ATI RN Critical Thinking
Entrance/Exit Exam 2025/2026
40 Minutes | 40 Questions | 100% Correct Answers
Section 1: Introduction
This document contains fully verified and 100% correct answers for the ATI RN Critical
Thinking Entrance/Exit Exam, updated for the 2025/2026 exam cycle.
The exam features 40 questions to be completed in 40 minutes, and is designed to assess a
nursing student's cognitive ability, logical reasoning, and decision-making, not clinical
content.
Tested areas include:
Prioritization and Problem Solving
Recognizing Assumptions and Drawing Inferences
Deductive and Inductive Reasoning
Logic-Based Clinical Scenarios
Evaluating Arguments and Reaching Valid Conclusions
This A+ graded exam resource replicates ATI’s testing format and supports readiness for
entrance, progression, or exit assessments in nursing programs.
Section 2: Exam Questions and Answers
Format: Four answer choices per question (A–D). Correct answer highlighted. Questions
are written to mirror ATI’s focus on logic and cognitive reasoning.
Question 1
A nurse is prioritizing care for four clients. Which client should be assessed first?
A) A client with a new onset of chest pain
B) A client with stable vital signs post-surgery
C) A client requesting pain medication
D) A client needing a routine dressing change
Correct Answer: A) A client with a new onset of chest pain
Rationale: This indicates a potential life-threatening emergency requiring immediate
attention.
Question 2
A nurse is reviewing a statement: "All nurses are compassionate." A client who is not
compassionate is observed. What conclusion can be drawn?
, A) The client is not a nurse
B) All nurses must be compassionate
C) The statement is universally true
D) The client is a nurse
Correct Answer: A) The client is not a nurse
Rationale: This follows deductive reasoning from the given statement.
Question 3
A nurse is analyzing a scenario where a client’s condition worsens after a medication. What
is the most logical next step?
A) Recheck vital signs and notify the provider
B) Administer another dose
C) Ignore the change
D) Complete routine documentation
Correct Answer: A) Recheck vital signs and notify the provider
Rationale: This ensures accurate assessment and timely intervention.
Question 4
A nurse is triaging clients in an emergency. Which client should be prioritized?
A) A client with difficulty breathing and cyanosis
B) A client with a sprained ankle
C) A client with a minor cut
D) A client with a headache
Correct Answer: A) A client with difficulty breathing and cyanosis
Rationale: This indicates a respiratory emergency requiring immediate action.
Question 5
A nurse is given the premise: "Clients with fever need fluids." A client has a fever. What can
be inferred?
A) The client needs fluids
B) The client does not need fluids
C) All clients need fluids
D) The client has no fever
Correct Answer: A) The client needs fluids
Rationale: This is a valid inference based on the premise.
Question 6
A nurse is deciding which task to delegate. Which action best demonstrates logical
reasoning?
A) Delegating vital sign checks to a nursing assistant
B) Assigning medication administration to a nursing assistant
C) Delegating care plan development to a licensed practical nurse
D) Assigning IV insertion to a nursing assistant
Entrance/Exit Exam 2025/2026
40 Minutes | 40 Questions | 100% Correct Answers
Section 1: Introduction
This document contains fully verified and 100% correct answers for the ATI RN Critical
Thinking Entrance/Exit Exam, updated for the 2025/2026 exam cycle.
The exam features 40 questions to be completed in 40 minutes, and is designed to assess a
nursing student's cognitive ability, logical reasoning, and decision-making, not clinical
content.
Tested areas include:
Prioritization and Problem Solving
Recognizing Assumptions and Drawing Inferences
Deductive and Inductive Reasoning
Logic-Based Clinical Scenarios
Evaluating Arguments and Reaching Valid Conclusions
This A+ graded exam resource replicates ATI’s testing format and supports readiness for
entrance, progression, or exit assessments in nursing programs.
Section 2: Exam Questions and Answers
Format: Four answer choices per question (A–D). Correct answer highlighted. Questions
are written to mirror ATI’s focus on logic and cognitive reasoning.
Question 1
A nurse is prioritizing care for four clients. Which client should be assessed first?
A) A client with a new onset of chest pain
B) A client with stable vital signs post-surgery
C) A client requesting pain medication
D) A client needing a routine dressing change
Correct Answer: A) A client with a new onset of chest pain
Rationale: This indicates a potential life-threatening emergency requiring immediate
attention.
Question 2
A nurse is reviewing a statement: "All nurses are compassionate." A client who is not
compassionate is observed. What conclusion can be drawn?
, A) The client is not a nurse
B) All nurses must be compassionate
C) The statement is universally true
D) The client is a nurse
Correct Answer: A) The client is not a nurse
Rationale: This follows deductive reasoning from the given statement.
Question 3
A nurse is analyzing a scenario where a client’s condition worsens after a medication. What
is the most logical next step?
A) Recheck vital signs and notify the provider
B) Administer another dose
C) Ignore the change
D) Complete routine documentation
Correct Answer: A) Recheck vital signs and notify the provider
Rationale: This ensures accurate assessment and timely intervention.
Question 4
A nurse is triaging clients in an emergency. Which client should be prioritized?
A) A client with difficulty breathing and cyanosis
B) A client with a sprained ankle
C) A client with a minor cut
D) A client with a headache
Correct Answer: A) A client with difficulty breathing and cyanosis
Rationale: This indicates a respiratory emergency requiring immediate action.
Question 5
A nurse is given the premise: "Clients with fever need fluids." A client has a fever. What can
be inferred?
A) The client needs fluids
B) The client does not need fluids
C) All clients need fluids
D) The client has no fever
Correct Answer: A) The client needs fluids
Rationale: This is a valid inference based on the premise.
Question 6
A nurse is deciding which task to delegate. Which action best demonstrates logical
reasoning?
A) Delegating vital sign checks to a nursing assistant
B) Assigning medication administration to a nursing assistant
C) Delegating care plan development to a licensed practical nurse
D) Assigning IV insertion to a nursing assistant
