100 Original NCLEX-Style Practice
Questions With Rationales for ATI RN
Comprehensive Predictor 2026
Preparation and Review
Original NCLEX-Style Practice Set (100
Items with Rationales)
Batch 1: Management of Care, Safety,
Prioritization
1. A nurse receives report on four
clients. Which should the nurse assess
FIRST?
A. Client with COPD, SpO2 89% on 2L NC
,(baseline)
B. Client 2 days post-op with sudden
dyspnea and SpO2 82%
C. Client with chronic pain requesting
pain medication
D. Client with diabetes requesting
breakfast tray
☑VERIFIED ANSWERS: B
Rationale: Sudden desaturation with
dyspnea suggests pulmonary embolism,
pneumothorax, or atelectasis — an acute
airway/breathing threat (ABC priority).
The COPD client's 89% is likely their
baseline. Pain and breakfast are lower
priority.
,2. Which task is appropriate to delegate
to a UAP?
A. Teaching a client to use an incentive
spirometer
B. Assessing a new admission's skin
integrity
C. Ambulating a stable post-op client
D. Evaluating a client's understanding of
discharge instructions
☑VERIFIED ANSWERS: C
Rationale: Ambulating a stable client is a
routine, non-evaluative task within UAP
scope. Assessment, teaching, and
evaluation require a licensed nurse.
, 3. A nurse is caring for a client with
new-onset confusion and a bounding
pulse. Which action is the PRIORITY?
A. Document the findings
B. Notify the provider and obtain vital
signs
C. Reorient the client
D. Apply restraints
☑VERIFIED ANSWERS: B
Rationale: New confusion with bounding
pulse may indicate delirium, infection, or
fluid overload. Obtaining vitals and
notifying the provider are the priority to
Questions With Rationales for ATI RN
Comprehensive Predictor 2026
Preparation and Review
Original NCLEX-Style Practice Set (100
Items with Rationales)
Batch 1: Management of Care, Safety,
Prioritization
1. A nurse receives report on four
clients. Which should the nurse assess
FIRST?
A. Client with COPD, SpO2 89% on 2L NC
,(baseline)
B. Client 2 days post-op with sudden
dyspnea and SpO2 82%
C. Client with chronic pain requesting
pain medication
D. Client with diabetes requesting
breakfast tray
☑VERIFIED ANSWERS: B
Rationale: Sudden desaturation with
dyspnea suggests pulmonary embolism,
pneumothorax, or atelectasis — an acute
airway/breathing threat (ABC priority).
The COPD client's 89% is likely their
baseline. Pain and breakfast are lower
priority.
,2. Which task is appropriate to delegate
to a UAP?
A. Teaching a client to use an incentive
spirometer
B. Assessing a new admission's skin
integrity
C. Ambulating a stable post-op client
D. Evaluating a client's understanding of
discharge instructions
☑VERIFIED ANSWERS: C
Rationale: Ambulating a stable client is a
routine, non-evaluative task within UAP
scope. Assessment, teaching, and
evaluation require a licensed nurse.
, 3. A nurse is caring for a client with
new-onset confusion and a bounding
pulse. Which action is the PRIORITY?
A. Document the findings
B. Notify the provider and obtain vital
signs
C. Reorient the client
D. Apply restraints
☑VERIFIED ANSWERS: B
Rationale: New confusion with bounding
pulse may indicate delirium, infection, or
fluid overload. Obtaining vitals and
notifying the provider are the priority to
