2026 ATI Critical Thinking Exam – Practice Questions &
Answers (Latest Update)
Welcome to your comprehensive preparation guide for the ATI Critical Thinking Exam.
This guide contains practice questions with detailed rationales, aligned with the ATI
Critical Thinking framework and the NCSBN Clinical Judgment Measurement Model
(NCJMM). The questions are designed to test your ability to apply critical thinking skills
in clinical scenarios, focusing on problem-solving, decision-making, and prioritizing
patient care. Mastering these skills is essential for success in nursing school and the
NCLEX, as well as for applying the nursing process effectively.
📋 Exam Overview
Feature Details
Full Name ATI Critical Thinking Exam
Purpose Assesses critical thinking and clinical judgment skills
Question
Multiple-choice, Select All That Apply (SATA), Scenario-based
Types
Prioritization, Problem-Solving, Decision-Making, Clinical Judgment,
Key Topics
Nursing Process
SECTION 1: PRIORITIZATION
,Q1. A nurse is caring for four clients. Which client should the nurse assess first?
• A) A client with COPD who has an oxygen saturation of 89% on 2L nasal
cannula
• B) A client with diabetes who has a blood glucose of 180 mg/dL
• C) A client with a new colostomy who needs stoma care education
• D) A client with a fractured femur who is requesting pain medication
✅ Answer: A
Rationale: The client with an oxygen saturation of 89% is experiencing hypoxemia, an
immediate threat to oxygenation. ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) take priority over
education (C), stable glucose levels (B), and pain management (D) .
Q2. A nurse is triaging clients in the emergency department. Which client should
be seen first?
• A) A client with chest pain and diaphoresis
• B) A client with a sprained ankle
• C) A client with a mild headache
• D) A client requesting a prescription refill
✅ Answer: A
Rationale: Chest pain with diaphoresis may indicate a myocardial infarction and
requires immediate assessment and intervention. The other clients are stable .
Q3. A charge nurse is making assignments. Which client should be assigned to the
most experienced RN?
, • A) A client with pneumonia requiring routine antibiotics
• B) A client with new-onset confusion and hypotension
• C) A client with a urinary tract infection
• D) A client with a scheduled wound dressing change
✅ Answer: B
Rationale: New-onset confusion with hypotension indicates an acute change in
condition requiring advanced assessment and clinical judgment. This client should be
assigned to the most experienced RN .
Q4. A nurse receives change-of-shift report on four clients. Which client should the
nurse assess first?
• A) A client who is 2 days post-op and has a temperature of 100.4°F
• B) A client with a history of heart failure who has gained 3 pounds in 24
hours
• C) A client with diabetes who has a blood glucose of 140 mg/dL
• D) A client with a stable fracture who is requesting a meal tray
✅ Answer: B
Rationale: A 3-pound weight gain in 24 hours is a sign of fluid overload in a client with
heart failure, which can lead to pulmonary edema and respiratory distress. This requires
immediate assessment .
Q5. A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is implementing a disaster plan. Which
action demonstrates an understanding of triage using START triage?
Answers (Latest Update)
Welcome to your comprehensive preparation guide for the ATI Critical Thinking Exam.
This guide contains practice questions with detailed rationales, aligned with the ATI
Critical Thinking framework and the NCSBN Clinical Judgment Measurement Model
(NCJMM). The questions are designed to test your ability to apply critical thinking skills
in clinical scenarios, focusing on problem-solving, decision-making, and prioritizing
patient care. Mastering these skills is essential for success in nursing school and the
NCLEX, as well as for applying the nursing process effectively.
📋 Exam Overview
Feature Details
Full Name ATI Critical Thinking Exam
Purpose Assesses critical thinking and clinical judgment skills
Question
Multiple-choice, Select All That Apply (SATA), Scenario-based
Types
Prioritization, Problem-Solving, Decision-Making, Clinical Judgment,
Key Topics
Nursing Process
SECTION 1: PRIORITIZATION
,Q1. A nurse is caring for four clients. Which client should the nurse assess first?
• A) A client with COPD who has an oxygen saturation of 89% on 2L nasal
cannula
• B) A client with diabetes who has a blood glucose of 180 mg/dL
• C) A client with a new colostomy who needs stoma care education
• D) A client with a fractured femur who is requesting pain medication
✅ Answer: A
Rationale: The client with an oxygen saturation of 89% is experiencing hypoxemia, an
immediate threat to oxygenation. ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) take priority over
education (C), stable glucose levels (B), and pain management (D) .
Q2. A nurse is triaging clients in the emergency department. Which client should
be seen first?
• A) A client with chest pain and diaphoresis
• B) A client with a sprained ankle
• C) A client with a mild headache
• D) A client requesting a prescription refill
✅ Answer: A
Rationale: Chest pain with diaphoresis may indicate a myocardial infarction and
requires immediate assessment and intervention. The other clients are stable .
Q3. A charge nurse is making assignments. Which client should be assigned to the
most experienced RN?
, • A) A client with pneumonia requiring routine antibiotics
• B) A client with new-onset confusion and hypotension
• C) A client with a urinary tract infection
• D) A client with a scheduled wound dressing change
✅ Answer: B
Rationale: New-onset confusion with hypotension indicates an acute change in
condition requiring advanced assessment and clinical judgment. This client should be
assigned to the most experienced RN .
Q4. A nurse receives change-of-shift report on four clients. Which client should the
nurse assess first?
• A) A client who is 2 days post-op and has a temperature of 100.4°F
• B) A client with a history of heart failure who has gained 3 pounds in 24
hours
• C) A client with diabetes who has a blood glucose of 140 mg/dL
• D) A client with a stable fracture who is requesting a meal tray
✅ Answer: B
Rationale: A 3-pound weight gain in 24 hours is a sign of fluid overload in a client with
heart failure, which can lead to pulmonary edema and respiratory distress. This requires
immediate assessment .
Q5. A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is implementing a disaster plan. Which
action demonstrates an understanding of triage using START triage?
