ATI RN Comprehensive Predictor Exam 2025 – 180
Questions with Correct Answers (Professor Verified) |
Graded A+ | Complete Exam Study Material
Question 1:
A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative day 1 following a total hip replacement. The
client reports sudden shortness of breath and chest pain. Which action should the nurse take
first?
A) Administer oxygen via nasal cannula.
B) Assess the client's vital signs.
C) Notify the rapid response team.
D) Elevate the head of the bed.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Assessing vital signs is the first action to gather baseline data and identify the
severity of the potential pulmonary embolism, aligning with the ABCs (airway, breathing,
circulation) priority in postoperative care (Fundamentals of Nursing). A is incorrect because
oxygen administration follows assessment to confirm hypoxia. C is incorrect as notification
occurs after initial assessment to avoid unnecessary alarms. D is incorrect because elevation
helps with comfort but does not address the acute respiratory distress priority.
Question 2:
A nurse is teaching a client about preventing pressure ulcers. Which statement by the client
indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A) "I will reposition myself every 4 hours."
B) "I should keep my skin clean and dry."
C) "I will use a doughnut-shaped pillow for support."
D) "I need to massage reddened areas to improve circulation."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Keeping skin clean and dry prevents moisture-associated skin damage, a key
prevention strategy (Fundamentals of Nursing). A is incorrect because repositioning should
occur every 2 hours for at-risk clients. C is incorrect as doughnut pillows can increase pressure
on surrounding tissues. D is incorrect because massaging reddened areas can worsen tissue
damage in stage 1 ulcers.
Question 3:
A nurse is preparing to insert an indwelling urinary catheter for a female client. Which action
should the nurse take to maintain sterile technique?
,A) Lubricate the catheter tip before opening the sterile package.
B) Place the fenestrated drape over the perineum with the opening over the urinary meatus.
C) Clean the meatus with antiseptic swabs in a circular motion from the urethra outward.
D) Hold the labia minora apart with the nondominant hand throughout the procedure.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Holding the labia minora apart with the nondominant hand (considered contaminated
after touching) maintains sterility of the dominant hand for catheter insertion (Fundamentals of
Nursing). A is incorrect because lubrication occurs after opening the package to avoid
contaminating the tip. B is incorrect as the drape is placed after cleaning. C is incorrect because
cleaning should be from the meatus outward in a straight line, not circular, to prevent
contamination.
Question 4:
A nurse is caring for a client who has a new colostomy. The client expresses anxiety about the
appliance odor. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
A) "Odor is a common concern, but it usually resolves within a week."
B) "You can use room deodorizers to mask the smell during changes."
C) "Apply a pouch deodorant product inside the appliance daily."
D) "Increase your fluid intake to dilute the stool consistency."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Pouch deodorants are specifically designed to neutralize odors without affecting the
stoma or skin, promoting client confidence (Fundamentals of Nursing). A is incorrect because
odors may persist and require ongoing management. B is incorrect as room deodorizers do not
address the source. D is incorrect because fluid intake affects consistency but not odor directly.
Question 5:
A nurse is assisting with the transfer of a client from the bed to a stretcher using a slide board.
Which action should the nurse take to promote safety?
A) Lock the wheels on both the bed and stretcher.
B) Have the client bear weight on the unaffected leg.
C) Position the slide board at a 45-degree angle.
D) Instruct the client to hold their breath during the transfer.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Locking wheels prevents movement of equipment, reducing fall risk during transfer
(Fundamentals of Nursing). B is incorrect as slide board transfers minimize weight-bearing to
protect joints. C is incorrect because the board should be parallel for smooth sliding. D is
incorrect because holding breath is not relevant and could cause discomfort.
,Question 6:
A nurse is reviewing the plan of care for a client who is immobile. Which intervention should the
nurse include to prevent deep vein thrombosis?
A) Apply elastic stockings continuously.
B) Perform active range-of-motion exercises hourly.
C) Administer low-molecular-weight heparin subcutaneously.
D) Elevate the legs above heart level for 30 minutes daily.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Low-molecular-weight heparin is a standard prophylactic anticoagulant for immobile
clients at risk for DVT (Fundamentals of Nursing). A is incorrect because stockings should be
removed for 30 minutes twice daily for skin inspection. B is incorrect as passive ROM is
preferred for immobile clients. D is incorrect because leg elevation is for dependent edema, not
primary DVT prevention.
Question 7:
A nurse is caring for a client receiving enteral tube feedings. The nurse notes residual gastric
volume of 150 mL before the next feeding. Which action should the nurse take?
A) Hold the feeding and notify the provider.
B) Administer the feeding as scheduled.
C) Return the residual and administer half the feeding.
D) Irrigate the tube with 30 mL of water and proceed.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Returning residual and giving half the feeding balances nutrition with aspiration risk
when volume is moderately elevated (Fundamentals of Nursing). A is incorrect because 150 mL
is not critically high (threshold often >250 mL). B is incorrect as it risks aspiration. D is incorrect
because irrigation does not address residual volume.
Question 8:
A nurse is assessing a client's peripheral IV site and notes redness and warmth. Which finding
should the nurse prioritize reporting to the provider?
A) Infusion rate of 125 mL/hr.
B) Client reports mild discomfort.
C) Site is cool to the touch distally.
D) Slight edema at the insertion site.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Coolness distal to the site suggests vascular compromise or infiltration, a priority for
immediate intervention to prevent tissue damage (Fundamentals of Nursing). A is incorrect as
, rate is not directly related. B is incorrect because mild discomfort is common but not emergent.
D is incorrect as slight edema may indicate early phlebitis but is less urgent than distal
coolness.
Question 9:
A nurse is delegating tasks to an assistive personnel (AP). Which task is appropriate for the AP
to perform for a client with a fractured hip?
A) Assess the client's pain level.
B) Administer oral pain medication.
C) Assist with ambulation using a walker.
D) Teach the client crutch walking technique.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Assisting with ambulation is a safe, non-judgmental task within the AP's scope,
promoting mobility (Fundamentals of Nursing, Delegation). A is incorrect because assessment
requires nursing judgment. B is incorrect as medication administration is a nursing task. D is
incorrect because teaching requires RN knowledge.
Question 10:
A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing pain rated 8/10. The client states, "The
medication isn't helping." Which action should the nurse take first?
A) Administer a PRN analgesic as prescribed.
B) Reassess the pain using a different scale.
C) Document the client's statement in the chart.
D) Encourage the client to use nonpharmacologic methods.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Reassessing pain ensures accurate evaluation and guides appropriate interventions,
prioritizing client-centered care (Fundamentals of Nursing). A is incorrect because
reassessment precedes additional medication to avoid overdose. C is incorrect as
documentation follows intervention. D is incorrect because nonpharmacologic methods are
adjuncts, not first-line for severe pain.
Question 11:
A nurse is preparing to administer a blood transfusion to a client. Which action should the nurse
take prior to initiating the transfusion?
A) Obtain a urine sample for analysis.
B) Prime the tubing with 0.9% sodium chloride.
C) Administer a prophylactic antihistamine.
D) Verify the client's blood type with the laboratory.
Questions with Correct Answers (Professor Verified) |
Graded A+ | Complete Exam Study Material
Question 1:
A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative day 1 following a total hip replacement. The
client reports sudden shortness of breath and chest pain. Which action should the nurse take
first?
A) Administer oxygen via nasal cannula.
B) Assess the client's vital signs.
C) Notify the rapid response team.
D) Elevate the head of the bed.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Assessing vital signs is the first action to gather baseline data and identify the
severity of the potential pulmonary embolism, aligning with the ABCs (airway, breathing,
circulation) priority in postoperative care (Fundamentals of Nursing). A is incorrect because
oxygen administration follows assessment to confirm hypoxia. C is incorrect as notification
occurs after initial assessment to avoid unnecessary alarms. D is incorrect because elevation
helps with comfort but does not address the acute respiratory distress priority.
Question 2:
A nurse is teaching a client about preventing pressure ulcers. Which statement by the client
indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A) "I will reposition myself every 4 hours."
B) "I should keep my skin clean and dry."
C) "I will use a doughnut-shaped pillow for support."
D) "I need to massage reddened areas to improve circulation."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Keeping skin clean and dry prevents moisture-associated skin damage, a key
prevention strategy (Fundamentals of Nursing). A is incorrect because repositioning should
occur every 2 hours for at-risk clients. C is incorrect as doughnut pillows can increase pressure
on surrounding tissues. D is incorrect because massaging reddened areas can worsen tissue
damage in stage 1 ulcers.
Question 3:
A nurse is preparing to insert an indwelling urinary catheter for a female client. Which action
should the nurse take to maintain sterile technique?
,A) Lubricate the catheter tip before opening the sterile package.
B) Place the fenestrated drape over the perineum with the opening over the urinary meatus.
C) Clean the meatus with antiseptic swabs in a circular motion from the urethra outward.
D) Hold the labia minora apart with the nondominant hand throughout the procedure.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Holding the labia minora apart with the nondominant hand (considered contaminated
after touching) maintains sterility of the dominant hand for catheter insertion (Fundamentals of
Nursing). A is incorrect because lubrication occurs after opening the package to avoid
contaminating the tip. B is incorrect as the drape is placed after cleaning. C is incorrect because
cleaning should be from the meatus outward in a straight line, not circular, to prevent
contamination.
Question 4:
A nurse is caring for a client who has a new colostomy. The client expresses anxiety about the
appliance odor. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
A) "Odor is a common concern, but it usually resolves within a week."
B) "You can use room deodorizers to mask the smell during changes."
C) "Apply a pouch deodorant product inside the appliance daily."
D) "Increase your fluid intake to dilute the stool consistency."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Pouch deodorants are specifically designed to neutralize odors without affecting the
stoma or skin, promoting client confidence (Fundamentals of Nursing). A is incorrect because
odors may persist and require ongoing management. B is incorrect as room deodorizers do not
address the source. D is incorrect because fluid intake affects consistency but not odor directly.
Question 5:
A nurse is assisting with the transfer of a client from the bed to a stretcher using a slide board.
Which action should the nurse take to promote safety?
A) Lock the wheels on both the bed and stretcher.
B) Have the client bear weight on the unaffected leg.
C) Position the slide board at a 45-degree angle.
D) Instruct the client to hold their breath during the transfer.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Locking wheels prevents movement of equipment, reducing fall risk during transfer
(Fundamentals of Nursing). B is incorrect as slide board transfers minimize weight-bearing to
protect joints. C is incorrect because the board should be parallel for smooth sliding. D is
incorrect because holding breath is not relevant and could cause discomfort.
,Question 6:
A nurse is reviewing the plan of care for a client who is immobile. Which intervention should the
nurse include to prevent deep vein thrombosis?
A) Apply elastic stockings continuously.
B) Perform active range-of-motion exercises hourly.
C) Administer low-molecular-weight heparin subcutaneously.
D) Elevate the legs above heart level for 30 minutes daily.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Low-molecular-weight heparin is a standard prophylactic anticoagulant for immobile
clients at risk for DVT (Fundamentals of Nursing). A is incorrect because stockings should be
removed for 30 minutes twice daily for skin inspection. B is incorrect as passive ROM is
preferred for immobile clients. D is incorrect because leg elevation is for dependent edema, not
primary DVT prevention.
Question 7:
A nurse is caring for a client receiving enteral tube feedings. The nurse notes residual gastric
volume of 150 mL before the next feeding. Which action should the nurse take?
A) Hold the feeding and notify the provider.
B) Administer the feeding as scheduled.
C) Return the residual and administer half the feeding.
D) Irrigate the tube with 30 mL of water and proceed.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Returning residual and giving half the feeding balances nutrition with aspiration risk
when volume is moderately elevated (Fundamentals of Nursing). A is incorrect because 150 mL
is not critically high (threshold often >250 mL). B is incorrect as it risks aspiration. D is incorrect
because irrigation does not address residual volume.
Question 8:
A nurse is assessing a client's peripheral IV site and notes redness and warmth. Which finding
should the nurse prioritize reporting to the provider?
A) Infusion rate of 125 mL/hr.
B) Client reports mild discomfort.
C) Site is cool to the touch distally.
D) Slight edema at the insertion site.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Coolness distal to the site suggests vascular compromise or infiltration, a priority for
immediate intervention to prevent tissue damage (Fundamentals of Nursing). A is incorrect as
, rate is not directly related. B is incorrect because mild discomfort is common but not emergent.
D is incorrect as slight edema may indicate early phlebitis but is less urgent than distal
coolness.
Question 9:
A nurse is delegating tasks to an assistive personnel (AP). Which task is appropriate for the AP
to perform for a client with a fractured hip?
A) Assess the client's pain level.
B) Administer oral pain medication.
C) Assist with ambulation using a walker.
D) Teach the client crutch walking technique.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Assisting with ambulation is a safe, non-judgmental task within the AP's scope,
promoting mobility (Fundamentals of Nursing, Delegation). A is incorrect because assessment
requires nursing judgment. B is incorrect as medication administration is a nursing task. D is
incorrect because teaching requires RN knowledge.
Question 10:
A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing pain rated 8/10. The client states, "The
medication isn't helping." Which action should the nurse take first?
A) Administer a PRN analgesic as prescribed.
B) Reassess the pain using a different scale.
C) Document the client's statement in the chart.
D) Encourage the client to use nonpharmacologic methods.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Reassessing pain ensures accurate evaluation and guides appropriate interventions,
prioritizing client-centered care (Fundamentals of Nursing). A is incorrect because
reassessment precedes additional medication to avoid overdose. C is incorrect as
documentation follows intervention. D is incorrect because nonpharmacologic methods are
adjuncts, not first-line for severe pain.
Question 11:
A nurse is preparing to administer a blood transfusion to a client. Which action should the nurse
take prior to initiating the transfusion?
A) Obtain a urine sample for analysis.
B) Prime the tubing with 0.9% sodium chloride.
C) Administer a prophylactic antihistamine.
D) Verify the client's blood type with the laboratory.
