2026 ATI RN COMPREHENSIVE
PREDICTOR PRACTICE EXAM 50
QUESTIONS AND 100% CORRECT
ANSWERS
1. A nurse is preparing to delegate tasks to an Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP). Which of
the following tasks is appropriate for the nurse to delegate?
A. Assessing a client’s pain level after administering an analgesic
B. Providing initial tracheostomy care for a stable client
C. Assisting a client who is 2 days postoperative with ambulation
D. Evaluating a client’s response to a new blood pressure medication
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Ambulation of a stable client is within the scope of practice for a
UAP. Assessment, specialized care like tracheostomy care, and evaluation of medication
effectiveness require the clinical judgment of a licensed nurse.
2. A nurse is caring for a client with a serum potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. Which of the
following EKG changes should the nurse expect to observe?
A. Prominent U waves
,B. Tall, peaked T waves
C. ST-segment depression
D. Prolonged QT interval
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia (potassium > 5.0 mEq/L) typically manifests on
an EKG as tall, peaked T waves, widened QRS complexes, and flattened P waves. U waves
and ST depression are associated with hypokalemia.
3. A client at 36 weeks of gestation is admitted with a diagnosis of severe preeclampsia.
Which of the following findings should the nurse prioritize?
A. 1+ pitting edema in the lower extremities
B. Report of a persistent frontal headache
C. Blood pressure of 148/92 mmHg
D. Weight gain of 1 kg (2.2 lb) in one week
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: A persistent headache in a client with preeclampsia is a ‘red flag’
cue indicating central nervous system irritability, which can precede a seizure (eclampsia).
This requires immediate intervention.
, 4. A nurse is monitoring a client receiving a continuous IV infusion of heparin. The client’s
aPTT is 95 seconds (control 25-35 seconds). Which of the following actions should the nurse
take first?
A. Decrease the infusion rate by 100 units/hr
B. Prepare to draw a new aPTT in 2 hours
C. Administer protamine sulfate
D. Stop the heparin infusion
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The therapeutic range for aPTT is generally 1.5 to 2 times the
control value (approx. 45-70 seconds). An aPTT of 95 seconds is critically high, increasing
the risk of hemorrhage. The priority is to stop the infusion to prevent further
anticoagulation.
5. A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for lithium carbonate to treat bipolar
disorder. Which of the following client statements indicates a need for further teaching?
A. I will take my medication on an empty stomach to increase absorption.
B. I will make sure to include enough salt in my diet.
C. I should drink 2 to 3 liters of fluid daily.
D. I need to have my blood levels checked regularly.
Answer: A
PREDICTOR PRACTICE EXAM 50
QUESTIONS AND 100% CORRECT
ANSWERS
1. A nurse is preparing to delegate tasks to an Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP). Which of
the following tasks is appropriate for the nurse to delegate?
A. Assessing a client’s pain level after administering an analgesic
B. Providing initial tracheostomy care for a stable client
C. Assisting a client who is 2 days postoperative with ambulation
D. Evaluating a client’s response to a new blood pressure medication
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Ambulation of a stable client is within the scope of practice for a
UAP. Assessment, specialized care like tracheostomy care, and evaluation of medication
effectiveness require the clinical judgment of a licensed nurse.
2. A nurse is caring for a client with a serum potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. Which of the
following EKG changes should the nurse expect to observe?
A. Prominent U waves
,B. Tall, peaked T waves
C. ST-segment depression
D. Prolonged QT interval
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia (potassium > 5.0 mEq/L) typically manifests on
an EKG as tall, peaked T waves, widened QRS complexes, and flattened P waves. U waves
and ST depression are associated with hypokalemia.
3. A client at 36 weeks of gestation is admitted with a diagnosis of severe preeclampsia.
Which of the following findings should the nurse prioritize?
A. 1+ pitting edema in the lower extremities
B. Report of a persistent frontal headache
C. Blood pressure of 148/92 mmHg
D. Weight gain of 1 kg (2.2 lb) in one week
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: A persistent headache in a client with preeclampsia is a ‘red flag’
cue indicating central nervous system irritability, which can precede a seizure (eclampsia).
This requires immediate intervention.
, 4. A nurse is monitoring a client receiving a continuous IV infusion of heparin. The client’s
aPTT is 95 seconds (control 25-35 seconds). Which of the following actions should the nurse
take first?
A. Decrease the infusion rate by 100 units/hr
B. Prepare to draw a new aPTT in 2 hours
C. Administer protamine sulfate
D. Stop the heparin infusion
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The therapeutic range for aPTT is generally 1.5 to 2 times the
control value (approx. 45-70 seconds). An aPTT of 95 seconds is critically high, increasing
the risk of hemorrhage. The priority is to stop the infusion to prevent further
anticoagulation.
5. A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for lithium carbonate to treat bipolar
disorder. Which of the following client statements indicates a need for further teaching?
A. I will take my medication on an empty stomach to increase absorption.
B. I will make sure to include enough salt in my diet.
C. I should drink 2 to 3 liters of fluid daily.
D. I need to have my blood levels checked regularly.
Answer: A
