ATI EXIT EXAM RN
COMPREHENSIVE PREDICTOR
FORM A, B, C AND
PRACTICE EXAM AND RETAKE
EXAM COMPILATION
LATESTUPDATE 2025/2026
WHAT TO FIND IN THIS EXAM
❖MULTICHOICE QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS
❖CASE STUDIES NGN STYLE QUESTIONS
❖BUTTERFLY QUESTION WITH ANSWERS
❖ WELL, EXPLAINEDANSWER AND RATIONAL
E
,Table of Contents
Form A ....................................................................................................................... 2
FORM B ......................................................................................................................................................................... 68
FORM C .................................................................................................................................................................170
RETAKE FORM A............................................................................................................................................... 334
RETAKE FORM B............................................................................................................................................ 358
RETAKE FORM C........................................................................................................................................................ 386
ATI RN COMPREHENSIVE PREDATOR 2025……………………………………………………………………………………………411
PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSW…………………………………………………………………………………………………495
ATI RN Comprehensive Predictor Form A
1.
A post-operative client develops a temperature of 38.6°C (101.5°F), increasing incisional
redness, and purulent drainage. What action should the nurse take first?
a. Notify the provider immediately
b. Apply a sterile dressing
c. Administer antipyretics
d. Encourage ambulation
Correct Answer: a. Notify the provider immediately
Rationale: These findings indicate a surgical site infection, which can rapidly progress to
sepsis if untreated. The provider must be notified immediately so cultures, antibiotics, and
potential wound interventions can be initiated. Although applying a sterile dressing protects
the wound, addressing the underlying infection takes priority.
DIF: Application
OBJ: Recognize and respond to post-operative complications
TOP: Infection Control / Post-operative Care
,2.
A nurse enters a room and finds a client having a tonic-clonic seizure. Which action is priority?
a. Insert an oral airway
b. Turn the client to the side
c. Restrain the client
d. Obtain vital signs
Correct Answer: b. Turn the client to the side
Rationale: Lateral positioning keeps the airway open and allows secretions/saliva to drain,
reducing aspiration risk. Inserting an airway or restraining can cause injury during active
seizure activity. Vital signs are taken after the seizure ends.
DIF: Application
OBJ: Maintain airway during seizure
TOP: Neuro / Safety
3.
A client with heart failure reports sudden shortness of breath and pink, frothy sputum. Which
action should the nurse implement first?
a. Administer IV furosemide
b. Increase oxygen to 12 L/min via simple mask
c. Place the client in high-Fowler’s position
d. Notify the provider
Correct Answer: c. Place the client in high-Fowler’s position
Rationale: These symptoms indicate acute pulmonary edema, a medical emergency. Sitting
upright reduces venous return and improves lung expansion within seconds. Although
furosemide will help remove fluid, it has delayed onset. Oxygen may be needed, but
immediate airway positioning takes priority.
DIF: Prioritization
OBJ: Manage acute respiratory distress
TOP: Cardiac / Respiratory Failure
4.
,A client on a heparin infusion has an aPTT of 122 seconds. What is the nurse’s priority?
a. Continue the infusion
b. Stop the heparin infusion
c. Increase the infusion rate
d. Flush the IV line
Correct Answer: b. Stop the heparin infusion
Rationale: An aPTT this high indicates critical anticoagulation and high risk for spontaneous
bleeding. The infusion must be stopped immediately; the nurse expects to prepare and
possibly administer protamine sulfate.
DIF: Analysis
OBJ: Recognize adverse medication effects
TOP: Pharmacology / Safety
5.
A client with COPD becomes confused and increasingly lethargic. ABGs: pH 7.28, PaCO₂ 68
mmHg, PaO₂ 60 mmHg. Priority action?
a. Encourage pursed-lip breathing
b. Prepare for possible non-invasive ventilation
c. Increase IV fluids
d. Reduce oxygen flow
Correct Answer: b. Prepare for possible non-invasive ventilation
Rationale: Elevated CO₂ with altered mental status signals CO₂ narcosis, a life-threatening
condition requiring ventilatory support such as BiPAP. Airway/ventilation support supersedes
all other interventions.
DIF: Analysis
OBJ: Interpret ABGs
TOP: Respiratory / Critical Care
6.
A client with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes asks, “Why do I have to take insulin every
day?” Best response?
a. “Your pancreas does not produce insulin.”
b. “You may not need insulin later.”
, c. “Insulin helps you stay hydrated.”
d. “Insulin prevents all complications.”
Correct Answer: a. “Your pancreas does not produce insulin.”
Rationale: Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune destruction of β-cells, resulting in absolute
insulin deficiency. Clear, factual teaching supports understanding and adherence.
DIF: Knowledge
OBJ: Provide disease process education
TOP: Endocrine / Teaching
7.
A nurse is caring for a client with a chest tube. Which finding requires immediate intervention?
a. Gentle bubbling in the suction chamber
b. Tidaling in the water seal chamber
c. Sudden cessation of drainage after heavy coughing
d. Tracheal deviation to the unaffected side
Correct Answer: d. Tracheal deviation to the unaffected side
Rationale: This indicates tension pneumothorax, a life-threatening emergency requiring
rapid decompression. Normal findings include tidaling and controlled bubbling.
DIF: Analysis
OBJ: Recognize respiratory emergencies
TOP: Respiratory / Chest Tubes
8.
Which client should the nurse see first?
a. A client with pancreatitis reporting severe epigastric pain
b. A client with DVT who reports mild calf swelling
c. A client with a tracheostomy with audible gurgling sounds
d. A client with anemia reporting fatigue
Correct Answer: c. A client with a tracheostomy with audible gurgling
Rationale: Gurgling indicates secretion obstruction, risking airway compromise. Airway
trumps circulation and pain in prioritization.
DIF: Prioritization
COMPREHENSIVE PREDICTOR
FORM A, B, C AND
PRACTICE EXAM AND RETAKE
EXAM COMPILATION
LATESTUPDATE 2025/2026
WHAT TO FIND IN THIS EXAM
❖MULTICHOICE QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS
❖CASE STUDIES NGN STYLE QUESTIONS
❖BUTTERFLY QUESTION WITH ANSWERS
❖ WELL, EXPLAINEDANSWER AND RATIONAL
E
,Table of Contents
Form A ....................................................................................................................... 2
FORM B ......................................................................................................................................................................... 68
FORM C .................................................................................................................................................................170
RETAKE FORM A............................................................................................................................................... 334
RETAKE FORM B............................................................................................................................................ 358
RETAKE FORM C........................................................................................................................................................ 386
ATI RN COMPREHENSIVE PREDATOR 2025……………………………………………………………………………………………411
PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSW…………………………………………………………………………………………………495
ATI RN Comprehensive Predictor Form A
1.
A post-operative client develops a temperature of 38.6°C (101.5°F), increasing incisional
redness, and purulent drainage. What action should the nurse take first?
a. Notify the provider immediately
b. Apply a sterile dressing
c. Administer antipyretics
d. Encourage ambulation
Correct Answer: a. Notify the provider immediately
Rationale: These findings indicate a surgical site infection, which can rapidly progress to
sepsis if untreated. The provider must be notified immediately so cultures, antibiotics, and
potential wound interventions can be initiated. Although applying a sterile dressing protects
the wound, addressing the underlying infection takes priority.
DIF: Application
OBJ: Recognize and respond to post-operative complications
TOP: Infection Control / Post-operative Care
,2.
A nurse enters a room and finds a client having a tonic-clonic seizure. Which action is priority?
a. Insert an oral airway
b. Turn the client to the side
c. Restrain the client
d. Obtain vital signs
Correct Answer: b. Turn the client to the side
Rationale: Lateral positioning keeps the airway open and allows secretions/saliva to drain,
reducing aspiration risk. Inserting an airway or restraining can cause injury during active
seizure activity. Vital signs are taken after the seizure ends.
DIF: Application
OBJ: Maintain airway during seizure
TOP: Neuro / Safety
3.
A client with heart failure reports sudden shortness of breath and pink, frothy sputum. Which
action should the nurse implement first?
a. Administer IV furosemide
b. Increase oxygen to 12 L/min via simple mask
c. Place the client in high-Fowler’s position
d. Notify the provider
Correct Answer: c. Place the client in high-Fowler’s position
Rationale: These symptoms indicate acute pulmonary edema, a medical emergency. Sitting
upright reduces venous return and improves lung expansion within seconds. Although
furosemide will help remove fluid, it has delayed onset. Oxygen may be needed, but
immediate airway positioning takes priority.
DIF: Prioritization
OBJ: Manage acute respiratory distress
TOP: Cardiac / Respiratory Failure
4.
,A client on a heparin infusion has an aPTT of 122 seconds. What is the nurse’s priority?
a. Continue the infusion
b. Stop the heparin infusion
c. Increase the infusion rate
d. Flush the IV line
Correct Answer: b. Stop the heparin infusion
Rationale: An aPTT this high indicates critical anticoagulation and high risk for spontaneous
bleeding. The infusion must be stopped immediately; the nurse expects to prepare and
possibly administer protamine sulfate.
DIF: Analysis
OBJ: Recognize adverse medication effects
TOP: Pharmacology / Safety
5.
A client with COPD becomes confused and increasingly lethargic. ABGs: pH 7.28, PaCO₂ 68
mmHg, PaO₂ 60 mmHg. Priority action?
a. Encourage pursed-lip breathing
b. Prepare for possible non-invasive ventilation
c. Increase IV fluids
d. Reduce oxygen flow
Correct Answer: b. Prepare for possible non-invasive ventilation
Rationale: Elevated CO₂ with altered mental status signals CO₂ narcosis, a life-threatening
condition requiring ventilatory support such as BiPAP. Airway/ventilation support supersedes
all other interventions.
DIF: Analysis
OBJ: Interpret ABGs
TOP: Respiratory / Critical Care
6.
A client with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes asks, “Why do I have to take insulin every
day?” Best response?
a. “Your pancreas does not produce insulin.”
b. “You may not need insulin later.”
, c. “Insulin helps you stay hydrated.”
d. “Insulin prevents all complications.”
Correct Answer: a. “Your pancreas does not produce insulin.”
Rationale: Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune destruction of β-cells, resulting in absolute
insulin deficiency. Clear, factual teaching supports understanding and adherence.
DIF: Knowledge
OBJ: Provide disease process education
TOP: Endocrine / Teaching
7.
A nurse is caring for a client with a chest tube. Which finding requires immediate intervention?
a. Gentle bubbling in the suction chamber
b. Tidaling in the water seal chamber
c. Sudden cessation of drainage after heavy coughing
d. Tracheal deviation to the unaffected side
Correct Answer: d. Tracheal deviation to the unaffected side
Rationale: This indicates tension pneumothorax, a life-threatening emergency requiring
rapid decompression. Normal findings include tidaling and controlled bubbling.
DIF: Analysis
OBJ: Recognize respiratory emergencies
TOP: Respiratory / Chest Tubes
8.
Which client should the nurse see first?
a. A client with pancreatitis reporting severe epigastric pain
b. A client with DVT who reports mild calf swelling
c. A client with a tracheostomy with audible gurgling sounds
d. A client with anemia reporting fatigue
Correct Answer: c. A client with a tracheostomy with audible gurgling
Rationale: Gurgling indicates secretion obstruction, risking airway compromise. Airway
trumps circulation and pain in prioritization.
DIF: Prioritization
