ATI RN CONCEPT-BASED ASSESSMENT LEVEL 3/ ATI RN CONCEPT-
BASED ASSESSMENT: CRITICAL LAB VALUES & NURSING PRIORITIES :
EXAM 2026/2027 QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS & EXPLANATIONS |
INSTANT PDF DOWNLOAD
1. A nurse is assessing a client who has been experiencing vomiting and diarrhea for the
past 3 days. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
A) Distended neck veins
B) Orthostatic hypotension
C) Bradycardia
D) Hypertension
Explanation: Prolonged fluid loss leads to decreased circulating volume
(hypovolemia), which typically manifests as orthostatic hypotension, tachycardia, and
poor skin turgor.
2. A nurse is performing a developmental screening on a 9-month-old infant. Which
of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
A) Inability to sit unsupported
B) Inability to stand while holding onto furniture
C) Inability to say three specific words
D) Presence of the Moro reflex
Explanation: Most infants should be able to sit unsupported by 7 to 9 months.
Failure to meet this motor milestone is a "red flag" that requires further neurological or
developmental evaluation.
3. A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for radiation therapy
about skin care. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
A) Apply OTC lotions with fragrance to the area
B) Scrub the area vigorously during bathing
C) Gently wash the area with mild soap and water using the hand
D) Use a heating pad to soothe the radiation site
Explanation: Radiation-treated skin is fragile. Clients should wash the area gently
with mild soap and water using their hand rather than a washcloth, and avoid irritants
like perfumes or extreme temperatures.
,4. A nurse is caring for a client with Major Depressive Disorder who expresses
feelings of hopelessness. What is the priority nursing action?
A) Encourage the client to attend group therapy
B) Assist the client with daily hygiene tasks
C) Perform a suicide risk assessment
D) Discuss the client’s childhood experiences
Explanation: Safety is always the priority. Hopelessness is a major indicator of
suicidal ideation. The nurse must immediately assess the client's risk for self-harm
before proceeding with other interventions.
5. A nurse is providing teaching to a client at 34 weeks of gestation who has
preeclampsia. Which of the following positions should the nurse recommend for rest?
A) Supine
B) Prone
C) Semi-Fowler's
D) Lateral (side-lying)
Explanation: The lateral (side-lying) position, particularly the left side, reduces
pressure on the inferior vena cava. This enhances cardiac output and improves blood
flow to the placenta and kidneys.
6. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving chemotherapy and has a neutrophil
count of 1,000/mm³. Which of the following precautions should the nurse implement?
A) Place the client in a negative-pressure room
B) Instruct the client to eat raw fruits and vegetables
C) Prohibit fresh flowers or potted plants in the room
D) Require all visitors to wear a surgical mask
Explanation: Neutropenia increases the risk of infection. Fresh plants and flowers
carry soil-borne bacteria and fungi, which can cause life-threatening infections in
immunocompromised clients.
7. A nurse is assessing a client who discloses they are experiencing physical abuse
at home. Which action should the nurse take first?
A) Contact a local domestic violence shelter
B) Help the client develop a safety plan
C) Report the incident to the police immediately
D) Assess the client for immediate physical injuries
,Explanation: Following the nursing process, the first step is to assess the client's
physical status and the severity of any immediate injuries before moving to planning or
implementation.
8. A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client with acute pancreatitis.
Which of the following findings is expected?
A) Decreased serum amylase
B) Increased serum calcium
C) Increased serum lipase
D) Decreased white blood cell count
Explanation: In acute pancreatitis, pancreatic cell injury causes a significant leak
of enzymes into the bloodstream. Serum amylase and lipase levels typically rise within
24 to 48 hours.
9. A nurse is caring for an older adult client who suddenly becomes confused and
agitated. Which of the following is the priority assessment?
A) Review of the client’s long-term memory
B) Assessment for a urinary tract infection (UTI)
C) Evaluation of the client’s coping mechanisms
D) Assessment of the client’s hearing and vision
Explanation: Sudden confusion in older adults (delirium) is frequently caused by
an underlying physiological problem, such as a UTI, hypoxia, or electrolyte imbalance.
10. A nurse is teaching a client about the use of an intrauterine device (IUD). Which
of the following should the nurse include as a potential complication to report?
A) Shorter menstrual periods
B) Change in the length of the IUD string
C) Weight gain of 2 lbs in a month
D) Increased vaginal discharge
Explanation: A change in the length of the string could indicate that the IUD has
become displaced, which reduces its effectiveness and increases the risk of pregnancy
or uterine injury.
11. A nurse is caring for a client following a uterine artery embolization for fibroids.
Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide?
A) "You can resume heavy lifting in 48 hours."
B) "Expect to feel flu-like symptoms for about a week."
, C) "You will need to remain in bed for 3 days."
D) "Vaginal bleeding will stop immediately."
Explanation: Post-embolization syndrome is common and involves flu-like
symptoms such as a low-grade fever and malaise that can last up to a week as the
body responds to the treated tissue.
12. A nurse is assessing a client with a gambling disorder. Which of the following
behaviors is characteristic of this condition?
A) Gambling only when feeling happy
B) Asking others for money to pay off gambling debts
C) Being able to stop gambling at any time
D) Only gambling with small amounts of money
Explanation: Relying on others to provide money to relieve desperate financial
situations caused by gambling is a primary diagnostic criterion for a gambling disorder.
13. A nurse is caring for a client with an inflammatory bowel disease who is
experiencing a flare-up. Which of the following diet choices should the nurse
recommend?
A) High-fiber cereal
B) Fresh fruit salad
C) Low-residue foods
D) Spicy chili
Explanation: During an acute flare-up of inflammatory bowel disease, a low-
residue (low-fiber) diet is recommended to reduce bowel stimulation and decrease the
frequency of stools.
14. A nurse is evaluating a client's understanding of health promotion for a 2-year-old
child. Which statement indicates understanding?
A) "I should give my child whole milk until age 5."
B) "My child should be in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the weight limit."
C) "I will give my child small pieces of raw carrots for a snack."
D) "I will keep the water heater set at 130 degrees Fahrenheit."
Explanation: Children should remain in a rear-facing car seat for as long as
possible, usually until they reach the maximum weight or height allowed by the
manufacturer.
BASED ASSESSMENT: CRITICAL LAB VALUES & NURSING PRIORITIES :
EXAM 2026/2027 QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS & EXPLANATIONS |
INSTANT PDF DOWNLOAD
1. A nurse is assessing a client who has been experiencing vomiting and diarrhea for the
past 3 days. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
A) Distended neck veins
B) Orthostatic hypotension
C) Bradycardia
D) Hypertension
Explanation: Prolonged fluid loss leads to decreased circulating volume
(hypovolemia), which typically manifests as orthostatic hypotension, tachycardia, and
poor skin turgor.
2. A nurse is performing a developmental screening on a 9-month-old infant. Which
of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
A) Inability to sit unsupported
B) Inability to stand while holding onto furniture
C) Inability to say three specific words
D) Presence of the Moro reflex
Explanation: Most infants should be able to sit unsupported by 7 to 9 months.
Failure to meet this motor milestone is a "red flag" that requires further neurological or
developmental evaluation.
3. A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for radiation therapy
about skin care. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
A) Apply OTC lotions with fragrance to the area
B) Scrub the area vigorously during bathing
C) Gently wash the area with mild soap and water using the hand
D) Use a heating pad to soothe the radiation site
Explanation: Radiation-treated skin is fragile. Clients should wash the area gently
with mild soap and water using their hand rather than a washcloth, and avoid irritants
like perfumes or extreme temperatures.
,4. A nurse is caring for a client with Major Depressive Disorder who expresses
feelings of hopelessness. What is the priority nursing action?
A) Encourage the client to attend group therapy
B) Assist the client with daily hygiene tasks
C) Perform a suicide risk assessment
D) Discuss the client’s childhood experiences
Explanation: Safety is always the priority. Hopelessness is a major indicator of
suicidal ideation. The nurse must immediately assess the client's risk for self-harm
before proceeding with other interventions.
5. A nurse is providing teaching to a client at 34 weeks of gestation who has
preeclampsia. Which of the following positions should the nurse recommend for rest?
A) Supine
B) Prone
C) Semi-Fowler's
D) Lateral (side-lying)
Explanation: The lateral (side-lying) position, particularly the left side, reduces
pressure on the inferior vena cava. This enhances cardiac output and improves blood
flow to the placenta and kidneys.
6. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving chemotherapy and has a neutrophil
count of 1,000/mm³. Which of the following precautions should the nurse implement?
A) Place the client in a negative-pressure room
B) Instruct the client to eat raw fruits and vegetables
C) Prohibit fresh flowers or potted plants in the room
D) Require all visitors to wear a surgical mask
Explanation: Neutropenia increases the risk of infection. Fresh plants and flowers
carry soil-borne bacteria and fungi, which can cause life-threatening infections in
immunocompromised clients.
7. A nurse is assessing a client who discloses they are experiencing physical abuse
at home. Which action should the nurse take first?
A) Contact a local domestic violence shelter
B) Help the client develop a safety plan
C) Report the incident to the police immediately
D) Assess the client for immediate physical injuries
,Explanation: Following the nursing process, the first step is to assess the client's
physical status and the severity of any immediate injuries before moving to planning or
implementation.
8. A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client with acute pancreatitis.
Which of the following findings is expected?
A) Decreased serum amylase
B) Increased serum calcium
C) Increased serum lipase
D) Decreased white blood cell count
Explanation: In acute pancreatitis, pancreatic cell injury causes a significant leak
of enzymes into the bloodstream. Serum amylase and lipase levels typically rise within
24 to 48 hours.
9. A nurse is caring for an older adult client who suddenly becomes confused and
agitated. Which of the following is the priority assessment?
A) Review of the client’s long-term memory
B) Assessment for a urinary tract infection (UTI)
C) Evaluation of the client’s coping mechanisms
D) Assessment of the client’s hearing and vision
Explanation: Sudden confusion in older adults (delirium) is frequently caused by
an underlying physiological problem, such as a UTI, hypoxia, or electrolyte imbalance.
10. A nurse is teaching a client about the use of an intrauterine device (IUD). Which
of the following should the nurse include as a potential complication to report?
A) Shorter menstrual periods
B) Change in the length of the IUD string
C) Weight gain of 2 lbs in a month
D) Increased vaginal discharge
Explanation: A change in the length of the string could indicate that the IUD has
become displaced, which reduces its effectiveness and increases the risk of pregnancy
or uterine injury.
11. A nurse is caring for a client following a uterine artery embolization for fibroids.
Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide?
A) "You can resume heavy lifting in 48 hours."
B) "Expect to feel flu-like symptoms for about a week."
, C) "You will need to remain in bed for 3 days."
D) "Vaginal bleeding will stop immediately."
Explanation: Post-embolization syndrome is common and involves flu-like
symptoms such as a low-grade fever and malaise that can last up to a week as the
body responds to the treated tissue.
12. A nurse is assessing a client with a gambling disorder. Which of the following
behaviors is characteristic of this condition?
A) Gambling only when feeling happy
B) Asking others for money to pay off gambling debts
C) Being able to stop gambling at any time
D) Only gambling with small amounts of money
Explanation: Relying on others to provide money to relieve desperate financial
situations caused by gambling is a primary diagnostic criterion for a gambling disorder.
13. A nurse is caring for a client with an inflammatory bowel disease who is
experiencing a flare-up. Which of the following diet choices should the nurse
recommend?
A) High-fiber cereal
B) Fresh fruit salad
C) Low-residue foods
D) Spicy chili
Explanation: During an acute flare-up of inflammatory bowel disease, a low-
residue (low-fiber) diet is recommended to reduce bowel stimulation and decrease the
frequency of stools.
14. A nurse is evaluating a client's understanding of health promotion for a 2-year-old
child. Which statement indicates understanding?
A) "I should give my child whole milk until age 5."
B) "My child should be in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the weight limit."
C) "I will give my child small pieces of raw carrots for a snack."
D) "I will keep the water heater set at 130 degrees Fahrenheit."
Explanation: Children should remain in a rear-facing car seat for as long as
possible, usually until they reach the maximum weight or height allowed by the
manufacturer.
