their primary drive to breathe. The priority action is to
decrease the oxygen flow rate to prevent respiratory arrest.
3. A nurse is preparing to administer a blood transfusion to a client. The client reports a history of allergic
reactions to blood products. Which of the following pre-medications is most appropriate to administer prior to
the transfusion to mitigate this risk?
A. Acetaminophen
B. Diphenhydramine
, C. Furosemide
D. Hydrocortisone
🟢 Correct Answer: B. Diphenhydramine
🔴 Explanation: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is an antihistamine that is commonly administered as a pre-medication
to prevent or reduce mild allergic reactions to blood products. While steroids like hydrocortisone can also be used,
diphenhydramine is the most typical and direct pre-medication for this purpose.
4. A nurse is assessing a client who is 2 days post-partum. The client reports swelling and tenderness in her right
breast, along with a fever of 101.2°F (38.4°C). The nurse suspects mastitis. Which of the following is a priority
intervention?
A. Encourage the client to stop breastfeeding from the affected breast.
B. Apply warm compresses to the affected breast.
C. Administer oral antibiotics as prescribed.
D. Instruct the client to wear a tight-fitting bra to reduce milk supply.
🟢 Correct Answer: B. Apply warm compresses to the affected breast.
🔴 Explanation: Mastitis is an infection of the breast tissue. The priority nursing interventions are to promote
comfort and facilitate milk flow. Applying warm compresses to the affected breast before feeding can help with this.
