ATI Critical Thinking Exam Questions
and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026
| Correct & Verified
What is the first step a nurse should take when encountering a new, unfamiliar medication order?
✔✔Check the medication in a reliable drug reference
A patient states, “I’m not sure I want to go through with the surgery.” What should the nurse do
first?
✔✔Explore the patient’s concerns further through open-ended questions
A client is showing signs of shortness of breath, but their oxygen saturation is still normal. What
should the nurse do next?
✔✔Assess the client’s respiratory rate and lung sounds
The nurse notices a medication label looks different than usual. What is the best action?
✔✔Do not administer it and verify with the pharmacy
1
,While reviewing lab results, the nurse sees a critical potassium level. What should the nurse do
first?
✔✔Immediately notify the provider
The nurse walks into the room and sees a patient trying to climb out of bed. What is the best
immediate action?
✔✔Stay with the patient and call for assistance
A nurse is caring for a patient who suddenly becomes confused. What should be done first?
✔✔Assess the patient’s vital signs
During shift handoff, a nurse receives unclear instructions about a client’s IV rate. What should
the nurse do?
✔✔Clarify the order before administering any IV fluids
A nurse overhears two colleagues discussing a patient’s condition in the hallway. What is the
appropriate response?
✔✔Remind them to protect the patient’s confidentiality
2
,A client refuses medication. What is the nurse’s best response?
✔✔Respect the client’s decision and document the refusal
A medication is due at 9:00 am but the patient is away for a procedure. What should the nurse
do?
✔✔Document the reason for delay and give the medication as soon as possible
A nurse notices another staff member did not wash their hands before entering a patient’s room.
What is the best action?
✔✔Politely remind the staff member to perform hand hygiene
A post-operative patient reports severe pain unrelieved by prescribed medication. What is the
most appropriate action?
✔✔Contact the provider for further pain management orders
A nurse enters a room and smells smoke. What should be done first?
✔✔Ensure the safety of the patient and activate the fire alarm
3
, A confused patient keeps pulling on their IV. What should the nurse do first?
✔✔Reassess the environment and implement safety measures
While performing a dressing change, the nurse notices increased redness and drainage. What is
the best response?
✔✔Document the findings and notify the provider
A student nurse gives incorrect medication. What is the preceptor’s priority action?
✔✔Ensure the patient’s safety and assess for adverse effects
The nurse receives a lab result showing dangerously low sodium. What should be the next step?
✔✔Hold any sodium-wasting medications and notify the provider
A client states, “I feel like something bad is about to happen.” What is the nurse’s best response?
✔✔Assess the patient’s physical and psychological status immediately
During discharge, a patient appears confused about home medication instructions. What should
the nurse do?
4
and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026
| Correct & Verified
What is the first step a nurse should take when encountering a new, unfamiliar medication order?
✔✔Check the medication in a reliable drug reference
A patient states, “I’m not sure I want to go through with the surgery.” What should the nurse do
first?
✔✔Explore the patient’s concerns further through open-ended questions
A client is showing signs of shortness of breath, but their oxygen saturation is still normal. What
should the nurse do next?
✔✔Assess the client’s respiratory rate and lung sounds
The nurse notices a medication label looks different than usual. What is the best action?
✔✔Do not administer it and verify with the pharmacy
1
,While reviewing lab results, the nurse sees a critical potassium level. What should the nurse do
first?
✔✔Immediately notify the provider
The nurse walks into the room and sees a patient trying to climb out of bed. What is the best
immediate action?
✔✔Stay with the patient and call for assistance
A nurse is caring for a patient who suddenly becomes confused. What should be done first?
✔✔Assess the patient’s vital signs
During shift handoff, a nurse receives unclear instructions about a client’s IV rate. What should
the nurse do?
✔✔Clarify the order before administering any IV fluids
A nurse overhears two colleagues discussing a patient’s condition in the hallway. What is the
appropriate response?
✔✔Remind them to protect the patient’s confidentiality
2
,A client refuses medication. What is the nurse’s best response?
✔✔Respect the client’s decision and document the refusal
A medication is due at 9:00 am but the patient is away for a procedure. What should the nurse
do?
✔✔Document the reason for delay and give the medication as soon as possible
A nurse notices another staff member did not wash their hands before entering a patient’s room.
What is the best action?
✔✔Politely remind the staff member to perform hand hygiene
A post-operative patient reports severe pain unrelieved by prescribed medication. What is the
most appropriate action?
✔✔Contact the provider for further pain management orders
A nurse enters a room and smells smoke. What should be done first?
✔✔Ensure the safety of the patient and activate the fire alarm
3
, A confused patient keeps pulling on their IV. What should the nurse do first?
✔✔Reassess the environment and implement safety measures
While performing a dressing change, the nurse notices increased redness and drainage. What is
the best response?
✔✔Document the findings and notify the provider
A student nurse gives incorrect medication. What is the preceptor’s priority action?
✔✔Ensure the patient’s safety and assess for adverse effects
The nurse receives a lab result showing dangerously low sodium. What should be the next step?
✔✔Hold any sodium-wasting medications and notify the provider
A client states, “I feel like something bad is about to happen.” What is the nurse’s best response?
✔✔Assess the patient’s physical and psychological status immediately
During discharge, a patient appears confused about home medication instructions. What should
the nurse do?
4
