ATI COMPREHENSIVE EXIT EXAM 2026/2027: QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES |
INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains:
Management of Care (15-20%) – Delegation, Assignment, Prioritization,
Legal/Ethical Issues
Safety and Infection Control (10-15%) – Accident Prevention, Emergency
Response, Infection Prevention
Health Promotion and Maintenance (6-12%) – Growth/Development, Disease
Prevention
Psychosocial Integrity (6-12%) – Coping, Therapeutic Communication, Behavioral
Interventions
Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies (10-15%) – Medication
Administration, Dosage Calculation
Reduction of Risk Potential (10-15%) – Diagnostic Tests, Therapeutic Procedures
Physiological Adaptation (10-15%) – Pathophysiology, Acute/Chronic Conditions,
Fluid/Electrolytes
Basic Care and Comfort (6-12%) – ADLs, Mobility, Nutrition, Pain Management
Clinical Judgment and NGN Item Types (10-12%) – Case Studies, Bow-Tie,
Matrix, SATA
This comprehensive examination guide is designed to help nursing students
achieve success on the ATI RN Comprehensive Exit Exam 2026/2027. This
resource contains 180 original, exam-style questions with verified answers and
detailed rationales. Questions are aligned with the 2026 NCLEX-RN test plan and
emphasize clinical judgment, prioritization, delegation, and evidence-based
nursing interventions . Each item includes a verified correct answer accompanied
by a detailed rationale to reinforce learning and support exam preparation.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1 – 180
Question 1
,A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a client who arrives with a
headache, dizziness, and shortness of breath. The client's oxygen saturation is 88%
on room air. Which of the following actions should the nurse take FIRST?
A. Administer 100% oxygen via non-rebreather mask
B. Obtain a stat chest x-ray
C. Start an IV line with 0.9% normal saline
D. Draw arterial blood gases (ABGs)
A. Administer 100% oxygen via non-rebreather mask
RATIONALE: The client's low oxygen saturation (88%) indicates hypoxemia,
which is a life-threatening finding that requires immediate correction. Airway and
breathing are always the priority. Administering oxygen is the first action to
improve oxygenation before further diagnostic tests or IV access .
Question 2
A charge nurse on a medical-surgical unit receives report on four clients. Which
client should the nurse assess FIRST?
A. A client with pneumonia who has an oxygen saturation of 92% on 2L nasal
cannula
B. A client post-appendectomy 24 hours ago with a temperature of 101.2°F
(38.4°C)
C. A client with heart failure who reports sudden onset of severe dyspnea and is
sitting upright
D. A client with diabetes who has a blood glucose of 180 mg/dL before lunch
C. A client with heart failure who reports sudden onset of severe dyspnea and
is sitting upright
RATIONALE: The client with heart failure reporting sudden severe dyspnea
represents an acute change in respiratory status, indicating potential pulmonary
edema—a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate assessment per the
ABCs of prioritization. Option A shows acceptable oxygenation for a pneumonia
client. Option B shows expected post-operative inflammation. Option D shows
mild hyperglycemia that is not immediately dangerous .
,Question 3
A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a new prescription for
warfarin (Coumadin). Which of the following statements by the client indicates an
understanding of the teaching?
A. "I will eat more leafy green vegetables to increase vitamin K."
B. "I will use a straight razor when shaving."
C. "I will report any unexplained bruising or bleeding to my provider."
D. "I will take ibuprofen for headaches instead of acetaminophen."
C. "I will report any unexplained bruising or bleeding to my provider."
RATIONALE: Unexplained bruising or bleeding may indicate excessive
anticoagulation (INR too high) and must be reported. Leafy greens (vitamin K)
decrease warfarin effectiveness and should be eaten consistently, not increased.
Electric razors are safer than straight razors to prevent bleeding. Acetaminophen is
safer than NSAIDs (ibuprofen) because NSAIDs increase bleeding risk .
Question 4
A nurse is caring for a client who has a vented NG tube set to low intermittent
suction and has vomited. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform
FIRST?
A. Administer an antiemetic medication
B. Evaluate functioning of the suction device
C. Provide oral hygiene care
D. Replace the NG tube
B. Evaluate functioning of the suction device
RATIONALE: The priority is to determine the cause of the vomiting.
Evaluating the suction device for proper function is the first step in
troubleshooting. If the suction is not functioning correctly, the tube may be
clogged or the suction pressure may be incorrect. Other interventions would follow
assessment .
Question 5
, While performing a routine assessment, a nurse notices fraying on the electrical
cord of a client's continuous passive motion device. Which of the following actions
should the nurse take FIRST?
A. Initiate a requisition for a replacement CPM device
B. Report the defect to the equipment maintenance staff
C. Remove the device from the room
D. Ensure the device inspection sticker is current
C. Remove the device from the room
RATIONALE: Client safety is the priority. A frayed electrical cord poses a
risk of electrical shock or fire. The device should be removed from the room
immediately to prevent harm. After removal, the nurse can report the defect and
initiate replacement .
Question 6
A nurse is setting up a sterile field to perform wound irrigation for a client. Which
of the following actions should the nurse take when pouring the sterile solution?
A. Remove the cap and place it sterile-side up on a clean surface
B. Place sterile gauze over areas of spilled solution
C. Hold the bottle in the center of the sterile field when pouring the solution
D. Hold the irrigation solution bottle with the label facing away from the palm of
the hand
A. Remove the cap and place it sterile-side up on a clean surface
RATIONALE: When pouring sterile solutions, the cap should be removed and
placed sterile-side up to maintain sterility. The bottle should be held outside the
sterile field to prevent contamination .
Question 7
A nurse is performing a sterile dressing change. Which action indicates a break in
sterile technique?
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES |
INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains:
Management of Care (15-20%) – Delegation, Assignment, Prioritization,
Legal/Ethical Issues
Safety and Infection Control (10-15%) – Accident Prevention, Emergency
Response, Infection Prevention
Health Promotion and Maintenance (6-12%) – Growth/Development, Disease
Prevention
Psychosocial Integrity (6-12%) – Coping, Therapeutic Communication, Behavioral
Interventions
Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies (10-15%) – Medication
Administration, Dosage Calculation
Reduction of Risk Potential (10-15%) – Diagnostic Tests, Therapeutic Procedures
Physiological Adaptation (10-15%) – Pathophysiology, Acute/Chronic Conditions,
Fluid/Electrolytes
Basic Care and Comfort (6-12%) – ADLs, Mobility, Nutrition, Pain Management
Clinical Judgment and NGN Item Types (10-12%) – Case Studies, Bow-Tie,
Matrix, SATA
This comprehensive examination guide is designed to help nursing students
achieve success on the ATI RN Comprehensive Exit Exam 2026/2027. This
resource contains 180 original, exam-style questions with verified answers and
detailed rationales. Questions are aligned with the 2026 NCLEX-RN test plan and
emphasize clinical judgment, prioritization, delegation, and evidence-based
nursing interventions . Each item includes a verified correct answer accompanied
by a detailed rationale to reinforce learning and support exam preparation.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1 – 180
Question 1
,A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a client who arrives with a
headache, dizziness, and shortness of breath. The client's oxygen saturation is 88%
on room air. Which of the following actions should the nurse take FIRST?
A. Administer 100% oxygen via non-rebreather mask
B. Obtain a stat chest x-ray
C. Start an IV line with 0.9% normal saline
D. Draw arterial blood gases (ABGs)
A. Administer 100% oxygen via non-rebreather mask
RATIONALE: The client's low oxygen saturation (88%) indicates hypoxemia,
which is a life-threatening finding that requires immediate correction. Airway and
breathing are always the priority. Administering oxygen is the first action to
improve oxygenation before further diagnostic tests or IV access .
Question 2
A charge nurse on a medical-surgical unit receives report on four clients. Which
client should the nurse assess FIRST?
A. A client with pneumonia who has an oxygen saturation of 92% on 2L nasal
cannula
B. A client post-appendectomy 24 hours ago with a temperature of 101.2°F
(38.4°C)
C. A client with heart failure who reports sudden onset of severe dyspnea and is
sitting upright
D. A client with diabetes who has a blood glucose of 180 mg/dL before lunch
C. A client with heart failure who reports sudden onset of severe dyspnea and
is sitting upright
RATIONALE: The client with heart failure reporting sudden severe dyspnea
represents an acute change in respiratory status, indicating potential pulmonary
edema—a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate assessment per the
ABCs of prioritization. Option A shows acceptable oxygenation for a pneumonia
client. Option B shows expected post-operative inflammation. Option D shows
mild hyperglycemia that is not immediately dangerous .
,Question 3
A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a new prescription for
warfarin (Coumadin). Which of the following statements by the client indicates an
understanding of the teaching?
A. "I will eat more leafy green vegetables to increase vitamin K."
B. "I will use a straight razor when shaving."
C. "I will report any unexplained bruising or bleeding to my provider."
D. "I will take ibuprofen for headaches instead of acetaminophen."
C. "I will report any unexplained bruising or bleeding to my provider."
RATIONALE: Unexplained bruising or bleeding may indicate excessive
anticoagulation (INR too high) and must be reported. Leafy greens (vitamin K)
decrease warfarin effectiveness and should be eaten consistently, not increased.
Electric razors are safer than straight razors to prevent bleeding. Acetaminophen is
safer than NSAIDs (ibuprofen) because NSAIDs increase bleeding risk .
Question 4
A nurse is caring for a client who has a vented NG tube set to low intermittent
suction and has vomited. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform
FIRST?
A. Administer an antiemetic medication
B. Evaluate functioning of the suction device
C. Provide oral hygiene care
D. Replace the NG tube
B. Evaluate functioning of the suction device
RATIONALE: The priority is to determine the cause of the vomiting.
Evaluating the suction device for proper function is the first step in
troubleshooting. If the suction is not functioning correctly, the tube may be
clogged or the suction pressure may be incorrect. Other interventions would follow
assessment .
Question 5
, While performing a routine assessment, a nurse notices fraying on the electrical
cord of a client's continuous passive motion device. Which of the following actions
should the nurse take FIRST?
A. Initiate a requisition for a replacement CPM device
B. Report the defect to the equipment maintenance staff
C. Remove the device from the room
D. Ensure the device inspection sticker is current
C. Remove the device from the room
RATIONALE: Client safety is the priority. A frayed electrical cord poses a
risk of electrical shock or fire. The device should be removed from the room
immediately to prevent harm. After removal, the nurse can report the defect and
initiate replacement .
Question 6
A nurse is setting up a sterile field to perform wound irrigation for a client. Which
of the following actions should the nurse take when pouring the sterile solution?
A. Remove the cap and place it sterile-side up on a clean surface
B. Place sterile gauze over areas of spilled solution
C. Hold the bottle in the center of the sterile field when pouring the solution
D. Hold the irrigation solution bottle with the label facing away from the palm of
the hand
A. Remove the cap and place it sterile-side up on a clean surface
RATIONALE: When pouring sterile solutions, the cap should be removed and
placed sterile-side up to maintain sterility. The bottle should be held outside the
sterile field to prevent contamination .
Question 7
A nurse is performing a sterile dressing change. Which action indicates a break in
sterile technique?
